A Home for Bird

When toad Vernon comes upon a silent bird who appears shy and lost, he embarks on a journey to help Bird find his home. When a stranger points them to a little house, the weary travelers settle in for the night. Is the ticktocking abode Bird's home? Andrew Watts is as earnest in his narration as Vernon is in his empathy for Bird. Watts's warm, rich voice is reassuring to young listeners who may be anxious for the traveling animals, and his understated delivery makes the story's ending all the more joyful. Poring over Stead's illustrations, which look like colorful scribbles, will enrich the listening experience. A.R. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

December 1, 2012
PreS-Gr 2-Vernon the toad is out collecting interesting odds and ends when he stumbles upon a displaced cuckoo clock bird that he thinks is real. Certain Bird is lost, Vernon invites his new friend to join him as he goes about his day. Vernon and his friends become increasingly perplexed by Bird's silence and decide that he must be very unhappy and missing his home. Sweet, loyal Vernon decides he will help Bird find his home, and the two embark on a journey that takes them by land, air, and sea amidst bird's continued silence and Vernon's increasing determination. Eventually, Vernon and Bird find a farmhouse and take shelter in the cuckoo clock on the wall. The next morning, Vernon is ecstatic to see that Bird is finally happy and has most found his perfect home as he bursts from the clock with a lively "Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!" Stead, a Caldecott-winning author/illustrator, has created a warm, witty, old-fashioned tale of friendship that underscores the value of determination and thoughtfulness and the importance of home. His colorful, whimsical crayon-and-gauche illustrations capture the story's innocence and Vernon's child-like qualities. Andrew Watts's soothing voice, conversational tone, steady pace, and impeccable enunciation make this an easy read-along for beginning readers or younger children learning to enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-read story. Page-turn signals are optional.-"Amy Dreger, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Beachwood, OH"

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.