Review by Booklist Review
It's a hot day in the jungle, but the colorful birds gathered by the pool are too busy admiring their feathers to risk messing them up by going for a swim. Then along comes Oddbird, a tiny, unimpressive gray bird who isn't afraid of dipping a talon. At first, he's shooed away for being different, but when he returns bedecked in colorful jungle plants, he's finally able to dive in. His fake feathers come flying off, but the water looks so cool and refreshing that the others soon join him, with happiness trumping vanity in the end. The messaging of self-acceptance and embracing who you are on the inside is welcome, if a bit on the nose, but the real star here is the artistry. The illustrations are done in mesmerizing collage with highly textured papers, and the color is as saturated, vibrant, and sumptuous as any jungle deserves, which makes the black-and-white visuals of Oddbird effectively stand out. This author-illustrator debut is a strong contribution to picture books celebrating diversity and inclusion.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--The story of one small bird learning to love himself. Oddbird is a gray bird living in the jungle full of colorful birds. As the other birds relax by the pool, avoiding getting wet, Oddbird jumps right in. The other birds see him, decide that because of his plain feathers, he does not belong, and shoo him away. Oddbird returns to the jungle and sees all of the colors around him. He decides to use the natural colors of the jungle to change his appearance, hoping for acceptance from the other birds. Desierto uses mixed media to add texture to the illustrations and bring the birds and jungle to life. The use of color and size in the text emphasizes the other birds' disgust at Oddbird and surprise when they see his new appearance. The story unfolds quickly and children will be utterly engaged by Oddbird's journey. Illustrations support and expand the text, depicting the birds' expressions: surprise, curiosity, and joy. VERDICT A great read-aloud, this will have children rapt throughout.--Sara Thomas, New Castle P.L., DE
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A bird enjoys a cool swim on a hot day despite the judgment from his colorful counterparts. A group of brightly hued birds are clustered around the pool, but no one is taking a dip--they're more interested in "showing off their fabulous feathers." When a diminutive, gray "oddbird" arrives and tries to swim, the others force him out, telling him he doesn't belong. Oddbird creates some festive new plumage out of jungle leaves, then returns to the pool, where his fabulous colors impress--but they wash off in the water. But by then, Oddbird is "having too much fun to be worried," and the other birds are inspired to swim, too, realizing that how they feel is more important than how they look. The story is simple and the message a bit heavy-handed, but Oddbird's confidence doesn't wash away with his fake feathers; it's clear that a little bit of bravery goes a long way. The illustrations resemble animation, and there are some dramatic moments, like when the other birds loom over Oddbird and he is literally in their shadow. The textured feathers on the vibrant birds pop effectively against the white of the page. Young readers will understand the appeal of a cool pool on a hot day and will appreciate Oddbird's willingness to go against the grain in pursuit of a swim. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Fresh presentation of a familiar moral. (Picture book. 2-5) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
