Frost, Maddie. Wakey Birds. Maddie Frost, Illus. Picture Bookk. Templar, 01/2021. [36]pp. $16.99. 978-1-5362-1546-5. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES PRE-2.
The animals try to go to sleep in the jungle but are kept awake by the small Wakey Bird who is not tired and loudly says, “TWEET CHIRP SQUAWK PEEP CHEEP.” They take Wakey Bird to the Dreaded Jungle Beast who reads a story out loud to the assembled animals, which is the perfect solution to lull everyone to sleep. The narrative’s repeated phrases and onomatopoeia will engage young listeners. The full-color dramatic artwork, done in mixed-media collage, resembles cut paper and shows the dark night and brightly colored jungle animals. Sure to be a hit at storytime, this will remind parents of the importance of reading to their children every night.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University, iSchool