Time to go!

K-Gr 3--A fun picture book that focuses on three different birds who all share the same sentiment: they would rather rest their wings than migrate south for the winter. As they collectively decide not to fly with the rest of their bird friends when they leave for warmer weather, the three pals seek out alternatives for staying warm during the long, bitter months. These alternatives include wearing coats "like humans" and living underwater "like fish"--choices that do not bode well for the feathered friends. Ultimately, after many different attempts at avoiding flight, they decide to make the trip south after all as they grow increasingly hungry and cold. However, they are too late as the rest of the birds are ready to return home. Much to their dismay, the trio is faced with winter yet again in their new location. Preschoolers will adore knowing more than the birds about what's right and wrong about this scenario. In this entertaining picture book, the illustrations use just a few simple colors--purple, red, and green for the birds, as well as light brown, white, and gray for the scenery--to great effect. VERDICT There is no grand moral and no real harm done, but it's the kind of silly story that children love.--Kerra Mazzariello

Procrastination gets you nowhere. Birds start taking off from their forest dwellings in autumn, but three unnamed lazy members of the flock would prefer not to fly off. They'd rather hang around and sleep instead--and they awaken to find themselves wet and freezing as winter sets in. To combat the cold, the trio don winter coats like humans. The coats keep them warm but prevent them from flying. The next plan is to wait out the winter underwater, like fish. That probably would have worked if it weren't for the pesky issue of breathing. In a last-ditch attempt, the birds take a lesson from the bears and try to hibernate, settling inside a hole in a tree. It seems to work for a bit, but boredom sets in, and the birds finally decide to fly south to join everyone else. When they arrive, their flock is making plans to fly north again, as winter is coming to the Southern Hemisphere. Translated from Spanish, this is an amusing story of procrastination--and perhaps a gentle reminder to readers of all ages just how hard we work at times to be lazy. The cartoon illustrations are bold enough that librarians and educators will happily share this book during storytimes and read-alouds. Caregivers and educators will appreciate the doors this book opens regarding topics such as seasonal change, animal habits, and migration. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Don't be lazy--read this entertaining tale of an aimless yet relatable trio. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.