A practical present for Philippa Pheasant

Philippa, a pheasant, is "fed up with being nearly knocked pancake-flat" by cars whenever she crosses the road to eat blackberries by the forest where she lives. When her note to the local (human) mayor receives no response, she's inspired by the village's school crossing guard to make herself a yellow vest and a sign to stop vehicles so other critters can safely cross. Fascinated villagers share the brave bird's story in the news, but the mayor isn't impressed -- until one night when his cat, Darling Treasure, goes missing and Philippa finds her. As the book's alliterative title suggests, Philippa finally receives a proper crossing guard uniform, and the other animals paint a crosswalk for her. Smith's appealing and uplifting story shows how one individual, even a small one, can make a difference. In a pleasing style reminiscent of G. Brian Karas (The Little Library, rev. 5/21, and others), the mixed-media illustrations in mainly browns and greens depict an idyllic countryside setting. The skillful variation of spot art, full-page illustrations, and spreads helps build excitement, from Philippa's repeated and risky forays out into the road to the search for Darling Treasure, while the matter-of-fact narration and tone reassure readers. (c) Copyright 2024. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A bird protects her community. Philippa Pheasant, a nut-brown little bird who lives near a bustling village, regularly crosses the road running through her forest home to eat blackberries on the other side. After she and her friends have one too many close calls with speeding cars, she notices a crossing guard in town and decides to take on that role for herself, crafting a little outfit and ushering wildlife across the thoroughfare. The mayor feels upstaged by the attention the bird's curious practice receives from the townsfolk, but when his fluffy cat, Darling Treasure, goes for a wander, gets lost, and benefits from Philippa's expertise, he gives the pheasant his official support and commissions a black-and-white painted crosswalk. Lengthy and rambling, this would be a somewhat tiring read-aloud, though the subtle effect of slant rhymes throughout adds some sparkle to the text. Old-fashioned illustrations showing a quaint town with diverse inhabitants (the mayor is light-skinned) and appealing little animals duly provide a visual component to the text. This will strike a chord with audiences that want the feeling of a quaint English fairy tale. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Traditional storytelling taken off the beaten path. (Picture book. 5-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.