One of the things I dislike about a being a bookseller is when I find a book that I just cannot like. No matter how hard I try, there is nothing I can say “I like this” about it. I know that the author and/or the illustrator puts a piece of themselves into their work. An author wants you to take away a smile at least from their story because you enjoyed it. An illustrator takes the time to create something that they hope accents the story. And gives their vision of the world and art to you the reader. I appreciate that hard work, time and effort.
However, Ozzy the Ostrich is one of these books that I cannot find something to like about. The following review is totally 100% my opinion and do apologize if any offense is taken (especially to the author and illustrator). I do recommend going out and finding this book as it might speak to you. However, I am at a loss to find (in my customer finding part of my mind) the type of customer that would like this book.
The story has holes in it (a few examples are: false information about ostriches and the fact they have the male lions hunting) and the illustrations are grating. They are sketches that never settle and are all over the place. The message is loss in the shuffle. The lion who finally eats flowers could be forgiven if there had not been the lion that uses feathers to make a wig or the white one using the rainbow to make color on themselves. The fact that there was no hint of fantasy before this has these fantastical turns jarring.
I am sorry to say that I cannot say I liked this book but truly do hope that the right reader has found (or will find) it.