Scoot: A Tiny New York Bird with a Great Big Idea

Gr 1-2–The sights and streets of New York City are brought into colorful focus in this sweet, if slightly meandering, story about a small sparrow, Scoot, who finds a new, important purpose for herself and her friends in the city that never sleeps. Even for those who do not recognize landmarks, the cityscapes engage with lively, bright colors and strong outlines to create busy scenes. With graphic novel-like panels guiding the action, readers are treated to close-up perspectives of chattering birds and bird’s-eye views of the sky, buildings, cars, and bustling people. Rhyming text, composed into short, approachable verses, will appeal to those just stretching their independent reading skills or those seeking a story with connections to bird migration or urban life. Scoot’s sudden involvement with directing migrating birds may surprise readers, as it abruptly introduces a previously unknown problem related to the city and its bird life, but her leadership brings about a rewarding change in her very name and sense of purpose. Notes from the author and illustrator, as well as a visual guide to the landmarks and birds included in the book, make up the back matter.