A charming coastal caper with wit and warmth.
Chapman takes young readers on a cheerful tour of Naples in this picture book about two friends trying to make an unfamiliar place feel like home. Grumpy the Iguana misses Miami Beach. The friends, the familiar sights, and especially his old treehouse are all gone. Green Parrot is determined to find them a new place to live and has arranged an appointment with Mr. Pelican, a local expert in animal housing. Their meeting at the historic Naples Pier promises to be anything but ordinary, particularly when the elderly bird introduces his rather unusual approach to solving problems.
Chapman has fun with the details. The bustling pier, passing pelicans, and glimpses of Gulf Coast wildlife give the story a distinctive setting. Mr. Pelican’s fondness for meditation provides an amusing interruption, while his impatient grandson brings welcome mischief. Natalia Loseva’s illustrations are full of personality, particularly in the birds’ exaggerated expressions and Grumpy’s comically weary demeanour. The gentle narrative also makes room for a child’s very real reluctance to leave familiar things behind.
An entertaining, reassuring outing for young readers facing change and a charming addition to children’s library collections.
***
Gourmet Dog LLC
Pub date February 24, 2023
ISBN 978-1736805688
Reading age 2-8 years
Price $3.99 Kindle edition, $11.79 Paperback