Uh-Oh, Dodo!

PreS-K—Dodo, a fun-loving, sweet bird, goes for a walk with his Mama. Though little Dodo has only the best of intentions, his idea of fun often leads him into trouble. Dodo loves to sing out loud and assumes that everyone will enjoy his voice, only to learn that he has woken baby birds who were trying to nap. When Dodo tries to add a funny-looking rock to his collection, he discovers that it is actually a turtle! The title character loves to make friends, but when he gets sprayed by a skunk he finds out that making friends isn't always easy. Dodo gets temporarily lost, but luckily his Mama is nearby to take care of him. Together they climb to the top of a hill so that they can enjoy the expansive view of their world together. At the end of his exciting day, the protagonist is so exhausted Mama has to carry him home. Jessica Almasy narrates the story with a childlike excitement, and the illustrations in the book (Boyds Mill, 2013) are vibrant and expressive. The sky in the background of each illustration shows the progress of the sun throughout the day, and Dodo's facial expressions effectively communicate his emotions, making it easy for young readers to identify with him. This gentle and heartwarming story is perfect for caregivers and young children to share together. It would also make an excellent listen-along for a group.—Jenny Ventling, Greene County Public Library, Ohio