Fussy Flamingo

by Shelly Vaughan James, Matthew Rivera (Illustrations)

A hilarious and colorful children's book about a stubborn baby flamingo and her encouraging parents, perfect for fans of Grumpy Monkey and I Don't Want to Be a Frog . Meet Lola, the "no, no" flamingo. Lola will NOT eat shrimp, thank you very much. She does NOT care that it will turn her feathers pink. It is just plain yucky. But each time Lola sneaks a different food, she changes colors! This funny visual tale will delight even the pickiest of young readers and resonate with parents eager to see their kids try just one bite. This repetitive and charming tale is a good story time pick, and it's also great for toddlers, preschoolers and early readers who may be fussy about certain foods! Don't miss the fun facts about real life flamingos in the back, a cool STEM supplement! Perfect for buyers who Praise for Fussy Flamingo : "Try it. You'll like it."― Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Food, Animals, Birds, Storytime, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 1, 2020

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aside from some iffy speech tags, this is a cute picture book about a young flamingo who just won't eat the shrimp that will turn her a distinctive pink. Instead, she defies her parents and tries all sorts of other foods, from avocados to melons, with colourful results. Can her parents convince her to try a new food?

The story is amusing and the illustrations are colourful and engaging. There are also a couple of pages at the back with some real-life flamingo facts, which is a nice touch.

This would be a good book for kids who are interested in these fascinating birds and their plumage... or for picky eaters who need a little nudge to try something new.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for providing a digital ARC.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to help parents with children that have fussy eating habits. I wish this book was around when my kids were little.

[Jessica Calaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

AGES 4 AND UP

[Maeve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the illustrations, hence the 3 stars, but this is basically Sylvie by Jennifer Gordon Sattler.

[Yaritza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I receive an early reads book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

For those who don't know me, I am a huge flamingo lover. I love anything flamingo related. I was ecstatic about reading this book. Matthew is an amazing artist. The illustrations were so adorable and I totally enjoyed all Lola's eating adventures.

Lola is not impressed with eating shrimps. Her feathers are gray in a flock of pink flamingos. She is more of an adventuress and enjoys having fruit. Her parents are not very happy when she shows up in funky colors instead of pink. Lola truly resembles my uniqueness and colorful life. I was very happy that Shelly added a page with quick flamingo facts. Children are going to enjoy this adorable story and will love to learn more about the fabulous flamingos. She even included some web links that children can view for more flamingo information.

Flock with style and stay unique!

[Mrs. Mazzola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, though not particularly memorable story about a very selective flamingo named Lola who needs to try things on her own before listening to her parents -- I know many kids who would relate to this! I like that the back matter has some clarifying factual information about flamingos since it might be confusing for kids to assume that flamingos can change their feather color after eating something only once. I also like that the foods that Lola picked were native to Chile where she lived instead of simply silly food to make a point about color. Could easily fit into a storytime about birds or food.

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy to review.

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable take on the typical fussy-eater story. While there are many examples in this genre, this one is unique because it features a flamingo who refuses to eat shrimp, which make their feathers pink. Instead, she eats a variety of other foods, which turn her ridiculous other colors! In the end, of course, she conforms by eating shrimp, which she decides are delicious. This has great watercolor collage illustrations, which reminded me a bit of the great Eric Carle. I also liked that even though this is a fictional picture book, there is STEM backmatter related to real flamingos, so there is some science contact as well. A winner for ages 4-8. A free copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola the little (still-grey) flamingo insists she doesn't want to eat shrimp, despite urging from Mami and Papi. She sneaks off and tries other foods and her Mami and Papi are shocked at the colours her feathers turn: definitely not proper pink!
Great illustrations and lots of information about flamingos.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for School Library Journal, July 2020

PreS-Gr 1—In James's debut, Lola is a young flamingo who doesn't want to eat shrimp. Her Mami and Papi are appalled and urge her to try because they will make her feathers a "healthy blush." Lola resists and sneaks away to nosh on an avocado which causes her feathers to turn green. Her parents are horrified and shout out "Ay de mi!" Lola still cannot be persuaded to eat shrimp and declares them "soggy." She once again slips away and this time partakes of a pepino melon. Now her poor parents are subjected to the young flamingo turning yellow instead of the desired pink. Eventually, after much cajoling and a few other culinary deviations, Mami and Papi convince this picky youngster to try some shrimp. She loves them and her beautiful pink feathers are the proof. Two pages of "Flamingo Facts" at the end of the story aid curious readers, who will want to know if what they eat will turn them colors. VERDICT: An optional purchase for collections looking to augment books on picky eating or stories featuring flamingos.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph P.L., MI

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Sourcebook Kids through NetGalley.
Lola does not want to eat shrimp like the rest of the flamingos. She explores other options and stands out from her flock. Young readers will think it's funny to see all the colors she becomes. Her parents continue to encourage her to eat shrimp and explain the reasons why. Finally, she tries it and discovers she does like shrimp.
The associations for picky eaters are clear. This message comes through with humor and repetitive text so younger readers can join in throughout the story.

