A Home For Bird

Title: A Home For Bird

Author & Illustrator: Philip C. Stead

Check out the story behind the story in an interview with Mr. Stead at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.

Publisher: Roaring Book Press, 2012
Book Type: Fiction
Ages: 3-8
Themes: Friendship, Animals, Adventure

Opening Lines:

Vernon was out foraging for interesting things when he found Bird.
“Are you okay?” asked Vernon.
Bird said nothing.
“Are you lost?”
Bird said nothing.
“You are welcome to join me,” said Vernon.

Synopsis (from MacMillan website):
While out foraging for interesting things, Vernon the toad finds a new friend – a small blue bird who is curiously silent. Vernon shows Bird the river and the forest and some of his other favorite things, but Bird says nothing. Vernon introduces Bird to his friends, Skunk and Porcupine, but Bird still says nothing.

“Bird is shy,” says Vernon, “but also a very good listener.”

Vernon worries that Bird is silent because he misses his home, so the two set off on a journey to help find a home for Bird.

This is a tender tale of a thoughtful friend who is determined to help his quiet companion, by the author of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal.

Activities:

Excellent classroom discussion questions about foraging/collecting, visual foreshadowing, friendship and more at the The Classroom Bookshelf.

Links on how to make a variety of birdhouses/bird feeders.

Why I Like This Book:

This story reminded of the classic Frog & Toad stories, filled with small adventures, wonder, and most importantly compassion and heart.

The book opens with a picture of the “Careful Moving Co.” on the title page where readers will get visual clues as to the origins of Bird. The story starts with Vernon foraging through the forest for interesting things, when he befriends Bird. They spend time together but Bird is quiet, this worries Vernon who decides he must help Bird find his home.

One of the things that amazed me is that the story was so engaging even though most of the book is filled with just Vernon’s words and thoughts. The repetition of the line “Bird said nothing” was simply perfect. Vernon talking to the Bird reminded me of the way young kids are always in-tune to the needs of their stuffed animals or imaginary friends. I loved the simplicity and richness of this book, it had both.

The story is simple but the depth of compassion Vernon has for Bird as well as the illustrations brought out the richness of this book.

Illustrations are a mixture of crayon and gouache making the art vibrant and child-appealing. A unique characteristic of the art is that he doesn’t always stay within the lines which lends itself to a softer quality. Check out a review of the illustrations by Design of the Picture Book and an interview by Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast. See more gorgeous pictures from the book at MacMillan website.

This book is good for storytime. Since the book is not high-energy, I would recommend drawing attention to the visual clues throughout the story and asking questions to keep young kids engaged.

This review is part of Susana Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book series. Visit her site to see the other books recommended.

NOTE ADDED 10/16/12: This book was nominated by Amy for the 2012 Cybils Awards in the Fiction Picture Book category. I am a second-round judge in this category, but this review reflects my opinions only, not those of any other panelist, or the panel as a whole. Thanks!

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