They're So Flamboyant - by Michael Genhart (Hardcover)

About the Book

This fun and funny bird's-eye tome to individuality, community, and harmony follows the reactions of a neighborhood full of birds when a "flamboyance" of flamingos moves in.

Book Synopsis

Flam-boy-ant: (of a person--or bird!--or their behavior) tending to attract attention because of their confidence, exuberance, and stylishness.

This fun and funny bird's-eye tome to individuality, community, and harmony follows the reactions of a neighborhood full of birds when a "flamboyance" of flamingos moves in. Each band of birds--a gaggle of geese, a dole of doves, a charm of finches, a brood of chickens, a scream of swifts, and an unkindness of ravens--have their feathers ruffled and express their apprehension about the new and different arrivals. Bright pink colors, long legs--how dare they!

Even a watch of nightingales patrols after dark. When the band of jays decides it is time to settle down the neighborhood, the pride of peacocks takes the lead, with support from a waddle of penguins, a venue of vultures, a mob of emus, and a gulp of cormorants. Finally, they all land at the flamingos' welcome party only to realize that they had all been birdbrained. Their new neighbors are actually quite charming and not so scary and different after all. Includes a note from the author on helping children to learn about acceptance, avoid stereotyping, and model welcoming behavior.

Review Quotes

From the author of Accordionly (2020) comes another clever book about stereotypes, uncomfortable feelings, acceptance, and inclusion. What's more, readers will also learn about birds, their groupings, and animal behavior within a fun, well-told story reminiscent of Daniel Pinkwater's The Big Orange Splot. The book, full of wordplay and alliteration, includes a list of birds and their associated collective nouns. A final note to readers defines the word flamboyant, explains its derogatory usage toward members of the gay community, and highlights the story's playful and positive reclamation of this term.-- "Booklist"

Feathered friends are flustered when flamingos move into the neighborhood... this story is a welcome springboard for age-appropriate discussions of assumptions, stereotypes, and inclusion. Engaging wordplay makes a serious point about inclusion.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Michael Genhart, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco. He has also written Rainbow: A First Book of Pride; Cake & I Scream!; Mac & Geeeez!; Peanut Butter & Jellyous; Ouch! Moments; I See You; So Many Smarts!; and Accordionly. He lives with his family in Marin County. Visit MichaelGenhart.com, @MJGenhart on Facebook, @MGenhart on Twitter, and @MichaelGenhart on Instagram.

Tony Neal is a graphic artist and illustrator. He loves to create charming characters in whimsical scenes and telling stories with his pictures. He lives in South Leicestershire, England. Visit tonyneal.co.uk and @TonyNealArt on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.