Review by Booklist Review
Travel to late 1940s Canada in this historical-fiction chapter book that follows one girl, her father's journey to help displaced people, and the peacock that won't leave her family alone. Barbara's enjoying sweet treats now that the war is over, but then her father leaves for Europe as part of the real-life Garment Workers Scheme. Barbara is left at home, wondering what her role in the world is--and then the peacock enters their yard. Barbara tries to keep her mother happy, figure out what to do with the peacock, and grapple with the xenophobia of her classmates. Told in short and digestible chapters, this chapter book packs a narrative punch that few others in this format explore and provides a glimpse into a less-well-known historical moment for readers to learn about. The black-and-white illustrations fit the target demographic well, and while the peacock is speckled throughout the book, it's not quite the showstopping plot point that the cover implies. More historical fiction coming-of-age than animal high jinks, for fans of Elana K. Arnold or the Girls Survive series.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--Life is returning to normal in Toronto for Barbara and her family after the end of World War II, until her father travels to Europe to assist with the postwar refugee crisis. Suddenly Barbara is dodging her rowdy brothers and tiptoeing around her melancholic mother, whose nerves are already frayed. Barbara grapples with her own privilege as a Jewish girl in Toronto when letters from her father arrive, describing some of the trauma that displaced Jewish people continue to endure all over Europe. When an errant peacock makes itself at home in Barbara's yard, she fears the precocious creature will put her exhausted mother over the edge. Barbara hatches a plan to befriend the bird and find it a safe place to call home, something she knows every living creature deserves. Based on a true story, Barbara tale about her father's involvement in a program to bring Jewish refugees to Canada to work adds a poignant layer, offering young readers a glimpse into the global events of the time through a relatable lens. Whimsical illustrations pepper each chapter, providing a playfulness to the girl's circumstances. VERDICT A touching and educational illustrated chapter book that highlights empathy, resourcefulness, and the importance of community. An enriching addition to library bookshelves.--Allison Staley
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In 1947 Toronto, a young Jewish girl attempts to oust a peacock who's invaded her garden. Barbara's father leaves for Europe to help bring Jewish refugees to Canada; because only those with jobs are allowed to enter the country, the clothing company where he works is looking to hire as many Jewish tailors as possible. Barbara's older brothers are at camp, so she and her mother are on their own. Barbara's family hews closely to traditional gender roles--even Barbara believes her father is the true head of the household--and her mother is terrified by the peacock. So spunky Barbara, who fearlessly challenges classmates who spout anti-immigration messages during a discussion about Jewish refugees, decides to solve the peacock problem herself. A quick, lighthearted read laced with humor and broken up with black-and-white artwork, this story weaves in references to historical events, such as the Exodus 1947, a ship filled with Jewish refugees that was turned away from Palestine by the British. In an author's note, MacLeod explains that she drew inspiration from her grandfather's postwar experiences; adults may want to offer additional context or use the story as a jumping-off point to explore the historical period. Barbara's a winsome protagonist sure to endear herself to readers. Characters present white. A gentle entry point into a complex history. (author's note) (Chapter book. 7-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