[Misty’s Corner Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty's Corner Review :
RPM's Little Reviews

R(9): I liked it when Lola changed into different colors, especially the green! You can learn a lot from this book about trying new things to find out what you like and don't like. Green is my favorite color; the avocado looked good on her!

P(7): I also liked how the fussy flamingo changed colors! My favorite was when she turned pink from the dragon fruit because that's my favorite color! I learned that we should try new things to find out if we think they are yummy or not.

M(4): Her favorite color is yellow; she enjoyed the Pepino Melons' outcome!

My thoughts: The "Fussy Flamingo" was a cute children's tale surrounding a cleverly crafted lesson for picky eaters! Lola didn't want to eat shrimp with the other flamingoes, always with a different excuse as to why. It was cute watching her bide her time and sneak off, changing colors as she explored different foods. An excellent hardback picture book for young children with many connections to the everyday parent-child mealtime struggles! I'd happily recommend this book to all of my friends with kiddos! Side note, the author has included a set of flamingo facts at the end of this book that we all enjoyed. It was fun learning about flamingoes!

Thank you, Sourcebooks, for our complimentary copy of "Fussy Flamingo" by Shelly Vaughan James and illustrated by Matthew Rivera through the Sourcebooks Early Reads program. We have voluntarily and honestly reviewed this title.

Thanks for reading!
Misty M. @MistysCornerReviews
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[Christina Potter Bieloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fussy Flamingo is so beautifully illustrated. I love how Fussy explores different foods and turns into different beautiful colors. However, I read it with my son, and we felt very conflicted when we reached the end of the story. It is well written and the story is clever, but I am not sure I agree with what I think the intended message is. Fussy is a picky eater, and they can't persuade her to try shrimp which will make her feathers pink. How come she tries the other foods she encounters? Or perhaps it is through experimenting with these foods, she is finally willing to try shrimp. She's not really supported for being different, instead it is as though they are waiting for her to fall in line and to be like all the other flamingos. I don't mean that as negative as it sounds; it's just the author created such a delightful character who eats these really amazing different foods. Fussy turns into beautiful colors. She's quirky and she wants to do things her own way. I love that about her. I wish she maybe would have decided to try shrimp but then all other flamingos decided to occasionally vary their diets as well! I think it would have been a great way to promote accepting differences.

I also like the facts about flamingos at the end of the book. It would definitely work well in a learning unit about flamingos. I think I'd take the opportunity to discuss differences among us as well. This book would provide us with some good discussion material!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance reading copy.

#netgalley #fussyflamingo

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m back, back, back again with another kids’ book recommendation for you. Quick thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for the digital review copy of this one.

Gah. This book is so cute. It’s coming out in July, and is perfect for summer. When I think about Flamingoes, I think of summers in Florida with my grandmother and grandfather. Meet Lola. Lola, like some little ones I know, is a picky eater. She doesn’t want to eat shrimp, and every time her parents’ backs are turned, she sneaks off to sample all kinds of food. Her feathers tell on her, however, as she turns the color of whatever she eats. If they can just get her to try it, Lola’s parents know she’ll love shrimp.

This one is a good choice for storytime and or bedtime with little ones, as the repetition should keep their attention pretty well, and the different colors and foods teach new things. There’s even a fun facts section at the end that points kids and parents to more resources to learn about flamingoes.

The picky eater theme is something I think many kidos can identify with, and Lola finds that she actually really does like shrimp once she finally gives in and tries a bite, something I think many parents out there can sympathize with. It’s a really cute book, and I’m excited for it to be released into the world.

Keep it on your radar this summer and pick up a copy at your favorite, local bookstore or request a purchase from your library. Work it into your storytime routine, and maybe even move along with Lola to get the little ones up and engaged with the text.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know why flamingos are blush pink in colour? It's because of their steady diet of shrimp. Lola, a young flamingo, is convinced that she hates shrimp (although she has not tasted any) and stubbornly sneaks away from her parents to find alternatives to her diet.

