Cuckoo!

Written & illustrated by Fiona Roberton

A bird's unique chirp isolates him until he finds an unexpected friend who understands him.

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.5/5 Goodreads · 215 ratings

40 pages· 352 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

$16.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Cuckoo hatches into a world where his chirp is unlike any other. While his siblings sing in harmony, Cuckoo's distinct call leaves him misunderstood and alone. Determined to find someone who speaks his language, he embarks on a journey, trying to communicate with various animals. Just as hope fades, Cuckoo discovers an unexpected friend who understands him perfectly. Will this newfound connection help Cuckoo find his place in the world? Join Cuckoo on a heartwarming adventure of friendship and self-discovery, where being different might just be the key to finding where you truly belong.

From the publisher

Cuckoo hatches. And all is well. But when his brothers and sisters sing out Too-too-weet! Too-too-weet! Cuckoo instead chirps Cuckoo! and no one can understand him.

When he leaves his nest, Cuckoo still can’t find anyone who speaks his language. He tries to communicate with the other animals—coomooing and buckooing and cabooing along the way—but he doesn’t sound like anyone else out there! Just when he thinks all is lost, Cuckoo finds an unlikely friend who understands him perfectly.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Words: 352
Reading age: 3–5
Audience: Picture
Lexile: ~241L

Themes & topics

Books about belonging Books about communication Books about coping with failure Books about animals Books about individuality

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.3

out of 7

5.0

“The illustrations in this book are amazing and delightful! This sweet story about a bird that speaks differently and goes on an adventure to find someone he can understand, tries to learn other's languages, and finally finds someone he can talk to is fun and entertaining, and this book is so fun to read aloud with all of the "cuckoos" and other animal noises!”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

5.0

“The illustrations for this story about a little cuckoo bird trying to find someone, somehow that can understand him (either in his language or by learning one of theirs!) are adorable, as is the story. This little bird is literally struggling for some connection, and putting forth all his effort, and in the end his search is rewarded when he least expects it! The animal sounds throughout the book make this one fun for littler readers too!”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one