SHARED by: Katherine Grier, Librarian at York Avenue Preschool

The first signs of Spring have begun to appear on our terrace.  Tulip and daffodil bulbs are peeking out of  their containers, but we still are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first robin. In anticipation of the robin’s arrival we are reading two great picture books featuring birds that are sure to chase everyone’s winter blues away.   

“Shh! We Have a Plan” by Chris Haughton
“Shh! We Have a Plan” by Chris Haughton is simply perfect for the 2 to 6 year old age group. It is a fun, suspenseful, imaginative tale, with absolutely stunning illustrations throughout.

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The story is about four friends, three big and one little.  The four friends are out walking one day when they spot a magnificent colorful bird perched high in a tree. The littlest bird calls out a friendly “Hello” but the bigger ones shush him in quick succession because they have a plan to catch the bird. They try creeping up on it with nets but end up empty handed in a tangled jumble. Their other kooky plans fail too. No matter what they try, they CANNOT catch the bird. Finally, the littlest (and wisest?) of the group innocently holds out a bit of bread. Will this kind gesture work? I will not spoil the surprise—but let’s just say the result is spectacular.

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“Flora and the Flamingo” by Molly Idle
This irresistible picture book won a Caldecott Honor this year, that was much deserved for both its innovative format (it is a wordless picture book, with interactive flaps that tells a story through dance), and its brilliantly executed depiction of the process of making friends and the give and take nature of friendship.

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The two unlikely dancers in the book are a gawky flamingo and a slightly chubby little girl in a pink bathing suit, yellow bathing cap and enormous brown flippers, named Flora. Flora meets the flamingo and immediately imitates its stance and attitude. Then the flamingo launches into a dance that Flora continues to try to mimic move for move. Lift-the-flaps are expertly used to show these movements and corresponding stillness. For instance, one page shows both Flora and the flamingo contorting into a complicated pose with their heads tucked to their sides, but when you open the flaps on both of them you see that they are sneaking peeks at each other.  So adorable and so effective!  The dance continues to go smoothly until in a moment of spite, the flamingo honks at Flora and causes her to tumble head over heels into the water.  Seeing Flora’s miserable face and hurt glare, the flamingo offers her a wing up.  Over the next few pages, a variety of emotions flit across Flora’s face–from skepticism (I love the raised eyebrow!) to trust, and, then, pure pleasure. The dance continues as a duet, ending with a joyous leap into the water and a final bow and curtsey. This book left me applauding happily and hoping for an encore. Rumor has it that Flora and the Penguin will be coming soon!

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