Mami and Papi flamingo try to encourage her to at least try a shrimp but Lola flatly refuses. She wanders away and dines on an avocado which turns her feathers green, pepino melons which change her colour to bright yellow and a dragon fruit which turns her a hideous electric pink. Picky-eater Lola learns a valuable lesson - what she eats has dire consequences on her outward appearance. Oh my! Can her parents convince her to at least try a sample? Who knows? Lola may actually like shrimp and if she does her feathers will turn that lovely soft blush pink like the rest of the flamingos around her.

The message of the book is to encourage little ones to try a variety of foods and not assume they don't like something before giving it a go. The illustrations are quirky, colourful and fun. The book has a trove of opportunities for add on activities such as: trying new foods, learning colours, enjoying word repetition and learning more about flamingos, just to name a few. The author has included "Flamingo Facts" at the back of the book for those readers who want to learn more about these unique birds. I highly recommend this book.

[April Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. This is a cute story about a flamingo named Lola who is a picky eater. She won't eat shrimp, she says they're yucky, muddy, and soggy- she eats things like avocado (which turns her green), pepino melon (which turns her yellow with purple stripes), and dragon fruit (which turns her a magenta shade with white bits with black polka-dots). Her parents want her to eat shrimp, however, so she'll turn pink like the rest of the flock. They finally get her to admit she's never tried shrimp, so she finally does- and loves them! Soon she's eating shrimp every day, and has turned pink, like everyone else. Following the story are interesting facts about flamingos, as well as a list of websites were readers can find more info. Now, I like the encouragement to get picky eaters to try new foods and see if they like them, but pairing that with the flamingo parents' desire for Lola to only eat shrimp seems counterintuitive, as human parents want their kids to eat a varied diet. Also, Lola is being encouraged to look like everyone else rather than being allowed to be herself, which also seems like an iffy message to me. Perhaps I'm overthinking it. The art is really cute, fun, and engaging, and the story is told with a sing-songy refrain that signals Lola about to sneak away, making for a good read-aloud story. Recommended, but follow with a discussion of the importance of eating a varied diet if you're a human rather than a flamingo!

#NetGalley

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fussy Flamingo is a picturebook written by Shelly Vaughan James and illustrated by Matthew Rivera that is currently scheduled for release on July 1 2020. Lola is the "no, no" flamingo. Lola will NOT eat shrimp, thank you very much. She does NOT care that it will turn her feathers pink. It is just plain yucky. But when Lola sneaks other snacks, she discovers that you really are what you eat.

Fussy Flamingo is an entertaining read that adults and young readers can enjoy together. I loved the artwork, and thought it captured the story and the moods of the characters perfectly. I have a picky eater at home, and some of the chars between Lola and her parents felt very familiar. She is more interested in exploring and eating colorful fruit than the shrimp she is supposed to eat. I liked that the fruit she ate might be new to some readers, and just might encourage them to give them a try. I like that in the end her parents just asked her to try the shrimp, which is all we can ever really do, and of course once she tries them she liked them. I also liked that the book offers real information about flamingos at the end of the book. The facts chosen were interesting and add an extra layer of interest to the story.

I think Fussy Flamingo will appeal to a wide range of readers, and that it might become a favorite for sharing at home or during a storytime or classroom setting.

[Elles_shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fussy Flamingo by Shelly Vaughan James is a beautifully illustrated story about Lola the flamingo. Each morning Lola and her parents go out in search of food. While her mami and papi happily eat shrimp, Lola refuses to even try shrimp. Instead she sneaks off from her family and eats other foods that she prefers. I like that when Lola is preparing her escape to sneak forbidden foods, the author makes use of a cute refrain which could be so much fun when doing read alouds. I can see adding motions to accompany Lola's actions which would help get the kids kinetically involved in the story. I also like that when Lola sneaks foods, she is always caught by her family because her feather change color. I can see the class laughing out loud at some of Lola's color changes, Eventually Lola does try shrimp and she loves it! Her feathers change to the beautiful pink color and she is very happy!
I think this story would be great to read with children who are picky eaters and who are reluctant to try new friends, I teach students with special needs and many of those students are extremely picky eaters. This would be a great resource for teachers and parents to help encourage children to eat more foods because they might just LOVE the food.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining book with a great message. Lola is a flamingo that is not pink like her parents or others. Flamingos get their colour from eating shrimp, but Lola will not eat them, she won't even try them. She sneaks off and eats all kinds of fruit. I like that the fruit is not all ones that everyone knows about. The problem is that the fruit changes her color to the fruit colors, instead of pink. I loved the colorful illustrations and the kids loved all the different colors she turned. The illustrations showed emotion and feeling to fit the story. Of course at the end, she finally tries shrimp and decides it is not too bad. A great story about picky eaters, trying new things and listening to your parents. The repetitive text makes it a perfect read aloud for younger children to join in. There is some great information in the back of the book with flamingo facts and actual pictures of flamingos. There are also some websites to check out. The final test for me is if they want me to read it again and this one was a hit. In fact, after the third reading, they were reciting it with me. A great addition to a family library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

