Author: Philip C. Stead
Illustrator: Erin Stead
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Publication Year: 2012
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell
Awards: featured on "Calling Caldecott" blog; Horn Book, Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, & Kirkus starred reviews; Kirkus Best Book
Summary: An overloaded “Careful Moving Co.” pickup truck drives down the road,where a cockoo off a clock falls out of the truck.Vernon the toad is a forager for interesting things who meets Bird. He introduces the mute Bird to his friends Skunk and Porcupine. They think Bird is lost and missing home so Vernon & Bird set off on the river to try and find his home. No matter where they go, Bird had nothing to say but finally they travel a long way on a balloon to a small farm house. They find a house hanging on the wall and when Bird is placed into the house he says Cuckoo! The gorgeous guoache illustrations are Erin Stead's most vibrant and they still have her amazing attention to detail. The spread where they set off on the river actually made me catch my breath.
Classroom Ideas: There are many clues to the outcome of the story in the initial illustration. You could discuss visual foreshadowing. Inference: Why doesn't Bird talk? Theme: once again, the Steads look at friendship.
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