Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Maureen, also known as Moe, a light-skinned Irish Canadian child, narrates this warm slice-of-life picture book, which portrays the developing friendship between Moe and Sami, a light brown--skinned new neighbor from Syria, as they bond over a shared interest in birds. Moe meets daily with young neighbors Mei, cued East Asian, and her brother Omari, who reads as Black, as well as adult residents. Del Rizzo's colloquial prose emphasizes collective pursuits, as Moe compares bird-related treasures ("multi-colored feathers... and bird leg-bands too") and includes Sami in wintry activities. Textural scenes created with polymer clay and acrylic makes details pop almost tangibly, presenting a street populated with an inclusive cast of varying ability, age, background, and skin tone. A gentle, bird-centered tale of community care. Back matter features a recipe for bird suet treats and a how-to for winter roosting pockets, plus an author's note. Ages 5--8. (Nov.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
Del Rizzo (My Beautiful Birds, rev. 3/17) continues the story of Syrian refugee Sami, this time through the eyes of his new neighbor, Moe (short for Maureen). As Moe walks down her street calling out greetings in Italian, Spanish, and English, she notices a new family moving in. "We know it can be hard to move someplace new." She drops off welcome gifts -- mittens, a bird feather, and a mug for hot chocolate -- and shyly introduces herself to Sami at the park. Del Rizzo's illustrations are made with polymer clay and paint, achieving a realistic variety of skin tones and a vibrant, three-dimensional quality. She uses the clay to create lots of textures, such as the knitting on hats and mittens, as well as natural elements like snowflakes and trees, and she provides varied perspectives. The story is loving and gently paced, with the two children coming together to rescue a cardinal we have already seen in several pictures, each sacrificing a treasure to do it. An author's note includes instructions for making suet bird feeders and pouches woven from twigs for winter bird shelters. Susan Dove Lempke January/February 2022 p.81(c) Copyright 2022. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Everyone on Wishbone Street came from somewhere, bringing with them histories, languages, stories, and more. Maureen, a White girl whose father is from Ireland, lives there. When a new boy moves to her street at the brink of winter, she finds out that they share a love of birds and gifts him a feather. Sami shows Maureen his "treasures," brought over from Syria to Canada, via a refugee camp. (Readers of Del Rizzo's 2017 title, My Beautiful Birds, will recognize Sami's story.) Now friends, the kids have a blast with the first snow of the season, until suddenly they come across a fallen bird. With everyone pitching in, the children, together with adult members of the community, manage to save it. They go further by putting together both shelter and sources of food for the birds during the rough winter. (Step-by-step instructions are included at the end of the book.) Del Rizzo illustrates with elaborate clay modeling combined with other media; the three-dimensional look ignites interest and gives the pictures a special warmth. The story centers care for others and nature as well as focusing on people's shared humanity. While it does not detail Sami's refugee experience or the various backgrounds of Wishbone Street's diverse community, its content provides many possible openings for further learning and discussion. The diverse protagonists are all capable, resourceful individuals who may be sad sometimes but have an immense ability to enjoy life. An exquisite book, in content and illustration, about love, movement, and shared humanity: a keeper. (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
