Matthews, Tilly. Paul the Peacock. Tilly Matthews, Illus. Happy Yak, 08/2024. [32]pp.
Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-7112-9225-3. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.
Because Paul the peacock is catered to by the other animals, he assumes he is entitled to his demands. After a storm, he awakes and finds he has lost his feathers! Will those same animals, especially Norris the loris, help Paul retrieve his feathers? This humorous take on privilege sends a clear but not overly purposeful message about kindness, cooperation, and humility that even preschoolers will understand. The text is a little long with two or three paragraphs on some pages, but it has repetition and onomatopoeia that is engaging. The cartoonish illustrations exhibit bright colors and help tell the story. Review based on an ARC.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool