Tankard’s latest will tickle the funny bones—and tug at the heartstrings—of its young audience. In this sequel to Grumpy Bird (2007), Bird receives a “bonk” on his head during a game of catch. At Raccoon’s urging, the injured fowl visits each of his friends for a little TLC, but nothing, not even kisses or cookies, soothes his dampened spirits. Bird does have a flair for the dramatic; he’s outraged when Sheep suggests a game of hide-and-seek: “You want me to hide?” he wails. “I CAN HARDLY WALK!!!” Depressed by Bird’s misery, the animals cry, resulting in Bird’s miraculous, and hilarious, full recovery. As in its predecessor, ink and digitally rendered double-page spreads against photographed images feature thick black lines, blocky shapes and bright, bold colors. Playful pacing and taut expressions capture the humor and vulnerability of Bird and his gang. This selection will resonate with listeners, who will likely cringe as Bird mistakenly offers, yet again, to be on the receiving end of another game of catch. (Picture book. 2-6)
