School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1-Tapir has a brand new notebook but can't think of anything to write. His friends Hippo, Giraffe, and Flamingo effortlessly compose celebratory poetry, stories, and songs. Humming, wallowing, and chewing juicy leaves like his friends provides no help. A walk to the top of a hill gives Tapir the perspective he needs to express himself-without words. Tapir draws what he sees and what his friends might like-a fine muddy pool for Hippo, a bright sun for Flamingo, a leafy tree for Giraffe-and then the animals themselves. Tapir realizes that his drawings "said everything he wanted to say." Russell's full-color screen print illustrations portray gently childlike characters against an expanse of greens and blues. Using shapes, stylized symbols, and carefully considered pops of bright color, she eases between close-ups and panoramic views to suggest the mixed emotions Tapir feels. The seemingly simple, rhythmic text blossoms into a tender story of longing and accomplishment. The universal theme of discovering one's special talent is explored in this tale of friendship and the power of creativity.-Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Russell's (Brown Rabbit in the City) story stars a tapir whose tubby form, demure snout, and pinprick eyes offer a winsome addition to the traditional picture book menagerie. The artist uses the matte, screen print images of her previous books to depict a verdant landscape scattered with domed white buildings and herds of animals on the horizon. Tapir's friends Giraffe, Hippo, and Flamingo can all write poems and songs, but Tapir has writer's block and can't think of anything to say. He hums with closed eyes like Flamingo, wallows in the mud like Hippo, and climbs a tall ladder to munch leaves, hoping his friends' gifts will ooze into him. It turns out (predictably, it must be said) that although Tapir struggles to write, he can draw handsome portraits of his friends, with loyal thoughts of what will please them: "He added plenty of mud to keep Hippo happy." While most of the writing is in sweet earnest, the moments in which Russell allows herself gentle hints of irony-" 'It's beautiful,' whispered Flamingo, wiping a tear from her eye"-are the story's best. Ages 4-8. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
