Clever and humorously imaginative, with embedded words of wisdom.
In Lynn’s middle-grade novel, a “common pigeon” living in Los Angeles is depressed over the disrespect displayed by humans toward his kind.
A pigeon named Walter, the narrator of this sweetly jocular tale, sits on a wire watching LA traffic slowly wind its way through the city, having some thoughts about the status of pigeons and their relationships with humans. Other birds, such as peacocks and parrots, are lovingly tended to. But pigeons? Humans call them “rats with wings.” Plaintively, Walter laments, “no matter where we come from, all of us have the same fears, the same hopes, desires, and dreams. We all get cold and wet and just want a couple of square meals a day and a spot to dodge the rain.” Days later, he is people-watching with his lady love, Layla. Together they observe human eccentricities, commenting on the dismal state of human relationships, prejudices, and selfish obsessions. They happen upon a news program playing in the window of an appliance repair shop and watch a report about starlings in Rome who are executing beautifully synchronized flight patterns around the city—this is when Walter gets his big idea. Pigeons must organize and create a splendid performance, something that will amaze humans and alter their perception of these worthy birds. Walter is an endearing storyteller; he’s philosophical, sarcastic, a tad poignantly emotional, and very amusing. Through him, Lynn gently conveys lessons on the values of freedom, equality, and civility toward all. Young readers coping with issues of self-image and feelings of isolation will find the messaging encouraging. While many of the cultural references to movies and stars of the past are unlikely to resonate with YA readers, they are sure to produce some chuckles from adults. And the wide variety of birds joining the pigeons’ project (such as Ethan Hawk, who wishes to no longer be a predator) add delightful diversity and entertainment.
Clever and humorously imaginative, with embedded words of wisdom.Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2023
ISBN: 9780990435358
Page Count: -
Publisher: FootePrint Press
Review Posted Online: Oct. 4, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
BOOK REVIEW
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant.
Robot Roz undertakes an unusual ocean journey to save her adopted island home in this third series entry.
When a poison tide flowing across the ocean threatens their island, Roz works with the resident creatures to ensure that they will have clean water, but the destruction of vegetation and crowding of habitats jeopardize everyone’s survival. Brown’s tale of environmental depredation and turmoil is by turns poignant, graceful, endearing, and inspiring, with his (mostly) gentle robot protagonist at its heart. Though Roz is different from the creatures she lives with or encounters—including her son, Brightbill the goose, and his new mate, Glimmerwing—she makes connections through her versatile communication abilities and her desire to understand and help others. When Roz accidentally discovers that the replacement body given to her by Dr. Molovo is waterproof, she sets out to seek help and discovers the human-engineered source of the toxic tide. Brown’s rich descriptions of undersea landscapes, entertaining conversations between Roz and wild creatures, and concise yet powerful explanations of the effect of the poison tide on the ecology of the island are superb. Simple, spare illustrations offer just enough glimpses of Roz and her surroundings to spark the imagination. The climactic confrontation pits oceangoing mammals, seabirds, fish, and even zooplankton against hardware and technology in a nicely choreographed battle. But it is Roz’s heroism and peacemaking that save the day.
Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2023
ISBN: 9780316669412
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2023
A deeply imaginative journey that puts the “cat” in cathartic.
A loyal black kitten’s boy is under supernatural attack.
Eleven-month-old Nimbus loves Fletcher, the boy who nursed her back to health following life-threatening injuries. When Fletcher becomes curious about a strange jar and opens it, releasing a terrible goblin, loyal Nim protects Fletcher, taking heavy damage in the process. But Fletcher’s aunt, who’s caring for him over spring break, believes Nim attacked Fletcher and dumps her far from home. Rhett, a stylish rat with star quality, befriends injured Nim and leads her to a witch’s house. While the witch cares for Nim, the witch’s cats (maternal Fern, bookish Rochester, standoffish Bianca, and openly hostile Abraxas) teach Nim important cat skills. She also discovers she has a supernatural ability: In destroying one eye of the nightmare demon in the fight to protect Fletcher, Nim gained its “dream sight.” But she also learns it might come back for Fletcher, who no longer has Nim to protect him, posing a time-sensitive, high-stakes threat. Even though the witch’s home is nice and magic itself seems to be telling her to stay put, Nim wants to find a way back to Fletcher. As a hero, Nimbus is as gritty and determined as she is adorable. Tear-jerker moments explore pet abandonment—readers may want their own pets on hand to hug—all the way through the magical, action-packed finale. Fletcher and the witch read white.
A deeply imaginative journey that puts the “cat” in cathartic. (Fantasy. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2023
ISBN: 9780062680372
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
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