When a grumpy buffalo moves into a field, the animals living nearby stop to greet their new neighbor. Many offer kind words, and one even takes a handmade gift, but he rejects them all with the same rude, brassy retort, "I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo / I heave and I huffalo. / Leave me alone because / I've had enuffalo!" But after a fierce thunderstorm drenches them all, Buffalo Fluffalo's bushy fur falls limply downward, significantly decreasing his apparent bulk, his bluster, and his ability to bully others. Humiliated, he apologizes for his grumpy, hostile demeanor. He admits that without his fluffiness, he's "tiny and missable," but his new friends assure him that he's "hugly and snugly kissable." Reflecting and enhancing the tone of the story, the vibrant mixed-media illustrations are particularly effective in the dramatic storm scenes. Wordplay, rhythm, and rhyme add greatly to the fun of sharing this picture book with children, who will enjoy chiming in on the chorus, particularly on days when they too have "had enuffalo." Great fun for reading aloud.

What will happen when a surly buffalo has his cover blown?The book opens on a peaceful, sunny landscape dotted by trees, flowers, and a river. Turning the page, readers meet the Buffalo Fluffalo. The cantankerous creature glares fiercely at readers, his stylized, curly coat puffed out above small bovine feet. A ram, a prairie dog, and a crow each approach the Buffalo Fluffalo with overtures of friendship, but all receive-ahem-a "rebuffalo." He responds to each with a gruff "I'm the Buffalo Fluffalo-/ I heave and I huffalo./ Leave me alone because/ I've had enuffalo!"-a refrain rendered in a large bold text. But after a torrential downpour, the Buffalo Fluffalo is drenched; his fluffy coat plastered to his body, he's now a fraction of his former size. How will the other animals react? The rhythmic, rhyming verses take plenty of liberties with language and use lots of alliteration, resulting in a humorous read. Despite his aggressive stance, our protagonist is endearingly cross-eyed, and the art exploits the comedic potential of a character who hides behind a puffed-up appearance. Some may wonder why the other animals are working so hard to befriend such a relentlessly hostile character, but all the nonsense words and the complementary art are so appealing that readers will easily accept the sugary ending.Fun, silly stuffalo. (Picture book. 4-8)