BASIL’S BIRDS

Little does Perch Elementary’s janitor know that a spring day of chasing the birds away from the school’s nesting spots will end with one of those birds finding the best spot of all—his bald head. Loath to disturb the bird and her beautiful nest, Basil decides to go about his usual activities…with predictably humorous results. When the eggs hatch, he morphs into a proud papa, taking photographs, singing lullabies and feeding and bathing the babies. But babies grow quickly, and soon Basil’s leave the nest. He is devastated, and the following spring is especially hard for him…until he hears a familiar flapping and lifts his eyes to a sky-written message. Reed’s unique artwork combines gouache with scanned or photographed objects, including the birds, which are fashioned from clay. Her characteristic childlike delivery is much in evidence here, with stylized facial features and bodies. The bright colors and over-the-top situation are sure to keep attention from flagging. (Picture book. 4-8)