cover image How to Be Famous

How to Be Famous

Michal Shalev. Gecko Press USA (Lerner, dist.), $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-7765-7029-4

An egocentric pigeon regales readers with stories about how famous and beloved it is, though newcomer Shalev's pictures suggest otherwise. "I am a famous model," the pigeon declares, perched on the entrance to a zoo. "People come from all over the world to take pictures of me," it continues, striking a pose on the trunk of an irate-looking elephant that is the actual object of visitors' attention. Shalev's illustrations mark her as a talent to watch. Vigorous crimson lines help delineate her characters and settings, and while the text is limited to the pigeon's megalomaniacal monologue, the irritation the bird leaves in its wake is abundantly evident in the images, whether it's an adult male looking up in dismay as the bird leaves its "autograph" on his shirtsleeve or the barely constrained hatred three flamingos direct at the pigeon as it reclines languidly on one of their backs. Personality-wise, Shalev's pigeon could give Mo Willems's renowned bird a run for his money%E2%80%94were it not for an ending that sees this bird confidently striding into the mouth of a lion, suggesting that a sequel is unlikely. Ages 3%E2%80%936. (Mar.)