Love finds a way

A curmudgeonly yellow bird's best efforts to avoid affection result in an opposite outcome in a friendship story that underscores love's indomitable qualities. Oscar, who, inexplicably, has "always worried that one day love would find him," tries various tactics for avoiding a group of overzealous squirrels; when those fail, he reverts to getting a "ferocious guard dog" called Brutus. While he trains Brutus to alarm others, he unwittingly begins forming an attachment with the canine. And when the pup temporarily goes missing, Oscar awakens to the notion that love may not be something to fear after all. Muddy, muted coloring texturizes rough-hewn mixed-media renderings, which comically convey the lengths Oscar goes to avoid his woodland fans. After the two friends eventually reunite, the palette gently lightens, and heart-shaped butterflies fill the air, revealing Kousky's quirky spin on the title's takeaway. Ages 3--6. (Dec.)

K-Gr 2--Kousky's newest release is an adorable and heartwarming tale of love and friendship. Oscar is a skeptical owl who prefers to be alone, determined to keep love out of his life. In an effort to guard his heart, he gets a dog named Brutus to help him stay distant and keep love at bay. Oscar inevitably takes great care of Brutus, but when Brutus goes missing, Oscar begins to see love in a new light. The illustrations are charming and accessible, with playful details that will delight young readers. The mischievous squirrels vying for Oscar's attention add humor and energy to the story. The forest setting also opens up opportunities for conversation about nature, weather, and light. While perfect for Valentine's Day, the book's message about opening one's heart makes it a meaningful read for anytime. VERDICT A sweet and engaging exploration of love, friendship, and emotional growth that will resonate with young readers.--Kelly Costanza

An anxious bird is terrified at the prospect of love. Oscar, a bespectacled, round-bodied, long-legged bird with cartoonishly big eyes, is desperate to keep love away. He feels it coming on, so he makes preparations, putting up "No trespassing" signage and donning protective armor and camouflage. Finally, he gets a ferocious guard dog--a fuzzy little brown pup named Brutus. Brow furrowed, Brutus barks, growls, and chases off interlopers, but slowly, after treats and games of fetch, the two form a bond. Just when Oscar feels certain love won't find him, Brutus disappears, and there's no one to protect him from love. When the pair are finally--and lovingly--reunited, Oscar realizes he never had anything to worry about; love was a goal worth attaining. Kousky has populated his forest setting with adorable squirrels trying their best to love Oscar. Sweet scenes depict bird and pup snuggled up in bed clad in matching nightcaps, taking a dip in the duck pond together--in short, loving each other. Kousky's muted mixed-media illustrations portray a forest full of trees with textured bark, dotted with red berries under a brush of watercolor-esque sky. The author/illustrator authentically captures the slow build of love and friendship between resistant Oscar and gruff-looking but ultimately sweet Brutus. The pacing, tight storytelling, and well-matched illustrations make this a worthy read-aloud. A smile-eliciting story that champions love and friendship.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.