What happens when you are a small bird, build the absolute perfect nest (the right twigs were used, the perfect softness and just the right size for one tired little bird to sleep in) and someone takes it? You build another one. And another one. And another one. Finally, all the nests our little bird friend makes in Not Your Nest! have been taken by the other animals of the jungle, so what is a poor bird to do?
Even though the book does talk about friendship and cooperation, the overall tone of the book is off for me. Gideon Sterer’s story never made me think the other animals were amusing nor did I really care about the bird. I did care that the bird did all the work to build her nest, then had each one stolen, but that was it.
With that said, Andrea Tsurumi illustrations are quirky enough to keep your interest. There are some details to look at and for. And the colors are not overpowering. The different types of animals could be fun. If you are not sure what one is (as there is no real descriptions or names) you and your child can have fun researching.
Most people will enjoy this book. There is a certain charm that will be pleasant for the modern reader. The art gives it an odd mix of classical feeling and very modern. That combination adds to the fact it is a “love it or hate it” kind of read.
