Author: James Burks
Publisher: Scholastic
Rating: WORTHY!
Illustrated by James Burks
DISCLOSURE: Unlike the majority of reviews in this blog, I've neither bought this book nor borrowed it from the library. This is a "galley" copy ebook, supplied by Net Galley. I'm not receiving (nor will I expect to receive or accept) remuneration for this review.
Bird and Squirrel are out on a jaunt one day when they fly into a mountain and land in front of a penguin who quickly informs bird that since he (or she) fell out of the sky and can fly, then according to prophecy, Bird is The Chosen One who will defeat the great whale and save the penguin village from the whale's bullying and parasitical hold over them. Bird steps up!
This seems rather like the plot from A Bug's Life, but that and and the colorful and lively color illustrations will undoubtedly draw children in. I have to say that while Bird very bravely (if arrogantly) does bring the 'A' game, Squirrel is a chronic whiner. OTOH, Squirrel certainly appears to have a more realistic grasp of things than does Bird, who doesn't seem to get that there's an unseen agenda in play here! Fortunately, their young penguin friend Sakari (cool name!) proves to be a really strong female character, and she takes charge. Kudos for that.
This was an amazing story. It's full of action, adventure, friendship, and bravery, and in the end, the bully is defeated not through finding or becoming a bigger bully, but through smarts and cool thinking. I recommend this novel.
