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Reviewed by: Taylor Coonelly, Elementary School Librarian Title: Flamingos are Pretty Funky
Author: Abi Cushman
Illustrator:
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Year: 2024 Good for Grades: PK-5 Genre/Type of Book: Informational picture book
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: N/A
Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: Nominated for the CYBILS award for Elementary and Middle Grade nonfiction
If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be:
A wacky guide to those pink lawn ornaments (and the real birds too).
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Review:
A wacky guide to those pink lawn ornaments (and the real birds too).
In this humorous book, the author shares facts about flamingos, from how they got their pink hues, how they mate, how they eat, and more. The author anthropomorphizes the flamingos, giving them unique personalities and conversations with each other throughout the book. The author also includes another silly character names Joey, a snake who lives amongst the flamingoes and helps illustrate their differences. The author discusses how there are six different types of flamingos, and how each after named for a unique characteristic. Then, we learn that flamingos are pink because of their diet - they ingest carotenoids like those in carrots which make them orange. We learn how flamingos of different species adapt to their environmental needs, and often don't have to worry about predator because of their ability to live in harsh conditions. Combining facts with silly conversations, this guide gives readers a laugh and an inside look into the lives of flamingos.
This book was super silly, and a fun read, especially for elementary audiences. The facts are easily digestible, and combine with the fun conversations this birds have to create a better understanding of the lives of flamingos. I love how the author personifies each different kind of bird, and their different habits, because that made the book more fun to read. The snake character was a fun addition too, as they serve as a learner like figure to the world of flamingos. The author also includes real pictures facts about each flamingo species in the back of the book, as well as a glossary of scientific terms for readers to utilize.
Kids love animal books, and this one feels like it would fit right in on a nonfiction elementary shelf. It includes facts in a way that is fun to read with silly pictures and conversations, and the cover itself is inviting and makes you want to open it up. I could see this being used as a source for learning, but also just as a fun addition to shelves.
Number of party hats:
For more information about this book, see the Publisher's Website
Find activities and resources for this book at TeachingBooks.net