Igor

Originally published in Italian, this spare narrative follows Igor, a gray, four-inch-tall bipedal creature whose distinguishing characteristics are listed as “very furry and smiles a lot.” Knowing nothing about his species but aware of his name and a few of his talents (doing magic tricks with blooms and seeds, for example), Igor embarks on a journey to find someone else like him. Relayed through fine-lined, light-suffused illustrations, Igor humorously hangs with a bat, swims with a school of scarlet fish, and dons spectacles to fit in with a pair of owls. Finally, Igor meets another curious being: a long-haired, domelike unnamed creature with arms that resemble a sloth’s. Vignaga subverts the expected outcome, however: “Igor is happy to have met another creature like him, but he cannot stay,” the narrator informs readers matter-of-factly, as Igor goes home to dream of his next adventure. A lean, art-focused tale about seeking oneself and knowing one’s goals. Ages 4–8. [em](Jan.) [/em]