South

A hulking fisherman in a cable-knit sweater discovers a bird (it resembles an arctic tern) huddled on the deck of his ship. He splints its broken wing and makes a bed in his dresser drawer for it: "All that was left to do was wait." As big, wet snowflakes fall, the fisherman realizes that it's time for birds to head south, and he changes course. Painting in pale, weatherworn hues, Duncan (The Adventures of Henry Whiskers) shows the strength of the fisherman's resolve with a view from underneath the boat, where the anchor is dislodged so quickly that fish dart in all directions. The fisherman spies a small, palm-dotted island covered with birds and leaves the tern there with its mates: "It was time to say good-bye." Then the fisherman remembers, with moist eyes, that he has a home to return to as well. Duncan excels at capturing emotion, and his spreads balance cinematic views of ocean life with warm humanity. While it's a wistful read rather than a joyful one, there's quiet pleasure in the intimacy between the solitary man and small bird. Ages 5-7. Agency: Bright Agency. (May)