FUSSY FLAMINGO is an adorable fictional tale about a flamingo named Lola that doesn't want to eat shrimp. Instead, her leaves turn green from eating avocados and pink-red from eating dragonfruit! Eventually, she tries shrimp and finds that she loves it!

The accompanying illustrations are delightfully lovely with lots of color and flamingos. The story is paced well with repetition and patterns that are great for little kids to hear. I also appreciated that the story is set in Chile, where many flamingos reside, using the actual fruit from there and Mami and Papi for her parents' names. Their encouragement for Lola to try shrimp was fun, though I do wish they had given her some kudos for eating fruit!

The end of the book also includes some information about flamingos that was so interesting. I learned some new facts about flamingos as an adult! It definitely makes this a great book to learn about flamingos as well as targeting about picky eaters. There are some facts that were new to me, and I love that she eats fruit! Recommend for children who are picky eaters or who just love flamingos.

Please note that I received a review copy through Sourcebooks Early Reads program. All opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite her parents' wishes, gray-feathered Lola does not want to eat shrimp, convinced that she will not like it. Instead, she sneaks off to eat other kinds of food. She eventually concedes, however, and discovers how tasty shrimp can be, turning a beautiful pink like her parents.

Shelly Vaughan James tells a story that is all too familiar to parents and children--the child who is convinced that they do not like something that they have never tried. Young readers will appreciate the repetitious phrases in the story, as well as Lola's determination to sneak off to try other foods. Parents who are sharing the book with their children will be amused as they watch Lola and her parents engage in the timeless tale of the food battle. The facts and resources found at the end of the story add value to this book.

Matthew Rivera's watercolor and digital illustrations are soft and fun, capturing Lola's personality and thoughts perfectly. They augment the text wonderfully, and add to the spirit of the story. His work is commendable.

While Jennifer Sattler's Sylvie is very similar and a preferable selection, this book is still a nice read.

[Kelli Koeppen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lola is determined to not eat shrimp. Will she try other things? OF COURSE! But shrimp are soggy and muddy and gross... or are they. Lola finds out what happens when you try something new!

This was fun a fun book on rebellion and stubbornness. Who has not experienced a time when a kiddo refused to eat something, gave a million and one reasons, and refused to try just for the sake of it. Lola was willing to try next to everything but shrimp even though it would turn her feathers the pink flamingoes are known for and turned crazy colors in the process. In so many way this is a perfect example of what kiddos do when something does not look visually appealing. Trying something new can be hard for anyone, adults included, even when it is something you need to help you, but this book is a perfect illustration of what happens when you put aside your thoughts and beliefs and try something new.

The story and illustrations worked perfectly together and really brought the story to life. Pictures were vivid and perfectly-messy-esque. My favorite kind of illustrations in a children's picture book, especially if done right and Matthew Rivera did it right!

[Literature Lattes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fussy Flamingo" by author Shelly Vaughan James, is the quintessential children's book! Meet Lola, the Chilean baby Flamingo who doesn't want to eat the shrimp her parents give her. Instead Lola ventures off menu and opts for a diverse range of foods, each one turning her a different color. Will she ever be pink like her family?

Our family loved Lola and her story! We enjoyed hearing about all of the tropical foods that she tries like the avocado and the pepino melon. Our favorite fruit that Lola tries was the Dragonfruit! We also enjoyed the repetitious pattern of the story that kept our young readers engaged throughout the book! The book provides educational facts sprinkled throughout the tale and a bonus section of information at the end on Flamingos.

As a parent, I loved that this book highlighted the message that people should be open to trying new things. Kids and parents will be able to connect easily with Lola's story and are sure to enjoy this "Fussy Flamingo's" adventure!

