cover image BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY DANCE

BLUE-FOOTED BOOBY DANCE

Bruno Hachler, Hachler B, Ratto C, , illus. by Cinzia Ratto, trans. by J. Alison James. . North-South, $15.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-7358-1947-4

Inspired by the mating dances of the titular Galapagos seabird (according to an author's note), Hächler (Snow Ravens ; Pablo the Pig) places a theatrically expressive bird center stage. Bobby Booby arrives in the city, nattily attired in a houndstooth jacket and a blue-topped hat (that matches his webbed feet), and impresses the director of a major concert hall. "He kicked to the left and he kicked to the right./ He hopped in a circle like he might take flight./ He waggle waggle taggled his powerful tail,/ And he spun like the wind with his wings as the sail," in what becomes the story's chorus. Soon, the whole town lines up to see him perform, and Bobby ascends to the heights of celebrity. But before long, the audience's cheers (inexplicably) turn to snickers about Bobby's distinctive feet, and the headliner makes plans to retire. A starry-eyed duckling, however, comes up with a plan to win Bobby Booby new fans (he buys blue shoes and becomes the town's trendsetter). Ratto contributes charming illustrations with a pleasantly muted palette that shows off the hero's tinted footwork (and he includes a zoo's worth of anthropomorphic animals). Hächler's well-trod story line nonetheless delivers a welcome message about believing in one's abilities, while cautioning against mocking those who are different. Ages 4-8 (Sept.)