Elevator Bird by Sarah Williamson (review)

“It takes a big team to run the hotel,” ranging from the lion manager, Mr. Rumpley, to the worm porters, but the soul of the place is Elevator Bird, who “always has a kind word for everyone” as he greets them throughout the day, ferries and guides guests, and banters with co-workers. When the hotel staff discovers that Elevator Bird would like a place to see the city lights, rather than his room in the basement, they immediately make a plan for their friend: “Mr. Rumpley and the gang have made a new home for Elevator Bird right up on the roof!” The plot is pleasant if slight, but the world creation is the real point here, with the bustling hotel full of skilled animals operating under various dress conventions, ranging from the besuited Mr. Rumpley to the lamentably unclothed worm porters. Williamson’s homey draftsmanship keeps the scenes with their candy tones (Elevator Bird himself is a tasteful grape shade with a sky blue hat and tie) from becoming saccharine, and the details of Mr. Rumpley’s “Operation Elevator Bird” chart will be a draw for fans of amusing diagrams. Audiences will want to put Elevator Bird’s hotel first on their travel destination list.