Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In Asch's (the Baby Bear books) latest picture book, Baby Bird falls out of her mother's nest one night and manages to return with the help of new friend Little Frog. The nest of the title refers to a new one that the two pals build together; it is almost immediately abandoned, but it helps Baby Bird get her first taste of independence. It also sets the stage for her later escape from a raccoon, as she hops to a tree branch, just out of the raccoon's reach. From there, Little Frog coaches her, by example, to make her way to her mother's nest ("Take it one hop at a time," he says). Asch's illustrations, done in pen and ink and then computer-colored, are skillfully done and infused with moonlight; they resemble intricate sun-catchers. The frog is a charmer, with expressive gestures and a bubble-gum-pink tongue; and a menacing close-up of the raccoon gives way to a pleasing image of Baby Bird hovering safely above the villain. A slim but reassuring tale for toddlers just beginning to strike out on their own. Ages 2-5. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2A satisfying read-aloud with just enough adventure, wit, and common sense to engage listeners and vocabulary easy enough for beginning readers. When Baby Bird falls out of her nest, Little Frog leaps to the rescue. The bird rejects his offer of a moonlit swim but accepts his help building a place to sleep for the night. The two complete a handsome nest just as a hungry raccoon arrives, sending frog to water and bird onto a tree branch. Though too young to fly, the fledgling discovers that she can hop rather well when sufficiently motivated. When the danger passes, Little Frog shows her how to utilize her newfound skill to get back to her mamas nest. Friendship, industry, and courage are the themes woven throughout. Aschs trademark pen-and-ink drawings have been colorized in Adobe Photoshop. The technique is very effective with deep, rich color fading to lighter shades when the moonlight glows or a firefly flutters. Another gem for Aschs many fans to treasure and a treat for the uninitiated.Jody McCoy, The Bush School, Seattle, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Having fallen from the nest in the middle of the night, frightened Baby Bird hooks up with Little Frog, who helps him realize he's not as helpless as he thinks. Young children will find their own feelings mirrored in Baby Bird as he takes this brief foray away from his mama. The rounded, pen-and-computer illustrations are also fittingly childlike. From HORN BOOK Fall 1999, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
