Four wide-eyed hunters are trying to catch a bird in a net. Make that three hunters; the fourth — and smallest — member of their party just wants to be friendly (“Hello, birdie.”). The group’s comical, not-so-stealthy pursuit of the bird features one failed attempt after another, with a pattern emerging as the youngest one greets the bird, the others shush their small companion (“We have a plan”), and then counting to three before they pounce ... on nothing, as the bird has already flown away. The spare, droll narrative is paired with marvelous visual storytelling. The stylized illustrations are in shades of deep blue with black and white, against which the brightly colored red bird stands out. Young readers and listeners will recite along and laugh out loud, with the delight heightened by two big surprises as the story draws to a close. (Ages 3–7)

Four friends are out walking in the woods, seemingly trying to catch some forest animals. One friend, the smallest one, is more keen on observing and being friendly with the birds they see while the others are impatient and quickly hush the friend so they can follow through with their plan of catching the beautiful bird. With each page, readers will enjoy the silly friends who are unsuccessful in their catch and tumble all over each other.

Author is originally from Dublin, Ireland but now lives in London.

Great Britain. Originally published in Great Britain as Shh! We Have a Plan by Walker Books in 2014. Published in the United States by Candlewick in 2014.

From the creator of Little Owl Lost and Oh No, George! comes a funny, strikingly illustrated story of best-laid plans — and the secret to attracting the birdie.

Four friends creep through the woods, and what do they spot? An exquisite bird high in a tree! “Hello birdie,” waves one. “Shh! We have a plan,” hush the others. They stealthily make their advance, nets in the air. Ready one, ready two, ready three, and go! But as one comically foiled plan follows another, it soon becomes clear that their quiet, observant companion, hand outstretched, has a far better idea. Award-winning author-illustrator Chris Haughton is back with another simple, satisfying story whose visual humor plays out in boldly graphic, vibrantly colorful illustrations.