Order here | Penguin Random House | Written by Gideon Sterer
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show 2019
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Bird is just about to put the finishing touches on her new home when she suddenly finds that her nest is already full--of someone else. So she reluctantly builds another nest. But Fox finds this new nest quite comfy, and Brush Hog loves the view from Bird's next attempt. Soon the Acacia tree is bursting with happily nested animals of all shapes and stripes—everyone except bird! But when Bird finally finds a way to evict her unwelcome guests, the animals realize their mistake and build a nest that's big enough for all of them. Well, almost...
"Tsurumi’s expressive animals (sometimes uppity, sometimes sheepish—all forming a dejected, collective slump when they realize how they’ve treated their friend) definitely rule the roost . . . the visual storytelling easily engages readers, perhaps most impressively as the little bird scowls with determination, perched on a wildebeest’s horns as it charges directly at readers. Giggle-inducing buffoonery; but thankfully, bigger rivals don’t get the last laugh."-Kirkus
⭐"Absurd humor and frantic frustration fit Tsurumi (Crab Cake) like a glove, and as much as readers will sympathize with the bird, it’s also great fun to see how this exuberantly talented illustrator stuffs a tree full of surprising denizens. All dialogue-balloon text by Sterer (The Night Knights) nails how infuriating it can feel to be on the receiving end of unabashed selfishness (“It fits me better. You must understand,” the implacable elephant says). And both creators give the protagonist just enough mettle to foreshadow a happy outcome—one in which the bird gets the highly satisfying last word."-Starred PW Review
“Every time the little bird builds a nest, another animal claims it. Soon a gorilla, a giraffe, an elephant, a zebra, and others decide they want to live in a nest high in the treetop. As day turns to night, the exhausted bird has had enough. The creatures come to a compromise in a conclusion that will satisfy a young audience. The first page serves as foreshadowing as all the former ground dwellers are carefully watching the original nest being built. Large, clear illustrations add even more humor to this poor bird’s preposterous predicament. VERDICT An enormously amusing read-aloud choice.”- School Library Journal