Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Many children's books deal with the occasional conflict between friends, but this is a fresh, lively addition to the pack. From the spotted endpapers on, we are up close and personal in Giraffe and Bird's world, which is full of clouds, telephone wires, and tension. Giraffe and Bird can't stand each other. Giraffe looks one way, Bird the other, each eyeing the other with distrust. Faces are made, as are rude gestures and noises, and everything from bad breath to berries (they're high in fiber) increases their animosity. Most of the full-page illustrations showcase the two head-to-head, mistrust in both their squinting eyes. Bird is everywhere, pulling up worms, loudly tweeting, and even pooping. Giraffe is equally active, especially with his long tongue. When the conflict escalates, Bender moves to multiple panels per page. Sentences are short and in the present tense with verbs often in bold. The lack of background detail accentuates the actions, and the warm browns and blues of the illustrations will reassure readers that this conflict might not be as bad as they think. In the end, we are reminded that actions speak louder than words. Pair with Mine! (2017), by Jeff Mack, for another story of conflict and (questionable) resolution.--Ching, Edie Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-In this follow-up to Giraffe Meets Bird and Don't Laugh at Giraffe, Giraffe and Bird are still having difficulties getting along. The two continue to increasingly irritate each other, escalating to the point where each goes his separate way. But once apart, each realizes he is lonely and has no one to pester. The two soon make up only to start fighting again. The ending indicates that the audience knows better than to think these frenemies can't stand each other, but it's unclear why they are friends in the first place, since there do not appear to be any positive qualities in the relationship. The illustrations, done in acrylics, depict the discordant friendship in a way that is presumably meant to be humorous but mostly makes the characters seem mean and at times even violent. VERDICT With so much negative energy, the message about working at friendship gets lost, and the story fails to offer any kind of examples of getting along or compromising. An additional purchase.-Jessica Marie, Salem Public Library, OR © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A charming friendship story with spare, witty text and that packs a visual punch. Bold lines and simple, earth-tone backgrounds set the stage for two energetic characters to take turns stealing the scene on each double-page spread, hooking readers immediately. The giraffe and bird protagonists can't seem to get along. They make funny faces at each other, spit, slurp, and smack their lipsall familiar taunting tactics to young readers. These quarrels escalate, even after a brief separation, eventually culminating in a visually impressive, whopping brawl, with limbs and feathers all akimbo. One wonders whether these two will ever find a way to get along. Perfect read-aloud moments on each spread feature onomatopoeic words and delicious sounds. Slight plot missteps include a moment of seeming dtente when the giraffe goes to work for the telephone company to bring the bird back only to fight with him once again, an unexpected direction for a seemingly expected story. But: "It's true that getting along can be difficult." Things aren't simply resolved after a rainstorm; these two characters require their own storm to discover that they need each other after all. Vivid, textured illustrations add an extra level of hilarity to the story in a cartoon-style layout that will appeal to pre-readers looking for visual clues for comprehension. This story will ring true for young readers familiar with playground politics and shifting friendships. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
