The Horn Book Guide

PICTURE BOOKS

Buchwald, Emilie

Floramel and Esteban

80 pp. | Milkweed | July, 2009 | Trade ISBN 978-1-57131-688-2 $16.95
Reissue (1982, Harcourt)

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Charles Robinson. In this sentimental Caribbean-set fantasy, lonely cow Floramel and lazy bird Esteban become friends through a shared interest in music. Esteban helps his friend realize her dream, and Floramel's surprise success makes her a "national treasure." The volume is text-heavy, but expressive black-and-white art also gives the animals great character through minimal line strokes and careful crosshatching.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan