Rhino has a troublesome itch in his ear that, no matter how he contorts himself, he can't seem to scratch. Bird suggests that he find someone to scratch it, but Frog is too slimy, Monkey too silly, Lizard too prickly, and he doesn't even bother to ask Lion. Finally, a little peck from Bird provides the solution, which was there all along. The minimal text is complemented by softly colored, double-page illustrations. With only an occasional tree or clump of grass for a backdrop, the appealing creatures (a close-up of Lion's face is particularly striking) inhabit open spaces, allowing their unique personalities to shine. This is a short and snappy introduction to symbiotic relationships that children will find enjoyable and comforting. Ice Bear and Little Fox (1998), by Jonathan London, is a more realistic portrayal of a symbiotic relationship in an arctic environment.--Enos, Randall Copyright 2010 Booklist

Who can scratch in just the right place? A terrible itch plagues big Rhino's ear, and no amount of wriggling and rolling on the ground is able to satisfy it. Bird wisely advises Rhino that he just "needs a little help," so off goes Rhino in search of relief. But...the Frog is too slimy, the Monkey too silly, the Lizard too prickly, the Lion too forbidding to ask. Rhino sinks into despair, until the persistent Bird offers to help. With a hop, a skip and a little peck, Bird helps his new friend ditch the itch. Chivers's warm paintings are gorgeous in both composition and golden, savanna-dusty pallette, but, perhaps in an attempt to be thoroughly toddler-friendly, she gives poor Rhino not a horn on his nose but a softly rounded bump, which children will find puzzling. Moreover, her story's a bit underwhelming, not the aptest or most compelling metaphor for friendship, and she misses a teaching opportunity by naming Bird generically instead of specifically calling him an oxpecker, which he resembles in coloration, shape and relationship with Rhino. Pretty but imperfect. (Picture book. 3-6)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2-Rhino has a terrible itch in his ear and no matter what he does, it just won't stop. He seeks aid from a frog, a monkey, and a lizard with no luck. A bird tells him that he could help, but Rhino says his itch is big, and the bird is too small. The bird responds, "I might be small, but I am just right for you." With a hop, skip, and a little peck, the itch is gone. Readers will be delighted to discover what was causing the problem, and they will relate to the theme that, sometimes, smaller is better. Soft, colorful illustrations fill the spreads. The artwork expands the action as it highlights Rhino's search for a cure. Spare text and a simple, direct style make the book suitable as a read-aloud.-Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.