Bibi by Jo Weaver (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Bibi by Jo Weaver Kate Quealy-Gainer, Editor Weaver, Jo Bibi; written and illus. by Jo Weaver. Peachtree, 2023 [32p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781682635537 $18.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-8 yrs Bibi the flamingo has been with the flock so long that most of the other birds have been under her care at some point, as she showed them how to preen their feathers, stand on one leg, and build nests for their babies. When the hot sun leaves what was their lake habitat parched and dry, the flock must travel to find water, but the little ones can't fly yet. No worries, Bibi will guide the young flamingos on foot while the others fly ahead, and just as always, Bibi keeps her charges safe, and the flock reunites to spend the summer in cool waters and shade. When the time comes to move on again, however, Bibi is feeling old and tired and worries she won't be able to make this flight. This earnest picture book is a lovely little ode to the valuable wisdom of elders and the reciprocity of love and care across generations, and young viewers will be relieved to see the other birds tend to Bibi until she gets her strength back. As the clear matriarch of the flock, Bibi is warm but firm, and Weaver manages the tricky feat of giving character and social dynamics to the birds without rendering them cutesy or overly precious. That balance comes through in the charcoal and digital illustrations with close-ups of individual interactions focusing on the birds' expressive faces while larger, full-bleed spreads emphasize [End Page 272] their wildness and odd beauty. Subtle hues of pink and salmon (no bubblegum pinks here) are shaded with darker colors to create movement and texture, and in a particularly striking scene, the birds are shown in silhouette as they cross the cracking, dry land. The avian subjects and thematic connection to the handing down of generational wisdom makes this UK import an excellent primer for Guojing's The Flamingo (BCCB 9/22). [End Page 273] Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois