Hungry Bird. Jeremy Tankard. New York, NY: Scholastic (Distributed in Canada by Scholastic Canada), 2016. 28 pp., hardcover, $19.99. ISBN 978-0-545-86417-6. Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 3-7. Review by Reesa Cohen. ***1/2 /4

excerpt:

Bird and his friends
had just set out on a hike
when Bird’s tummy rumbled

“I’m getting hungry,” said Bird.
“I might need something to eat.”

The other animals didn’t answer.
They were too busy enjoying the hike.

It seems that no one packed Bird a snack, especially one that he liked. Whatever his animal friends have brought for their treat doesn’t seem to appeal to this fussy bird. With increasing anger, drama and impatience, he vocalizes his disapproval of berries, crunch sticks, grass, sandwiches, and carrots. And Bird obviously didn’t bring a snack for himself!

     As the hike continues, Bird’s hunger increases, his need for something to eat, immediately wins out. “If I don’t eat this very instant, I might die!” Finally, Bird tries some of the snacks his friends have brought. The delightful and appropriate ending has Bird staying true to his incorrigible character.

     Hungry Bird is Tankard’s third picture book that explores the character and personality of Bird in the context of what young children might experience. The somewhat difficult central figure of Grumpy Bird and Boo Hoo Bird is featured this time in the role of a sullen, melodramatic picky eater. Parents of fussy youngsters, and even the little ones themselves, will be able to relate to needing a snack . . . right now!

     Tankard’s descriptive word choices, such as “peckish”, “scrumptious” “ravenous”, are lively and delightful. This vocabulary suits the story and will encourage adults to share the meanings of these during story time.

     The artwork, created by using ink and digital media, is very effective. The simple flat animals are boldly coloured and outlined in black. These fun and vibrant pictures are sure to engage young readers and suit the light-hearted comical story.

Highly Recommended.

Reesa Cohen is a retired Instructor of Children’s Literature and Information Literacy at the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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