Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--Mama, Papa, and Aunt P. assure young Cockatoo that they love him all the time--but the energetic and enthusiastic toddler-aged bird is not so sure. For instance, do they love him when he creates a mess, makes lots of noise, and is grouchy and worn out? After a particularly mischievous afternoon of pushing every boundary, involving a vat of fresh mud soup and a drum solo during nap time, Cockatoo escapes the house and reflects on a nearby branch. He is soon found by his family, and they close the circle by posing to him the same questions he asked earlier. Vibrant illustrations capture the energy and enthusiasm of life with a young child, while the text lends itself well to read alouds for one-on-one or large group sharing. Fans of Emma Dodd's "Love You" series as well as Isabel Otter's "Every Day Together" books will enjoy this raucous and ultimately reassuring read. VERDICT Children and their caregivers will find comfort and encouragement in this sweet story of unconditional love; for story time or classroom use.--Olivia Gorecke
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
To err is…bird. With crayon scribbles on the wall and toys strewn about, little Cockatoo appears very energetic. When his mama says how much she loves him, he questions: "Even when I'm grumpy and tired?" "Even when you're grumpy and tired," Mama confirms. Papa and Aunt P also say how much they love him. But when Cockatoo dresses as a pirate and interrupts Mama's bathtime and tracks mud through the house just when Aunt P is sitting down to have a delicious treat, their admonishments make Cockatoo feel less than loved. "Maybe Mama, Papa, and Aunt P didn't love him ALL of the time after all?" Through comfort and snuggles, plus admitting their own mistakes ("Do you still love me even when I forget to put raisins in your porridge?" Aunt P asks), Cockatoo realizes their love will never end. Some adult readers may wish that it was made clear that one can love someone but not love their actions. Regardless, for young tots searching for reassurance, this family of cockatoos has overflowing affection. Illustrations featuring vibrant colors--dominated by pinks and yellows--portraying an adorably anthropomorphic avian family make the love palpable. (This book was reviewed digitally.) By turns funny and deeply heartening. (Picture book. 3-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