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great success, although you might have to lead into it the first time with the fact that flamingos are born white and get their pink colouring as they mature from the shrimp and other things they eat. I say that as I'm not too sure if the joke here will fully work otherwise, for this book for under-sevens is about a flamingo who refuses to eat said shrimp, and instead magically takes on whatever colour the last fruit she ate was. Mostly the text works – the repeated patterning of Lola's day and her parents' responses are great, but some of the more poetic bits (and exotic choices of fruit) could be more easy and child-friendly. Still, it's a droll bit of entertainment that might start discussions, not about the flamingos in the fact file at the back, but about food choices and varied diets, and it's a really pleasurable read. A strong four stars despite what tiny changes I'd make here and there to the text.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy provided by NetGalley

This was a cute story about a mischievous flamingo that didn't want to try shrimp, instead choosing to eat various types of fruit that she found nearby. Each time she eats a fruit and returns to her parents, her feathers change appearance to match the coloration and design of the fruit she ate. It's very amusing. In the end, just like with Green Eggs and Ham, when Lola finally tries shrimp, she discovers that she likes it and she becomes pink like her parents. The end notes explain the true nature of flamingos very well. The text is easy to read and story is a lot of fun. The nonfiction found at the end will serve to educate readers about flamingos and there are some links to child-friendly websites with more flamingo facts for readers that are still interested.

I am certainly going to add this to my collection as soon as it comes out. It's an impressive text that does everything you'd hope for in a book for younger readers. Well done!

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly, some of you Goodreaders -- or else the children to whom you read picture books -- have a specialty reader's way to crush. You adore books about what I'd call "spoiled and bratty" characters. Only, as in the case of Fussy Flamingo... all the quirks are supposed to make that character seem extra special and so very-cute-funny.

Just consider some of the verbs used to describe so-adorable Lola, the Fussy One:

* Mopes
* Dawdles
* Shilly-shallies
* Sulks

Is that adorable or what?

AS THE SAYING WOULD HAVE IT

One man's meat is another man's poison. Like that, one reader's pampering-worthy main character is somebody else's way too obnoxious, are you kidding?

Hey, on behalf of intended readers, I'll rate this book with FIVE STARS.

It takes all kinds to make a world of Goodreaders.

[Deanna | thecomfyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! I needed this as a child as I have grown up to be the pickiest eater!

This was a really fun book following a really fussy flamingo through the struggles of trying new food!

The pictures were very cute and I love how Lola the flamingo does her little dance before searching for the shrimp. I was totally on board with her not wanting the shrimp because I dislike seafood 😂 but I'm glad the book ended with Lola trying something new!!

I also loved that the back of the book is full of facts about flamingos! That is so fun and a great way to get the littles learning about new subjects!

* Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Fussy Flamingo' by Shelly Vaughan James with art by Matthew Rivera is a picture book about a younger flamingo who is a picky eater.

Lola lives in the swamp with her parents. She is not pink like they are, and they are trying to get her to eat shrimp (where flamingos get their color from). Lola doesn't want to eat shrimp, so she sneaks away to eat other things. Those things change her feathers to different colors. Will she ever learn to like what her parents like?

This was a pretty cute story, and I really liked the artwork. Kids will get a nice giggle out of the fun surprises along the way.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute read-aloud that incorporates picky eating into a fun and charming story. A strength of this story is that, from a school librarian perspective, the learning and discussion points are pretty versatile, For example, reading this in a lesson, we could talk about trying new things, colors, word repetition, flamingos, etc. I also really love the colors and style of the illustrations which adds to the quirkiness of this cute little picky-eater of a flamingo. I do feel that the ending was a bit abrupt and, realistically, it may take a bit more convincing for a real-life picky eater to accept a new food but overall the story is fun and I look forward to reading it in our school library.

[Becky McGregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is like a preschool dream. You could do a whole unit on this book. First you could learn about Flamingo's from the fantastic back information. As the flamingo does his little dance you could have your kids up and moving with that part of the book. You could have the fruits that the flamingo eats and do a little mini unit on that. Kids can also do their predicting skills on what color he will turn. All in all this book is a wealth of opportunities for add on activities. I enjoyed the book and the artwork was great. The facts at the end and the resources were absolutely fantastic. I feel every picture book should have that. Well done! This book is a keeper.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley.

OH MY GOSH I LOVED THIS BOOK. Anyone with a picky eater should read this one to them. The story is an important one (try your food before you say you don't like it!) and also teaches the readers about flamingos in a fun way. In addition to the flamingo facts, there are connections to the colors of food and fruit that kids in the United States might be less familiar with. I really enjoyed reading all the flamingo facts at the end of the story.

The illustrations are beautiful and fun to look at for children and adults. This book will be PERFECT for a story time!