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  • Shh! We Have a Plan

Shh! We Have a Plan

Illustrator
Chris Haughton
Publication Date
September 09, 2014
Genre / Grade Band
Fiction /  K − 1st
Language
English
Shh! We Have a Plan
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Description
From the award-winning creator of "Little Owl Lost" and "Oh No, George!" comes a funny, strikingly illustrated story of best-laid plansNand the secret to attracting the birdie. Full color.
Publication date
September 09, 2014
Genre
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780763672935
Publisher
Candlewick Press (MA)
BISAC categories
JUV002040 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Birds
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV029000 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | General

Kirkus

A peace-waging parable, presented with wry minimalism à la Jon Klassen or Tomi Ungerer. ... Haughton uses a palette of deep blues and purples for his simple forest scenes; this causes the hunters' googly eyes to stand out comically and also makes the fuchsia, red and orange birds easy to spot and follow. Last seen creeping up on a squirrel, the hunters have plainly learned nothing from their experience...but young readers might. Sure to "net" young audiences, who will definitely root for the birds.

None

Starred Review
With cover art recalling Ungerer's The Three Robbers and the wry sensibility of Klassen's Hat books, this is a natural choice for any storytime. A spare, humorous text pairs with blocky, digital illustrations to tell the story... Plan on repeated readings.

Publishers Weekly

Three hunters with nets trudge through a deep forest of violets and blues, their wide eyes unblinking in the gloom. They're comically small and troll-like, and they're trailed by a fourth companion who's even stumpier. The hunters spot an exquisite scarlet bird. "Hello, birdie," says the smallest hunter, prompting hushes from his companions, who tell him, "We have a plan." The three hunters tiptoe forward, nets ready, but fall over each other like the Keystone Kops when they pounce. The bird sails off, undisturbed, and the pattern of greeting, hushing, and pouncing repeats with equally slapstick results. Big, blocky shapes and intense hues make the action simple to follow, and Haughton's (Oh No, George!) text is similarly telegraphic. Eventually, the bird flies toward the littlest hunter after being offered a bit of bread, a flock of phantasmagorically colored birds gathers, and the hunters get their comeuppance. The delicious stupidity of the hunting trio, the purity of heart of their small companion, and the sweet-tempered drama of each page turn make this a classic exercise in picture-book making. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Starred Review

PreS-Gr 2--In a gorgeous nocturnal landscape of deep purples and blues, four figures go marching along. The three big ones are holding nets, and the little one trails slightly behind. Suddenly, they spy a bright pink bird in the tree. "Hello, birdie," calls the little one. "Shh," reprimands the first one. "SHH!" hisses the next. "We have a plan," explains the third, holding up a birdcage. They tiptoe towards the bird with hilariously expressive body language until, "ready one...ready two...ready three...GO!" But the bird easily evades them, and the three end up in a tangle while the little one looks on. The scenario and "shhs" repeat, and finally, while the big ones are literally down the creek without a paddle, the little one makes friends. In a breathtakingly rich spread, a flock of colorful, jewel-toned birds appear and drive the schemers into retreat. Echoing the opening, the big ones quick-step along under the moonlit sky, nervously glancing behind them and dragging the little one along. The story seems over, but they haven't quite learned their lesson yet. A masterful delight, this crafty caper has huge kid appeal and a title/refrain that will easily sneak into the family lexicon: shh! We have a plan. This perfect blend of circular narrative, deceptively spare art, and humor becomes a story that kids will want to read at storytime, at home, and to themselves if no adult is handy. Plan to make this title a first purchase.--Anna Haase Krueger, Ramsey County Library, MN

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

ALA/Booklist

Haughton's stylish digital illustrations in chunky patches of color make masterful use of hue and contrast--the jazzy warm-toned birds are vibrant when set against the crepuscular blues of the friends and the woods. With only a few words total, a repeated refrain, and a visually unmistakable plot, this is a great choice for emergent readers or a group storytime.
Chris Haughton
Chris Haughton is the author-illustrator of Little Owl Lost, his debut picture book, which won the 2011 Marion Vannett Ridgway Award. He has created and taught many courses in design and illustration around the world. In 2007, he was named one of Time magazine's Design 100 for his work for Fair Trade and People Tree. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Chris Haughton now lives and works as an author-illustrator and designer in London.
Cybils
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Winner 2014 - 2014
Ezra Jack Keats Book Award
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Winner 2015 - 2015
Parents Choice Awards (Spring) (2008-Up)
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Silver Medal Winner 2015 - 2015
Red Clover Award
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Nominee 2016 - 2016
Irma S. & James H. Black Award
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Honor Book 2015 - 2015
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