Review by Booklist Review
When a grumpy buffalo moves into a field, the animals living nearby stop to greet their new neighbor. Many offer kind words, and one even takes a handmade gift, but he rejects them all with the same rude, brassy retort, "I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo / I heave and I huffalo. / Leave me alone because / I've had enuffalo!" But after a fierce thunderstorm drenches them all, Buffalo Fluffalo's bushy fur falls limply downward, significantly decreasing his apparent bulk, his bluster, and his ability to bully others. Humiliated, he apologizes for his grumpy, hostile demeanor. He admits that without his fluffiness, he's "tiny and missable," but his new friends assure him that he's "hugly and snugly kissable." Reflecting and enhancing the tone of the story, the vibrant mixed-media illustrations are particularly effective in the dramatic storm scenes. Wordplay, rhythm, and rhyme add greatly to the fun of sharing this picture book with children, who will enjoy chiming in on the chorus, particularly on days when they too have "had enuffalo." Great fun for reading aloud.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Alliterative rhymes tell a tongue-twisting tale of metamorphosis about a "snuffalo, scruffalo, surly old buffalo,/ Who was ever so snarly and gnarly and tuffalo." Buffalo Fluffalo repeatedly rebuffs friendly overtures from critters including a ram, prairie dog, and crow: "I heave and I huffalo./ Leave me alone because/ I've had enuffalo!" But after a storm rolls through and drenches the shaggy beast, the creatures discover that beneath the buffalo's prickly persona and puffy coat is an insecure "pipsqueak." When the bison tries to act tough again, the gawking creatures immediately reassure him: "You're great how you are, no matter your size." This moment of empathic community care helps the protagonist overcome his insecurities and abandon his bluster. Woodcut prints and scanned textures form the basis of Kraan's big-eyed animated cast as well as a transformative rain that amplifies Kalb's takeaway about inner acceptance. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
What will happen when a surly buffalo has his cover blown? The book opens on a peaceful, sunny landscape dotted by trees, flowers, and a river. Turning the page, readers meet the Buffalo Fluffalo. The cantankerous creature glares fiercely at readers, his stylized, curly coat puffed out above small bovine feet. A ram, a prairie dog, and a crow each approach the Buffalo Fluffalo with overtures of friendship, but all receive--ahem--a "rebuffalo." He responds to each with a gruff "I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo--/ I heave and I huffalo./ Leave me alone because/ I've had enuffalo!"--a refrain rendered in a large bold text. But after a torrential downpour, the Buffalo Fluffalo is drenched; his fluffy coat plastered to his body, he's now a fraction of his former size. How will the other animals react? The rhythmic, rhyming verses take plenty of liberties with language and use lots of alliteration, resulting in a humorous read. Despite his aggressive stance, our protagonist is endearingly cross-eyed, and the art exploits the comedic potential of a character who hides behind a puffed-up appearance. Some may wonder why the other animals are working so hard to befriend such a relentlessly hostile character, but all the nonsense words and the complementary art are so appealing that readers will easily accept the sugary ending. Fun, silly stuffalo. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
