Lovebird Lou

by Tammi Sauer, Tammi Sauer

A sweet, love-infused celebration of individuality and acceptance!

Lovebird Lou adores life with his family and friends on the island they call home. But when he travels to the other side of the island and sees the amazing abilities on display by different birds, Lou feels unfulfilled with the laidback lovebird lifestyle. With his adoring parents cheering him on, Lou decides to spread his wings and see what else he can accomplish. This sweet, funny story celebrates individuality, self-discovery, and the joy of community.

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Love, Childrens, Animals, Family, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2022

About the author

Tammi Sauer is the author of Cowboy Camp (Sterling, 2005), Chicken Dance (Sterling, 2009), Mostly Monsterly (Paula Wiseman/S&S, 2010), the forthcoming Princess-in-Training (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), and something that's currently Top Secret.

Tammi and her family live in Oklahoma with one dog, two geckos, and a tank full of random fish.

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Could Lou be a pelican, flamingo, nightingale or rock? Lou discovers himself in this story that features wildlife that look like they are out of a classic Disney flick (i.e. Cinderella, Bambi).

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for story time at Barnes and Noble. I loved how Lou tries to make his own flight path, but discovers he’s already who he is meant to be. This is colorful and engaging picture book!

[Union County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovebird Lou by Tammi Sauer, is a retelling of the familiar tale of wanting what others have. Lovebird Lou was content with being a lovebird until, one day, he travels with his family and meets all different kinds of birds, each with unique talents. Lou can't help but want to be like the other birds and try his hand at their skills, but he doesn't seem to have what it takes. Ultimately, Lou realizes being a Lovebird is what makes him unique. Throughout the book, Lou's family is overwhelmingly positive, cheering Lou on with each attempt and allowing Lou to come to the realization that being yourself is best of all. A cheerful and colorful picture book for ages 3-6.

- Reviewed by Chelsea G.

[Chelsea Gore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovebird Lou by Tammi Sauer, is a retelling of the familiar tale of wanting what others have. Lovebird Lou was content with being a lovebird until one day he travels with his family and meets all different kinds of birds, each with unique talents. Lou can't help but want to be like the other birds and try his hand at their skills but he doesn't seem to have what it takes. Ultimately Lou realizes being a Lovebird is what makes him unique. Throughout the book Lou's family is overwhelmingly positive, cheering Lou on with each attempt and allowing Lou to come to the realization that being yourself is best of all. A cheerful and colorful picture book for ages 3-6.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovebird Lou enjoys his life with his friends & family, with a very laidback style. One day, Lou travels to the other side of the island and witnesses the different habits of other birds. With his very supportive parents behind him, Lou decides to try out some of the typical daily habits of the flamingos and pelicans but they really don't work out for him. I adored how Lou's parents offered their unconditional support and cheered him on when he tried out being another bird. The bright illustrations and catchy phrases ('Okie-dokie, artichokie") are sure to entertain children and parents alike. Highly recommend.

[Ashley S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lou loves himself and his family. But when he comes across some other kinds of birds, he starts to question whether he is good enough. With the support from his parents, Lou tries to be other things until he realizes he and his family are already pretty great. This book is good for little readers to try new things and learn to love you for you.

[Beth Huddleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book showcases unconditional love and acceptance as baby Lou tries new things. He receives love from his family and community even when he wants to be something outside of community.

The artwork is also beautifully stunning with bright colors, comical facial expressions, and all the visual literacy cues that has readers read the pictures.

Truly wonderful!

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever, colorful illustrations of this cute cast of characters show little Lou why birds of a feather flock together and how not to let feelings of inferiority ruffle his feathers. As Lou’s parents demonstrate through all his crises of confidence, Lovebirds are best at the most important thing of all: unconditional love.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lou the Lovebird want's to be more like the Pelicans, flying figure 8'ts in the sky; or the Nightingales singing their beautiful songs; or the Flamingos balancing so gracefully in the water. With the encouragement of his parents, Lou tries each lifestyle and finds he's not really suited to life as anything other than a Lovebird. But maybe that's not so bad.

Cute story.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute kids book with parrots? Count me in! Being owned by parrots anything with birds has a special place in my heart.

The art is beautiful and full of life. I loved little Lou and his journey to self discovery. His families unconditional love for him while on his journey was beautiful.

[Jennifer Mason Anyong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who do I love? Lovebird Lou! It's such a warm, make your heart smile story, with absolutely gorgeous illustration! Wherever Lou lives, I want to go to there...and probably join his family, too.

[Carrie Callaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

my boss was so excited about this book and honestly she was right the little bird parents are so encouraging <3

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a lovebird learning to appreciate himself for what he is.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep - another one for Beehive consideration next year. So fun and so sweet and Lou is absolutely lovable! Definitely one for the storytime rotation.

Storytime Themes: Birds, Friendship, Family

[Carrie Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about loving yourself just as you are.

[Beth Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fantastic! Made me laugh a lot. Just delightful - way to be supportive parents/community! :P

[Elliot Stiert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love who you are!

[SamSamSam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing stood out to me about this book.

[Tina Cho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a darling book, not only for kids but adults! A loving affirmation for families.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reminder that support those who want to be something else, including just being themselves.

[DiAnne Warfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holt-Delhi library Preschool story time 05-16-2023

[Catarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of lovebirds and Lou’s adventures with other birds.

[Judy Ripke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would work well in kindergarten discussions about being who you are.

[Julia Fiedler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda meh. Boring, but cute I suppose.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a new book, I've already read it at least a dozen times to my two small children. It's short, sweet, and satisfying enough that repeat read-alouds are enjoyed by all-- including me, the one who's reading the same book multiple times. Lovebird Lou is full of lovely language, warm humor, and heart. All the characters are so sweet, especially Lou's parents, the most loving, accepting parents ever. The illustrations are beautiful and charming. I read a LOT of picture books, and LOVEBIRD LOU ranks among my favorites. To me, it's a perfect picture book.

[Mari]

He could be anything but chose to be a lovebird.

[Kristina Kazarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with Lou and his insanely supportive and positive parents. It’s the typical storyline of wanting what others have and then coming to the realization that you’re exactly who you’re meant to be by just being you. This all comes about in the form of this precious little bird family traveling to the other side of the island and meeting other types of birds etc. Lou tries to be a flamingo and other birds and then realizes that what makes him special is just being him, a lovebird. I adored the illustrations in this book and the storyline in general. I love that his parents encouraged him while he tried being other birds, but he learned on his own that he’s meant to be a lovebird. I just love Lou and think he’s the cutest!