Reviews of Barnaby
“Full of feeling.”
“A bird leaves home in a fit of pique. Barnaby, a blue budgie, lives with a White lady who feeds him “sunflower seeds and pieces of sweet mango.” For a different bird, this might be a gilded-cage existence (literally): “His cage was gold and shaped like a gumdrop castle. He had a swing and a ring, a rope to chew, and bells that jingle-jangled.” But far from feeling confined, Barnaby genuinely loves the cozy home with patched-up furniture and the human whose neck he nuzzles during his free fly-around time. Everything’s copacetic until the lady dares to bring home a second bird. “Barnaby ignore[s] the little yellow puff,” throws tantrums, and storms out the open window into the wild blue yonder. His time in nature with a flock of strangers mellows his snobbery and sense of entitlement; when he returns, he mirrors a kindness for the yellow bird that an outdoor bird modeled for him. Curtis mentions no emotions, instead using poetic figures of speech: Doubt and isolation are “silence heavy on [Barnaby’s] wings”; when Barnaby finally accepts the new family member, the yellow bird’s feathers look “soft as summer wind.” Reich’s gouache paintings with colored pencil are honey-toned and golden except the scene of Barnaby’s furious departure, which is awash with uneasy green. The lady’s off-center mouth shows a wry and solid wisdom while a crucial berry is unforgettably red and specific. Full of feeling. (Picture book. 3-8)”—Kirkus Review
Barnaby “learns the importance of kindness, and sees the beauty in things — and creatures — that he once thought to be dull.”
“I don’t know if this new book Barnaby, by Andrea Curtis and illustrated by Kass Reich, could be any sweeter. Barnaby the budgie loves his life with his owner, the lady with
the red hair. But when she brings home a second bird to join them? Heck no! An angry Barnaby escapes and takes off on his own adventure. When a group of wild birds takes him under their wing, he learns the importance of kindness, and sees the beauty in things — and creatures — that he once thought to be dull. I’m partial to bird illustrations lately, but honestly, I just adore Kass Reich’s artwork in this book. The tones, the sweeter than candy birds—it’s all beautiful and flows along with the poetic and rhythmic text by Curtis. I could see this being a great read aloud and opportunity to discuss kindness to new siblings, classmates, and being inclusive.— Canadian Picture Books Blog
“It’s a classic case of birdling rivalry.”
“It’s the story of a budgie turned brattish when a cute little canary moves into his golden cage. Unhappy with the new living arrangement, Barnaby flies away and becomes hopelessly lost. It’s a classic case of birdling rivalry, and it’s a joy to watch Barnaby find his way back home with the help of his new sparrow squad.“—Type books newsletter
“Curtis’ thoughtful, clever story is told via gentle observations and gorgeous descriptions.”
Barnaby enjoys life with his doting owner in their cozy, ramshackle home—until the parakeet’s happy existence is rudely interrupted by a sweet yellow puff of a bird, ostensibly purchased as company for him. After the jealous Barnaby makes his displeasure known, ultimately fleeing through an open window, the wayward parakeet lands in the company of sparrows he deems beneath him. Nonetheless, they take the lost parakeet under their wing and teach him about kindness and thriving in the wild. It’s great fun, but Barnaby doesn’t forget his beloved human friend or yellow puff and looks for his former home nightly. When he finally spots the house, window open and cage waiting, he is ready to extend hospitality towards the new bird and settle back into his changed—but no less wonderful—home. Curtis’ thoughtful, clever story is told via gentle observations and gorgeous descriptions, with Reich’s warm gouache and colored-pencil illustrations beautifully capturing the cozy scenes and entertaining avian personalities. Though it will resonate especially with children dealing with a similar sibling addition, this will charm any young reader. — Emily Graham, Booklist
“A lovely little story about making room for new friends.”
“When a small blue budgie needs to make room for a new bird to join his little flock, things don’t go so well. Barnaby by Andrea Curtis and Kass Reich is a lovely little story about making room for new friends…. The writing is beautiful and breathy, just like the flight of the bird on the wind. I love the descriptive text, it gives readers a clear picture of the setting of the story…. The illustrations are incredible…. The birds are so expressive, animated and realistic, you can tell Kass Reich has spent time observing and studying birds.”—storytimewithstephanie.org
“An enjoyable readaloud, and a sure conversation starter”
Curtis pens a story filled with emotion. Readers will feel all that Barnaby feels as he deals with jealousy, anger, and the results of running away. Then, the gratitude he feels toward his adopted family, and the quiet lessons they teach. Finally, the restrained joy he feels in finding family again … and home. This book makes for an enjoyable readaloud, and a sure conversation starter.”—Sal’s Fiction Addiction
