Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Flora and the Ostrich: An Opposites Book by Molly Idle
Novelty Board Book
For ages 2 to 4
Chronicle Books , 2017 ISBN: 978-1452146584
Flora, wearing a fetching purple outfit trimmed with white ruffles, has just met an ostrich. She greets it with a “hello,” and the ostrich responds by sticking its head in the sand. Clearly it is thinking that this is a more of a “goodbye” moment.
Flora decides to hide under her yellow parasol. Though even though it is clearly fearful, the ostrich cannot help itself, and it starts looking for her. Flora then appears, “under” her parasol, and the ostrich rises up to its full height so that it “over” its wings, which rather look like two purple parasols that are trimmed with lace.
Then Flora offers her parasol to the ostrich who takes it, which is when the interaction between the little girl and the big bird hits a snag.
This wonderful board book uses a little story to help children learn their opposites. With pages that fold out, and beautifully expressive artwork, the author gives her readers a memorable, charming, and engaging bookish experience.
