I Am Not a Copycat! by Ann Bonwill (review)

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery—and annoyance, as Hugo the hippo finds when Bella the bird starts emulating everything he does. Hugo stands on his head, Bella stands on hers, Hugo does a split, and Bella does likewise, just as Hugo is proclaiming that his accomplishments make him unique ("I want to be unique too. Just like you," chirps Bella). When Hugo heads to the pool to practice (and show off ) his water ballet, Bella flutters along in his wake, which galls Hugo until spectators applaud him and Bella for their wonderful synchronized swimming. The text neatly and amusingly touches on several child-relevant issues—attention-seeking, imitation, and siblingesque shadowing—in lively and humorous dialogue-only prose. Hugo and Bella are sympathetic as well as realistic, and kids will relate to both viewpoints. The digital art combines graphic regularity in its solid black lines with thick, furry edges suggesting collage; the palette often involves vivid complementary-color contrasts and some luscious fruity tones, but the strong focus on huge gray Hugo and little blue Bella keeps compositions balanced. Those who loved this pairing in I Don't Want to Be a Pea will be delighted at their return, and those new to Hugo and Bella will be pleased to encounter them.