Mack van Gageldonk is an author, graphic designer, and illustrator from the Netherlands. He was educated at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, where he began drawing funny and educational cartoons about animals. Mack is a regular illustrator at the Royal Zoo of Rotterdam and is the author of several children's books, in which animals often are the lead characters.

"Yellow-beaked avian protagonist Immy warmly greets a series of animalian friends in van Gageldonk's congenial board book. Cheerful openness imbues each encounter, as described across simple text and companionable dialogue: "The caterpillar climbs on top of a leaf and stretches. 'Would you like a little kiss, Immy?' the caterpillar kindly asks. Immy would love that!" Thickly outlined in black, simply drawn subjects stand out against outdoor backdrops adorned with sparse inky detailing. Immy's dot-like eyes, upturned mouth, and basic body language convey the tender comfort the figure seems to feel among creaturely pals; spying a bird, Immy raises an orange-tipped wing in greeting. A concluding moonlit moment shifts into bedtime territory when Immy leans against an elephant to rest--a fitting close to a cordial story that frames life in friendly terms." - Publisher's Weekly

"PreS-One of the many anxieties of childhood, for both kids and their grown-ups, is making friends. With this title, even the tiniest tot can start learning how to make friends through accepting others and
creating lasting connections. Immy the bird goes through their world interacting with the other animals. The narrative demonstrates straightforward ways to move around the world in a kindly manner. Say hello. Be encouraging. Listen to others. This story's success is in its simplicity. Nothing overly complicated. Sentences are short and to the point. Illustrations are scrawled lines, creating the impression of snails and dogs -without getting too lost in details. VERDICT This book is pared down, to the point, and laser focused on friendship basics for the youngest readers." - School Library Journal

Publisher: Clavis

Pub date: 2025-07-15

Length: 20 pages