Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Every member of the animal staff works hard to welcome animal guests to The Hotel--from the worm porters ("They love to say, 'Let us help you with that!' ") to the front desk turtles whose shells resemble the big domed service bell beside them. The staff favorite, though, is the purple-feathered, orange-beaked elevator attendant, who wears a blue tie and hat and uses a stick to push the buttons. "Elevator Bird always has a kind word for everyone," writes Williamson (Cactus and Flower), "and he certainly is very helpful." He's also a connoisseur of fine views, but he seldom gets to enjoy them, what with working long hours and living in the basement amid a maze of pipes. When his colleagues learn of his passion, though, they finagle a rooftop surprise. Adult readers may have a hard time not comparing this elegant little story to sweeter moments of The Grand Budapest Hotel, but that familiarity isn't necessary to appreciate the toylike cast. Rendered in dabs of jaunty gouache and pastel, and wearing eager, diligent expressions, they are graciousness personified. Ages 4--7. Agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Nov.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--All are welcome at the hotel, and it takes a big team to ensure that it runs smoothly. Mr. Rumpley is the manager, who oversees the daily operations. The worms are the porters, Jane and Olivia the turtles work at reception, and Mousey does the housekeeping. No job is too big or too small. At the center of it all is Elevator Bird, who must take the guests up and down in the elevator and welcome everyone in, both tall and small. Elevator Bird always has a kind word to offer and is very helpful to his hotel coworkers. He loves his job, but he wishes he could get out to enjoy the city he knows so well a little bit more. He shares his dreams of escaping his basement room with Mousey, who then tells Mr. Rumpley. Before long, the rest of the staff is involved, and they surprise Elevator Bird with a brand-new home, complete with the view of his dreams. From cover to cover, complete with fun endpapers and gorgeous spreads, quirky, colorful, and expressive animal illustrations pair well with the funny, unpredictable text on each page. There are giggle-inducing asides, details to pore over, and clues to each worker's personality in vivid details. Just as every job matters at the hotel, every animal has a part to play in this sweet story about showing up for a friend. VERDICT A beyond charming story about kindness and friendship, sure to bring a smile to the face of every reader.--Elizabeth Blake, Fields Corner Lib., Dorchester, MA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Elevator Bird operates the lift at a big city hotel, run by and for animals. The staff do their jobs well. They adeptly welcome seals, a tiger family, a zebra, and a porcupine with colorful quills to the multistory hotel with the rainbow doorway. There is only one problem. Elevator Bird knows the city well, but he is always cooped up in the moving compartment or in his basement room, shared with Mousey the housekeeper. The basement has no windows, and Elevator Bird pines for "a room with a view." He "longs for dark nights filled with city lights." Mousey takes his request to the rest of the staff, and they quickly "hatch a plan," smuggling supplies to execute it up the stairs to keep it secret. Elevator Bird is bored all day with no staff traffic, but that evening, "everyone piles in" to share in the wonderful gift for Elevator Bird: a room up on the roof, where he can enjoy the city views and the stars. The droll conversational tidbits ("Quelle surprise!" exclaims Elevator Bird) and the quirky, colorful illustrations create a humorous book with a worldly air. The children who might like this best will have visited an urban hotel, but the funny animals, many wearing human clothes, will appeal to all. Individual readers or listeners will enjoy the small details on every page. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 37.3% of actual size.) Sophisticated and sweet. (Picture book. 4-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
