Blue-Footed Booby Dance

The comical tale of the rise and fall of Bobby, the blue-footed dancing Booby offers proof positive that fame may be fleeting, fans may be fickle, but the love of a true friend lasts forever. Bobby Booby, a remarkable bird with the most amazing heavenly-blue feet, wants to dance. The astonished director of the music hall lets Bobby audition and hires him on the spot. Bobby Booby becomes an overnight sensation. Reporters flock for interviews, fans besiege him for autographs, and Bobby Booby plays three shows a day before packed and cheering audiences. But all too soon the novelty wears off. Suddenly the crowd’s cheers turn to laughter -- jeering laughter at the silly-looking bird and his absurd blue feet. Humiliated, Bobby Booby announces he will retire from show business. But a true fan, a wise and caring little duck, has a plan. Will it work? Will Bobby Booby prove to be a flash in the pan, or can he stage a triumphant comeback?

Bruno Hächler lives in Winterthur, Switzerland. For North-South, he has written The Bears’ Christmas Surprise and Pablo the Pig. Cinzia Ratto was born in Sempierdarena, Italy. She studied art and architecture at college. Her work has appeared in various group exhibitions, including the Bologna Children's Book Fair. She now works as an illustrator, gives lectures in graphic arts and art history, and teaches illustration to children. She lives in Varazze, Italy.