Review by Frank Plowright

Picopaco is far more industrious than other woodpeckers living in the forest. Where they’ve only built nests, she’s constructed an entire wooden home and furnished it, all through pecking away at wood using her beak. It’s necessary for her to have a refuge, as she suffers from anxiety attacks, and if she strays too far from her home she’s overcome by all the sights and sounds. So how does she begin to build a town? Well, therein lies a story…

It’s a story for very young readers, though, one encouraging them to overcome their own fears when others need help, pointing out the benefits of friendship rather than isolation, and how some people can do what others can’t.

Mocculere is the alias of illustrator Mojca Novak, and she has a bright, busy, yet very simple and easily understood style in showing Picopaco and her world. Pages with plenty of activity offer children the chance to explore and see what assorted birds are doing, while the less busy pages supply the same dose of charm, but also a sense of isolation as Picopaco may be comfortable, but she’s on her own.

Publisher Flying Eye’s list is largely aimed at young readers, and a number of their books could be considered either illustrated children’s books or a form of graphic novel. By virtue of having some pages offering several illustrations accompanied by text, Picopaco: The Woodpecker Who Built a Town just about falls into the graphic novel category. It’s sweet, friendly and charming.