Buffalo Fluffalo (Buffalo Stories #1)

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. (Jan.)