A HOME FOR BIRD

When toad Vernon comes upon a silent bird who appears shy and lost, he embarks on a journey to help Bird find his home. When a stranger points them to a little house, the weary travelers settle in for the night. Is the ticktocking abode Bird’s home? Andrew Watts is as earnest in his narration as Vernon is in his empathy for Bird. Watts’s warm, rich voice is reassuring to young listeners who may be anxious for the traveling animals, and his understated delivery makes the story’s ending all the more joyful. Poring over Stead’s illustrations, which look like colorful scribbles, will enrich the listening experience. A.R. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2012]