Picture Book of the Day: 

Flora and the Flamingo, by Molly Idle

There have been many great wordless books lately (Inside Outside by Lizi Boyd, for example) and this sweet story can be added to the list.  Young Flora, dressed in a pink bathing suit and yellow cap, wishes to dance ballet as gracefully as her friend the flamingo.  Lift the flaps expertly show the lead characters striking poses, with Flora emulating her feathered pal.  However, the bird is a bit of a diva, causing the girl to slip and fall.  It all ends with an apology, forgiveness, and a triumphant leap into a pond (or bath).  Idle's expressive characters leap off the page; her spare illustrations (some tree branches, some climactic suds) allow young readers to zero in on the eventful interplay between them.  The clever design enchants.