Cooper, Elisha. Rare Bird, The. Elisha Cooper, Illus. Roaring Book, 02/2026. [35]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-250-36439-5. GRADES Preschool–1. OUTSTANDING.
The Rare Bird is about a playful house cat whose imagination comes alive inside a suburban home. Through soft pencil drawings, vibrant watercolors, and intentional white space, Cooper visually portrays the cat’s fantasy of becoming different animals. The story highlights the bond between the cat and its owner, a light‑brown‑skinned young girl who nurtures imagination by reading animal stories aloud. With minimal text and vivid illustrations, the book encourages creativity, imaginative play, and self-expression, making it an ideal choice for storytime. This picture book is outstanding for its vibrant pencil illustrations, which vividly capture a cheerful house cat’s imaginative journey. The colorful, expressive artwork draws young readers into the cat’s playful world and creates a memorable reading experience.
Eboni Weston—San José State University iSchool Student