RUDY'S LULLABY

A forest dweller learns to relax and have fun with his noisy new upstairs neighbors.

Rudy and his BFF and fellow raccoon Bruno live a quiet life at the base of a tree in the woods. A bird named Mama Charlie, her five chicks, and her Lullaby School of music have recently moved into the tree’s branches. Bruno doesn’t mind the constant singing, and he enjoys playing with the chicks when Mama Charlie and her students are invited to perform with the Giant Redwood Forest Symphony. But Rudy is frustrated; he hasn’t been able to sleep since the Lullaby School moved in, and babysitting doesn’t come as naturally to him. Eventually, though, Bruno needs a break, and Rudy finds himself solely responsible for the chicks, which will require him to think fast—and rely on his musical talents—when one of them goes missing. As Rudy gradually warms toward the little ones, Boiger delivers a balanced message about honoring one’s feelings while remaining open to the possibility of change. Featuring characters striking dynamic poses, her swirling, soft watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil illustrations in pastel hues create a mellow atmosphere and help move the story along.

Whimsical fun with an optimistic message.