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BIRDS OF A COLOR by élo Kirkus Star

BIRDS OF A COLOR

by élo ; illustrated by élo

Pub Date: May 8th, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-5362-0063-8
Publisher: Candlewick Studio

A lift-the-flap book featuring eye-catching birds with plenty of personality deftly introduces colors to young bird-watchers.

As much a work of graphic design as illustration, this French import features rounded, stylized avian friends. The birds’ dramatic black-and-white patterns stand out prominently against wide expanses of candy-colored backgrounds. Interactive flaps are incorporated into the bird shapes, and each wing, tail, or head flap reveals a high-contrast color and corresponding label. These little birdies sport plumage in 11 distinct hues. Élo ensures that each page feels fresh with charming and sometimes-humorous surprises such as a little yellow chick hiding under a mother hen or an enormous wing draped over an unexpectedly tiny bird. Other, livelier flips animate the story, as readers flap the duck’s wing or open an eye to wake a sleeping bird. A speckled owl playing peekaboo is an especially pleasing conclusion. Though its pieces are glued down tightly and should endure exuberant handling, some of the smaller ones can be hard to grip and crease a little too easily. The appealingly small trim size is ideal for little hands to hold independently, and a solid cardboard cover with rounded and reinforced edges will increase its longevity.

This well-executed concept book with chic illustrations is feathery fun

. (Board book. 18 mos.-3)