Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Boiger (She Persisted) tackles an age-old relationship conundrum: What happens when one half of a duo says "yay" while the other screams "no way"? After a lullaby-singing school for birds moves into the tree where raccoons Rudy and Bruno make their idyllic home, Bruno is smitten with the neighbors. Rudy, however, is far less enchanted ("They sang literally every s-i-n-g-l-e day, a-l-l day long"); unable to think or sleep, he strikes a pose of despair. When the singing school's director needs a weeklong sitter for her five chicks, Rudy is horrified to hear Bruno immediately volunteering the raccoons' services. But Rudy decides to "help Bruno and to feel happy. Just a little bit." While he initially focuses on foisting a nap on the avian charges, his protective instincts kick in when a chick wanders off, and he successfully guides the wayward birdy home by crooning a lullaby that sends luminous swirls of sound looping through movement-filled watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil scenes. Rudy's expanding circle of care unfolds with a light touch as an important truth shines through: companionship can yield unexpected rewards. Ages 3--7. (Sept.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A forest dweller learns to relax and have fun with his noisy new upstairs neighbors. Rudy and his BFF and fellow raccoon Bruno live a quiet life at the base of a tree in the woods. A bird named Mama Charlie, her five chicks, and her Lullaby School of music have recently moved into the tree's branches. Bruno doesn't mind the constant singing, and he enjoys playing with the chicks when Mama Charlie and her students are invited to perform with the Giant Redwood Forest Symphony. But Rudy is frustrated; he hasn't been able to sleep since the Lullaby School moved in, and babysitting doesn't come as naturally to him. Eventually, though, Bruno needs a break, and Rudy finds himself solely responsible for the chicks, which will require him to think fast--and rely on his musical talents--when one of them goes missing. As Rudy gradually warms toward the little ones, Boiger delivers a balanced message about honoring one's feelings while remaining open to the possibility of change. Featuring characters striking dynamic poses, her swirling, soft watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil illustrations in pastel hues create a mellow atmosphere and help move the story along. Whimsical fun with an optimistic message.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
