Buffalo Fluffalo (Buffalo Stories)
by Bess Kalb (Author) Erin Kraan (Illustrator)
Introducing a sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is. This laugh-out-loud story by an Emmy-nominated comedy writer shows it's okay to be yourself.
I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo
I heave and I huffalo
Leave me alone because I've had enuffalo.
Buffalo Fluffalo arrives on the scene puffed up with self-importance. Stomping around and raising billows of dust, Buffalo Fluffalo proclaims his superiority to the other creatures--the ram, the prairie dog, and the crow--who just want to be his friend. So Buffalo Fluffalo, who has had enuffalo, heads off to grumble to himself. Suddenly, a rain shower pours down from the clouds and--what's this? All of his fluffalo is a soggy mess! There Fluffalo stands, a drenched pip-squeak without his disguise. The other animals, who could see through Fluffalo's bravado from the start, circle around to comfort him. As prairie dog says with a smile in his eyes, You're great how you are, no matter your size.
Readers will find Buffalo Fluffalo's insecurity endearing and will be moved to reassure him. This humorous and delightful book encourages self-acceptance with a lighthearted touch.
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Publishers Weekly
Alliterative rhymes tell a tongue-twisting tale of metamorphosis about a "snuffalo, scruffalo, surly old buffalo, / Who was ever so snarly and gnarly and tuffalo." Buffalo Fluffalo repeatedly rebuffs friendly overtures from critters including a ram, prairie dog, and crow: "I heave and I huffalo./ Leave me alone because/ I've had enuffalo!" But after a storm rolls through and drenches the shaggy beast, the creatures discover that beneath the buffalo's prickly persona and puffy coat is an insecure "pipsqueak." When the bison tries to act tough again, the gawking creatures immediately reassure him: "You're great how you are, no matter your size." This moment of empathic community care helps the protagonist overcome his insecurities and abandon his bluster. Woodcut prints and scanned textures form the basis of Kraan's big-eyed animated cast as well as a transformative rain that amplifies Kalb's takeaway about inner acceptance. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1—Buffalo Fluffalo is a grumpy buffalo with a tough exterior. Despite his attitude, his animal neighbors want to get to know him and approach him throughout the day. Without fail, Fluff snaps back: "I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo, I heave and I huffalo, leave me alone because I've had enuffalo!" When a heavy rain rolls in and soaks Fluff's fur, the animals realize that he is actually very tiny underneath his puffy coat. Embarrassed, Fluff gets defensive, but is interrupted abruptly by Ram, "You don't have to act tough! We like you just fine without all your puff." Support from his neighbors helps Buffalo Fluffalo overcome his insecurities. Kalb's sweet and silly story highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the impact of insecurities and low self-esteem on social relationships. Kraan's lively illustrations will immediately endear the readers to Buffalo, despite his grumpy demeanor. Tongue twisters and rhyming alliteration make this a wonderful read-aloud. VERDICT Sure to be a story time hit—this sweet and silly story encourages self-acceptance and is highly recommended.—Jillian Girardeau
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
A heartwarming tale of self-acceptance. —The Bulletin
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV002000 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | General
Picture books
Stories in rhyme
Self-acceptance
Buffalo
