SOPHIE’S WINDOW

Caruso is a young bird who’s afraid to fly, thinking only of the mishaps that could occur. Mama, Papa and even Caruso himself say, “Maybe tomorrow.” When a big gust of wind carries him off their rooftop home, he lands all right but doesn’t know where he is. In the morning, big black eyes are looking at him from an apartment house window and Sophie the dog suggests the bird make himself comfortable on the window ledge. But Caruso wants to go home; he can see it from his high perch. When he hears Mama calling him for breakfast, Sophie offers to take Caruso home and carries him on his back down the fire escape, across the street, up the elevator and home. It’s the urge to see his new friend again that inspires Caruso to fly. Simple and understated in both visuals and narrative, yet the blended message of trying one’s wings and being disparate friends regardless of size and genus will ring with young listeners. (Picture book. 4-7)