Chez Bob, written and illustrated by Bob Shea. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2021. $22.99 ages 5 and up

 

"As a small-business owner, Bob wanted to 
be part of the community. He coached the 
basketball team. 

It's rewarding to be a positive role model
for the birds I'm going to eat, thought Bob."

There's nothing sneaky about Bob, a ravenous and very lazy alligator. It is his assumption that the birds he so loves to eat will simply fly into his immense mouth when asked; thus, requiring not a bit of effort on his part to appease his longing for sustenance. After all, being as lazy as Bob is makes an alligator mighty hungry. His methods, despite his attempts to be polite, have little effect on the birds feasting on nearby seeds. 

Could the solution be a birdseed restaurant? If that works, Bob will sell his idea to other alligators and gain untold riches. Chez Bob is soon ready for guests. The birds flock to his establishment. Bob provides delicious seeds, and suggests that satisfied patrons tell their many bird friends. Soon enough, business is booming. The birds build their own townsite right next to the restaurant. Bob becomes a well-liked member of the community, despite his ongoing plan to eventually eat the unkowing birds. 

Before long, Bob is a trusted friend. When a storm blows up, the birds seek shelter in his mouth. What a lucky twist of fate! Or is it? 

Humorous and wonderfully illustrated in bold colors, and presenting a charming lineup of appealing birds, this story has all the right stuff to become a bedtime favorite.