Author/Illustrator: Antoinette Portis
Publisher: Neal Porter/roaring Brook Press, 2014
Ages: 4-8yrs
Themes: birds, birdsong, individuality
Opening: All year long, the dogs went ‘Woof’. The cats went ‘Meow’. And the birds in the neighborhood went ‘Caw’, ‘Coo’, ‘Chip’, ‘Peep’,…
Summary: (from my library catalog) In a normal neighborhood, on a typical day, the birds chirp, the dogs bark and the cats meow. When Little Brown Bird decides she doesn’t want to sing the same old song, out comes a new tune that shakes up the neighborhood and changes things forever in this funny, innovative book that kids will love to read outloud.
I like this book because: I like birds. Just ask Debbie, or Teresa. And I really admire crows, like Whitney. And I even asked my library to purchase it before it was released! But they forgot to notify me when it came in. If I didn’t love ’em so much, well…! I love it’s beautiful graphic composition, and the spunky little sparrow/main character who entices her friends into creative disobedience! And my favorite new bird call? ‘Itsy boggen!’ Read it to see why!
Resources/activities: this book would be great in the art room, because kids should learn how to use simple shape changes to differentiate between animals of the same class. AND the story promotes creativity – booyah!; I’d even go as far as college with this, for logo development! Find a list of Portis’ awesome books – HERE; watch this full PBS documentary online: A Murder of Crows.
Perfect Picture Book Friday has lots of selections listed on a themed and alphabetized list, each with teacher/parent resources, on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.
This looks cute!
Do you know Jennifer Berne’s Calvin Can’t Fly and Calvin Look Out! crow books? I ❤ them!
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Ooo! Thansk for the suggestions, Cathy!
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This sounds really cute! Love an independent bird. Great review, Julie!
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Do you like to ‘dance out of the row’ now and again yourself, Robin?
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I do. When I step onto the floor, I’ve been told that some of my moves are reminiscent of Elaine on Seinfeld. (I’m sure that’s a compliment.) 🙂
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Fo’ shizzle!
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Adorable! I love the graphic composition too.
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I’m a sucker for bold, and need to incorporate more of it myself!
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I hadn’t heard of this one. I love he book A Penguin Story. I look forward to reading this one too. Thanks.
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Do tell me what my book buddy thinks too.
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This looks great, but, another review? I wish I were as industrious as you are. My hero! ‘Hope the library has this one
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Another review? Did I mistakenly publish two today?
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Actually, I guess not. Either I got mixed up because Susanna reviewed your book, or because I had already read Joanna’s review (you painted her blog header, didn’t you?) Or maybe I hadn’t had my morning cup o tea yet 🙂 Sorry, Julie.
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Yes, the header is my work, and there have been quite a few posts featuring the boks lately, even my head is spinning a bit!
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Sounds very funky!
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And silly!
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Read this not to long ago; it was a very book. 🙂
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A very book?
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This book is very unique and I loved your review. Love it that a crow changes the neighborhood dynamics. Sounds wonderful and outside the box.
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You’re right about the dynamics. We had one at my kids’ preschool/KG. His presence was mixed, of a guardian and predator, for lunch crumbs!
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The crows in my neighborhood are scary! Maybe I need to read this book to warm up to them
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Been watching too many movies, Wendy?
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Hadn’t heard of this one. Must look for it — I need a little pickle trickle in my life. 🙂
LOVE the oinkers up top!
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Everyone does! And thanks, the pig is inspired by HappyBirthdayAuthor-Eric’s photos of his kids playing in the leaves.
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I grew up with canaries. Birds are fun! And independent. 🙂 Sounds like a fun read.
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Thanks for stopping by, Keila!
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I so see this as the sort of story you would write and illustrate. Awesome!
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I do wish I’d thought of it!
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Any book that includes the words “ickle zickle” is my kind of book. This looks great, Julie! Thank you!
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You’re my kinda gal!
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This one sounds like it’s going to be fun to read aloud. I haven’t commented in awhile, but I love your PPBF posts and your blog.
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Thank you, Joy! Wish I had a bunch to read it to!
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I KNOW this one! (That doesn’t happen often LOL) You made me feel like I’m getting to know this community a little bit LOL. Definitely enjoyed this one – gotta love nonsense words! Thanks, Julie!
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Thanks for stopping by, Joanne, and so glad you feel at home!
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This looks so cute, Julie! Love the art, and the concept! Isn’t it funny how themes emerge week to week on PPBF? Stacy has a book up today with making animals out of shapes too!
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Must be the air in CO!
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Well! It’s all — PERFECT! 🙂
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I can see why young children would love this one, Julie. Thanks for sharing it!
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This sounds marvelously stupendous! 😀
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Yes, it’s definitely worthy of multisyllabic and exhuberant descriptives!
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