BOOKS

Bob the Artist

by Marion DEUCHARS
illus. by Marion Deuchars. 32p. Laurence King. Apr. 2016. Tr $15.95. ISBN 9781780677675.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—Bob the bird is often optimistic, but when the other animals and birds start making fun of him for his very skinny legs, he feels very sad. He then tries to change his appearance through a variety of means, first by exercising, then by eating to bulk up, and finally by trying to hide his legs under clothing. None of these approaches seem to work, so he starts painting his beak in various artistic styles, which wins the approval of the other animals. In the end, Bob likes his legs, while the other animals no longer notice their size. Deuchars's illustrations are simple yet expressive; her minimal use of colors makes her protagonist stand out against the usual white backdrop and uncluttered color scheme.
VERDICT A humorous and appealing look at difference and acceptance, with an artistic bent and an empowering message about standing out in a crowd.
Reviewed by Peter Blenski, Greenfield Public Library, WI , Jul 01, 2016

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