Giraffe Meets Bird

Written and illustrated by Rebecca Bender
Pajama Press
978-1-927485-35-4
32 pp.
Ages 2-5
May, 2015

Rebecca Bender’s award-winning duo, Giraffe and Bird, from Giraffe and Bird (Dancing Cat Books, 2010) and Don’t Laugh at Giraffe (Pajama Press, 2012), have returned in Giraffe Meets Bird and young readers will finally learn how the two unlikely but perennial friends came to be.

When little Bird emerges from his shell in the very tree which Giraffe has enjoyed, the two begin the dance of friendship, a fascinating play of learning more about each other’s personality quirks.

Then, not unlike many a friendship, a conflict creates a turning point. Scratching himself against the tree, Giraffe accidentally pitches little Bird into the grass, not far from a reclining lion! Giraffe springs into action, saving Bird and ensconcing them safely back in the tree (I know!) to wait out the departure of their potential predator. But then what?

As a teacher I might be tempted to use the text of Giraffe Meets Bird to demonstrate the richness of synonyms (e.g., fascinated/tickled, surprised/amazed, cross/angry) as the pair of creatures respond similarly but differently to their circumstances. Or I might focus on the value of sharing and thinking of others. But as a reader and lover of children’s illustration, I prefer to revel in a charming story about an unlikely friendship. Rebecca Bender’s story is sweet and hopeful and enchanting. But it’s her artwork that would charm birds out of the trees. (Oh wait, it already has!) Bird is a bundle of lime fluff, with a singing stance worthy of any Idol wannabe, whereas Giraffe has the wide-eyed wonder–and gorgeous lashes!–of a lanky and clumsy juvenile. They are young and naïve and innocent and generous of heart. And the rich turquoise sky and the flirty acacia tree (I used the book's endpapers of acacia branches as a frame for the book cover above) will transport young readers to a very real savannah, even one with a lion and elephant or two.

Rebecca Bender could have taken Giraffe and Bird on another adventure with a life lesson about friendship, but I am so glad that first she made sure that Giraffe Meets Bird and had the two became the extraordinary friends they are today.

Naptime

by Iris de Moüy

Translated by Shelley Tanaka

Groundwood Books

978-1-55498-487-9

28 pp.

Ages 2-6

September, 2014

I don't often review translations of books but there are always exceptions and Naptime by French illustrator Iris de Moüy, translated by Shelley Tanaka, is one of them.

Seems the young animals of the savannah are not interested in taking their regular naps.  From the zebra to the hyena, hippo, elephant, lion, rhino and cheetah, the young of the African grasslands each have some excuse or other for why they will not be taking a nap.  The petulance of these creatures is evident in their declarations similar to those echoed by children around the world.  Caregivers have all heard:  "I'm too big"; "I'm not a baby"; "I'm busy"; "I'll take a nap when I need one"; "No way!"; and  "You can can't catch me".  Children, yes.  Naptakers, not.

But a little girl takes it upon herself to get them to sleep, one closed eye at a time.  If frustrated parents are listening, somewhere, she declares that "And that's all there is to it!" but she may just as easily be declaring it for herself, wiping her hands off for a job well done. No more grumpy little ones to deal with now.

Through the few words of each animal's insolent statements, a solid message is sent and, in just as few words, the girl takes up the challenge and wins. One, two, three, done.  Similarly, the illustrations are solid and emotive.   A limited palette of black, yellow, green, and gray with the occasional red above or below defines the heat and heart of the savannah and its occupants.  And the broad strokes of the flora and fauna, as well as the font, are powerful in their simplicity, again much like the landscape Naptime depicts. A mighty message in words and art.