Hungry Bird

August 8, 2016
The surly star of Grumpy Bird and Boo Hoo Bird returns in a third picture book, a more apt title for which might be Hangry Bird. Out on a hike, Bird pesters his friends for a snack, only to rebuff their offerings. “Grass?” Bird tells Sheep. “I think you mean gross!” Once again, Tankard draws a lot of humor from the disconnect between the chunky-cute looks of his woodland cast and the angry depths of his rosy-cheeked hero, who at one point growls, “If I don’t eat this very instant, I might die!!!” Picky eaters would do well to learn from Bird’s friendship-testing dramatics and remember to pack their own snack. Ages 3–5. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties.

July 15, 2016
Bird's animal friends are patient, generous, and seemingly used to his endless complaints from previous outings in Grumpy Bird, (2007) and Boo Hoo Bird (2010).Now, as the group sets out on a hike, Bird's tummy is rumbling, and everyone is made acutely aware of it. Of course Bird has not brought any snacks, hoping to share in the others' bounty. But Bird turns down all their offerings. Fox's berries are not favorites, the idea of eating Beaver's crunchy sticks is "crazy," Sheep's grass is gross, Raccoon's sandwich is yucky, and Rabbit's carrots are just too orange to be palatable. Bird angrily scolds his friends for not packing anything he likes and, collapsing in a heap, announces that he must eat immediately. Finally, in desperation, he tries their snacks and finds them not quite as horrible as he thought. When a lovely worm is spotted, he is already quite sated, instead demanding, "Who brought me a drink?" Bird is over-the-top, self-absorbed, melodramatic, and hilarious. Tankard's digital media-and-ink illustrations depict a menagerie of brightly colored animals outlined in heavy black and resembling the cuddliest of toys. They cavort in equally bright surroundings with just a bit of a subtle background, which turns scarlet the hungrier and angrier Bird gets. Their expressions of disbelief at Bird's final demands are priceless. A delightful romp. (Picture book. 2-6)

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August 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 2-Tankard's spunky blue bird is back with this lovable (and laughable) adventure about taking a hike without (gasp!) snacks. Bird and a cast of adorable animal friends set out on a hike through the woods, but Bird realizes that he is hungry. Feeling "a bit peckish," Bird asks Fox if he has any food, but Bird doesn't like what Fox has to offer. The other friends volunteer to share their snacks, but Bird continues to refuse, until "Bird's tummy roared and he collapsed on the ground." Thankfully, Bird eventually learns that his friends' snacks are actually edible, and survives the hike. Tankard returns with his bold ink drawings and vivid digital coloring, using the "Pantone Process Color System Guide," which ensures that the art and the final product are an exact color match. Picky eaters will be laughing along and trying new things in no time with this funny installment of Bird and friends. VERDICT A recommended purchase perfect for storytime or small group sharing that will be in high demand, especially because Bird is coming to television.-Karen Ginman, BookOps: The New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library

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