Bob the Artist

Deuchars, creator of the Let's Make Some Great Art series, segues into picture books with a story about a bird named Bob who is feeling insecure in the face of unexpected criticism. Despite what the title might suggest, the critiques Bob endures are about his physique. "Eeeek! Look at those skinny legs," comments a cat, whose body and head are made from enlarged thumbprints. "Oooh! Look at that funny stick walk," adds an owl outlined in red, as Bob's confident stride turns into a trudge. Bob tries to exercise and eat his way toward beefier gams, but it's a trip to the museum (where a wall of paintings offers visual nods to Calder, Mondrian, and other artists) that provides the right kind of encouragement. "Bob was inspired!" writes Deuchars as bright shapes %C3%A0 la Matisse cutouts explode around Bob, who takes to painting his beak in various patterns%E2%80%94to rave reviews. Loose, inky brushstrokes and hand-lettered text add to the stylish presentation, and the message about taking criticism with a grain of salt, whether personal or artistic, lands with a light touch. Ages 3%E2%80%935. (Apr.)