Guac, the Avocado Bird

PreS-Gr 1–Lonely and timid, a bird hatches atop an avocado tree. His oversized wings, more of a detriment than an asset, make him feel self-conscious. He longs for a home, somewhere he belongs, somewhere safe. He launches into the unknown, searching, hoping, longing. Branch-Evans presents an unlikely hero in Guac. His odd wings prove to be his strength, making him empathetic to the differences in others. Lomazzo uses bright pastel tones, outlined in dark pencil, to present Guac, his friends, and their world. One by one, the animals come to Guac and ask him for a home. “I have no home and I’m all alone,” they cry, and he welcomes them to stay. Each animal brings a special talent, from a scruffy cat who is a protector, the jokester ferret, the storytelling porcupine, and the tidy mouse, to the floppy-eared bunny who listens and cares. Together, they make a home. “All kinds are welcome here,” Guac observes. “We are odd. We are strong. This could be your new place. It is good to belong.”