They're So Flamboyant

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—all 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.

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 his websiteopens in new window or follow him on Twitteropens in new window or Instagramopens in new window.

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 his websiteopens in new window or follow him on Facebookopens in new window, Twitteropens in new window, or Instagramopens in new window.

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

• Feathered Friends Teach About Inclusion (PDF, 108KB)opens in new window
  Tips to help you talk with kids about inclusion and discrimination.
• Watch the author read They’re So Flamboyantopens in new window. Interested in this book? Purchase a copy to continue (or start) the conversation with the children in your life.