FICTION

My Cousin Momo

by Zachariah OHORA
illus. by Zachariah OHora. 32p. Dial. Jun. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780803740112.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K—When a flying squirrel arrives for a visit with relatives, carrying his suitcase, wearing a camera around his neck, and sporting a pink T-shirt and aqua-and-yellow running shoes, he fails to impress his two cousins and their many forest friends. He's too shy to fly for them, and he doesn't know how to play superheroes, hide-and-seek, or acorn-pong. The cousins are frustrated by Momo's behavior (one cousin kicks a mushroom), but when they follow their parents' advice to "Give him some time" and "Just make him feel welcome," they modify the rules of their games so Momo feels included. OHora's stylized illustrations are humorous (Momo dresses as "Muffin Man" when playing superheroes) and touching (he cries as he packs his suitcase, wanting to go home).
VERDICT Many children will relate to Momo's situation as he faces new surroundings and experiences and will be relieved when his cousins finally accept him for who he is.
Reviewed by Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada
Two squirrel siblings excitedly await a visit from their cousin Momo. Unlike them, he’s a flying squirrel -- and once he arrives, they learn that the differences don’t stop there. Everything about Momo is foreign to the squirrel pups, from his perspective on superheroes (his costume: “Muffin Man!”) to the way he plays hide-and-seek and spoils their game of Acorn-Pong by eating the equipment. When the children make it known that they think Momo is no fun, Momo lets loose the waterworks. Feeling guilty, the kids apologize and learn the benefits of trying things “Momo-style” (even if they still like their way better sometimes). Once all is right in the world of cousinhood, Momo soars home, and the three squirrels can’t wait to see one another again soon. With thick lines, bold colors, pitch-perfect sound effects (“PUNT!”), and generous
Two squirrel siblings excitedly await cousin Momo's visit. Unlike them, he's a flying squirrel--and they soon learn the differences don't stop there. The children complain that Momo is no fun, hurting Momo's feelings. They apologize and learn the benefits of trying things "Momostyle." Thick lines, bold colors, pitch-perfect sound effects, and generous white space make OHora's illustrations vibrantly kid-centric.
 , Apr 01, 2015

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