School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Young Johnny spots a pheasant by the side of the road, as he and his grandmother return from the grocery store. They pull over to check on it. Grandma says the pheasant is dead, but Johnny believes it is sleeping. They agree to bring the bird home for separate reasons: Johnny plans to care for it and keep as a pet, and Grandma wants to use its feathers to make crafts. The pheasant has plans of its own, giving Johnny and Grandma a pleasant surprise. Charming folk-art color illustrations are on one page with text on the opposite page. The illustrations cover two pages when Grandma and Johnny first approach the pheasant, with the text in the sky. The narrative touches on compassion and death as a daily part of life. VERDICT Sweet and amusing, this modern Native intergenerational story is a good general purchase.--Tamara Saarinen, Pierce County Library, WA
Publisher's Weekly Review
Johnny and his grandmother are on their way back from the market when he spots "a small feathery hump" by the side of the road. It's a pheasant, and Johnny insists that it is just sleeping, while Grandma suspects a more permanent state of rest. Minnema (Hungry Johnny), a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, gives the boy a sweetly inquisitive, playful disposition and an authentic voice, as when he exuberantly "hoot, hoot"s, anticipating the pheasant's waking. Grandma lovingly humors her grandchild, stopping short of saying the pheasant is dead, and she mentions that the bird's feathers would be perfect for her craft work. After the pair brings the pheasant home, surprising results will upend some readers' expectations. The interplay between the two Native characters' viewpoints lends subtle humor, satisfying both idealistic and pragmatic outlooks, and the ending deepens the tender tone. Flett, who is Cree-Métis, creates muted meadow scenes that encourage contemplation, and thoughtful details (Grandma's floral scarf, a delicate pheasant feather) immerse the reader further in this delightful celebration of intergenerational love. Ages 3--8. (Nov.)
