November 6, 2023
Alliterative rhymes tell a tongue-twisting tale of metamorphosis about a “snuffalo, scruffalo, surly old buffalo,/ Who was ever so snarly and gnarly and tuffalo.” Buffalo Fluffalo repeatedly rebuffs friendly overtures from critters including a ram, prairie dog, and crow: “I heave and I huffalo./ Leave me alone because/ I’ve had enuffalo!” But after a storm rolls through and drenches the shaggy beast, the creatures discover that beneath the buffalo’s prickly persona and puffy coat is an insecure “pipsqueak.” When the bison tries to act tough again, the gawking creatures immediately reassure him: “You’re great how you are, no matter your size.” This moment of empathic community care helps the protagonist overcome his insecurities and abandon his bluster. Woodcut prints and scanned textures form the basis of Kraan’s big-eyed animated cast as well as a transformative rain that amplifies Kalb’s takeaway about inner acceptance. Ages 4–8.
November 1, 2023
Preschool-Grade 3 When a grumpy buffalo moves into a field, the animals living nearby stop to greet their new neighbor. Many offer kind words, and one even takes a handmade gift, but he rejects them all with the same rude, brassy retort, "I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo / I heave and I huffalo. / Leave me alone because / I've had enuffalo!" But after a fierce thunderstorm drenches them all, Buffalo Fluffalo's bushy fur falls limply downward, significantly decreasing his apparent bulk, his bluster, and his ability to bully others. Humiliated, he apologizes for his grumpy, hostile demeanor. He admits that without his fluffiness, he's "tiny and missable," but his new friends assure him that he's "hugly and snugly kissable." Reflecting and enhancing the tone of the story, the vibrant mixed-media illustrations are particularly effective in the dramatic storm scenes. Wordplay, rhythm, and rhyme add greatly to the fun of sharing this picture book with children, who will enjoy chiming in on the chorus, particularly on days when they too have "had enuffalo." Great fun for reading aloud.
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November 15, 2023
What will happen when a surly buffalo has his cover blown? The book opens on a peaceful, sunny landscape dotted by trees, flowers, and a river. Turning the page, readers meet the Buffalo Fluffalo. The cantankerous creature glares fiercely at readers, his stylized, curly coat puffed out above small bovine feet. A ram, a prairie dog, and a crow each approach the Buffalo Fluffalo with overtures of friendship, but all receive--ahem--a "rebuffalo." He responds to each with a gruff "I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo--/ I heave and I huffalo./ Leave me alone because/ I've had enuffalo!"--a refrain rendered in a large bold text. But after a torrential downpour, the Buffalo Fluffalo is drenched; his fluffy coat plastered to his body, he's now a fraction of his former size. How will the other animals react? The rhythmic, rhyming verses take plenty of liberties with language and use lots of alliteration, resulting in a humorous read. Despite his aggressive stance, our protagonist is endearingly cross-eyed, and the art exploits the comedic potential of a character who hides behind a puffed-up appearance. Some may wonder why the other animals are working so hard to befriend such a relentlessly hostile character, but all the nonsense words and the complementary art are so appealing that readers will easily accept the sugary ending. Fun, silly stuffalo. (Picture book. 4-8)
COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
December 15, 2023
PreS-Gr 1-Buffalo Fluffalo is a grumpy buffalo with a tough exterior. Despite his attitude, his animal neighbors want to get to know him and approach him throughout the day. Without fail, Fluff snaps back: "I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo, I heave and I huffalo, leave me alone because I've had enuffalo!" When a heavy rain rolls in and soaks Fluff's fur, the animals realize that he is actually very tiny underneath his puffy coat. Embarrassed, Fluff gets defensive, but is interrupted abruptly by Ram, "You don't have to act tough! We like you just fine without all your puff." Support from his neighbors helps Buffalo Fluffalo overcome his insecurities. Kalb's sweet and silly story highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the impact of insecurities and low self-esteem on social relationships. Kraan's lively illustrations will immediately endear the readers to Buffalo, despite his grumpy demeanor. Tongue twisters and rhyming alliteration make this a wonderful read-aloud. VERDICT Sure to be a story time hit-this sweet and silly story encourages self-acceptance and is highly recommended.-Jillian Girardeau
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