Harold Finds a Voice

PreS-Gr 2—A talented, colorful parrot mimics the sounds around his apartment. From the ring of the alarm clock to the whoosh of the washing machine, he soon grows tired of repeating the same noises and wonders what his own voice sounds like. One morning, he flies out of the window and into the vast world, where he discovers enchanting tones deep in the heart of the Paris metropolis. They range in size from the deep rumbles of a ship to melancholy notes of a cello. Readers will rejoice when Harold finally finds his voice ("Rawk!") and gains flocks of new friends, along with a new self-awareness and confidence. In the end, he still enjoys partaking in his apartment's din, but his own squawk makes him the happiest of all. Dicmas's debut has beautiful, bright, and vivid childlike illustrations. Scenes of the city streets and skylines are scattered throughout, while Harold's owner-a little girl in a striped sweater-blends vaguely into the surroundings. Storytellers will enjoy acting out the noises and children will giggle at Harold's kooky expressions and poses. Perfect for storytimes.—Krista Welz, The North Bergen Public Library, NJ