Don't Feed the Coos

Don’t Feed the Coos--- Jonathan Stutzman

Illustrated by Heather Fox

Henry Holt & Co. Holt Books for Young Readers.

2020

From parking lots to sidewalks pigeons (coos) are everywhere and in great number. Their ubiquity is a fact of life that most overlook, except children. Every child I have ever met is fascinated by them. All three of my nephews were determined that they would one day have a pigeon for a pet…if only they could catch it.

The protagonist of Jonathan Stutzman’s Don’t Feed the Coos is able to experience the (short-lived) joy of having not only one but multiple pigeons as pets. After feeding the coos at the park, the pigeons follow the protagonist home! The coos are lot of work and messier than anticipated. The protagonist tries different strategies to get the pigeons to leave, though the coos don’t take the hint to leave when their messiness gets out of wing. When the protagonist takes the coos on a walk, she finds a way to return them to their own home.

Overall an amusing read with lovely art. Some of my favorite artwork from this book were the lovely endpapers featuring the coos, and the image of the coos on a walk at the park.

Friends and Relations of this book: For another cause and effect book try If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff  and Stop Feedin’ Da Boids by James Sage is for readers looking for another take on keeping pigeons as pets.

Until the next chapter,

   Victoria.

The Runaway Princess

The Runaway Princess

Johan Troïanowski

Random House Graphic 2020.

One of Random House’s first children’s’ graphic novels published under their new imprint: Random House Graphic Johan Troïanowski’s The Runaway Princess is a delight with unexpected interactive elements.

Robin is a princess not content to stay home. Her explorations of the surrounding areas lead to encounters with a wolf, pirates, and a witch. Though Robin faces danger, she doesn’t do so alone with friends like Omar, Paul, Matt, Lee, and even the reader there to help her find her way back home. Troïanowski’s art accompanying the story is imaginative, odd, and a just a little spooky.  Each page is a wonder. Some favorite images were the button spiders and floating fishbowls.

Though The Runaway Princess has a lot to recommend itself what sets this graphic novel apart and made it engaging were the interactive elements. Troïanowski includes activities during the story to involve readers which allows them to be active participants like the characters.

Overall, a captivating graphic novel for those who like adventure, hints of danger and magic, and want to feel a part of the story they read.

Until the next chapter,

   Victoria .