Fussy Flamingo

PreS-Gr 1–In James’s debut, Lola is a young flamingo who doesn’t want to eat shrimp. Her Mami and Papi are appalled and urge her to try because they will make her feathers a “healthy blush.” Lola resists and sneaks away to nosh on an avocado which causes her feathers to turn green. Her parents are horrified and shout out “Ay de mi!” Lola still cannot be persuaded to eat shrimp and declares them “soggy.” She once again slips away and this time partakes of a pepino melon. Now her poor parents are subjected to the young flamingo turning yellow instead of the desired pink. Eventually, after much cajoling and a few other culinary deviations, Mami and Papi convince this picky youngster to try some shrimp. She loves them and her beautiful pink feathers are the proof. Two pages of “Flamingo Facts” at the end of the story aid curious readers, who will want to know if what they eat will turn them colors.