Froodle

The creator of A Penguin Story (2009) returns with another imaginative solution to monotony and predictability in the natural world... "The neighborhood was never the same," the narrator reports, and neither will be the charmed listeners and readers of this cheerful inivation to invention.

The big, bold speech balloons filled with irrestistible nonsense words make this a great choice for shared read-alouds.

Portis, whose Not a Box proposed alternative uses for a cardboard cube and whose A Penguin Story imagined how Antarctic birds regard non-wintry colors, delights in "What if?" questions. This tale begins with Crow, Dove, Cardinal, and Little Brown Bird sitting on a power line and expressing themselves with their usual "caw," "coo," "chip," and "peep." However, "Little Brown Bird didn't want to sing the same old song," and she experimentally chirps, "Froodle sproodle!" The large Crow sternly looks her in the eye ("Little brown birds say peep!"), and Dove nervously offers a literal olive branch ("Dove liked to keep the peace"). Goofiness prevails, however, when Cardinal exclaims, "Ickle zickle! Pickle trickle!" Crow flies away, displeased and determined to resist the antics. "Lost caws," sighs Cardinal, until Crow returns in a better mood. Portis pictures the birds in a plain suburban backyard, and the birds' cheerful, unorthodox sounds, pictured in voice balloons and hand-lettering, contrast with the strict horizontal and vertical lines. Be prepared for cries of "Oobly snoobly!" and "Cloggen Zoggen Itsyboggen!" after the book is finished. Ages 4-8. Agency: East West Literary Agency. (May)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-K--All of the birds say, "caw," "coo," "chip," or "peep," except Little Brown Bird, who wants to try something different. She finds it more enjoyable to say things like, "Froodle sproodle" and "Tiffle biffle, /just a little/miffle!" Crow is annoyed, especially when the other birds join in, but who could resist participating in fun like this? Portis's fun story is filled with humor and silly rhyming words that both children and adults will appreciate. The detailed illustrations, done in a glowing palette of pencil, charcoal, and ink, are featured on multiple spreads throughout the book. Although the narrative text is small and gets lost in a sea of grass or bushes at times, the birds' speech balloons are bold and provide a great opportunity for children to practice sounding out words (even if they are made up). The cadence of the birds' dialogue might take a few read-throughs to get used to, but that will only provide more laughs in the meantime. This book will work in many settings and is certain to prompt giggles from young audiences.--Megan Egbert, Meridian Library District, ID

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A goofily garrulous story session." —BCCB

"With its suburban setting and palette of pale blues and eau de nil, there's a subtle retro feel to this celebration of playful remarks." —Wall Street Journal