FLAMINGOS ARE PRETTY FUNKY

Fancifully presented facts about flamingos.

Cushman has hit upon an appealing formula for introducing young readers to wondrous animals. Here, she pairs well-chosen information with lighthearted illustrations that include humorous speech-bubble commentary from the flamingos themselves. Fans of her Wombats Are Pretty Weird (2023) will recognize the somewhat clueless “pea-greeny” snake who joins the party and interjects observations and questions (“We can get pizza delivered out here, right?”). Adults reading the book aloud at storytime will relish the extreme close-ups in the opening images. Early on, a world map shows where each of the six flamingo species can be found. Cushman explains why flamingos are pink and covers courtship rituals, chick rearing, social habits, habitat, and adaptations. She pays special attention to their feeding habits and anatomy (their unusual beaks allow them to eat upside down and to filter food out of the water; they’re more comfortable on one leg than two). The book includes many memorable facts: The birds use makeup (a gland near their tail produces oil that they rub onto their cheeks and feathers) to attract mates, their nests are volcano-shaped, and they regurgitate bright red crop milk to feed their chicks. Occasionally, more detailed explanations are set off in boxes. A final spread includes photos of each species, along with their scientific names, size, conservation status, and threats they face.

Engaging and enlightening fun.