Wordy Birdy

K-Gr 1—Self-centered Wordy Birdy talks a lot, about everything ("This one time, I totally went swimming with a narwhal. My third cousin Barb is a penguin. REALLY! Do you think there is an award for Bird of the Year?…"). She doesn't listen to anyone, even when she should. On a walk through the deep woods she babbles along, ignoring every sign of danger (there are literal signs saying "danger"), the repeated warnings of her friends, and their sage advice such as "Run for your life!" When she finally comes face to face with a hungry bear, her friends come to the rescue and Wordy Birdy finally listens. Oh, she still talks a lot, but now "Sometimes, she likes to listen, too." Sauer's fun-to-read text and Mottram's detailed and hilarious illustrations seamlessly meld into a cohesive whole. The extensive use of word balloons, repeated questions ("Does Wordy Birdy listen?"), and characters who directly address readers make for an interactive read suitable for storytime and individual sharing.