Jane Yolen rocks.
She’s written more than 300 books and numerous poems, and has been referred to as the American Hans Christian Andersen. Her book, Owl Moon, which was illustrated by John Schoenherr, won the 1987 Caldecott Medal, and Jane’s other books have received numerous awards.
David Small rocks too.
He’s illustrated more than 40 picture books (some written by his wife, Sarah Stewart). He’s also created a graphic memoir and won the 1997 Caldecott Honor for The Gardener, written by his wife, and the 2001 Caldecott Medal for So, You Want To Be President? by Judith St. George.
So chances are any collaboration between them is a book worth checking out. And, Elsie’s Bird (Philomel, 2010) definitely is.
It’s the lovely story of Elsie, a Boston girl, who’s transplanted to the Nebraska prairie with her grieving father after her mother dies. Now the sounds of the ocean and the bustling city are replaced by the sounds of prairie grasses and nature.
Elsie doesn’t like the change at first, Her only comfort is her canary, Timmy Tune. But when Timmy escapes from his cage, Elsie runs after him, and — in the process – starts to feel at home.
The publisher calls it, “A remarkable, poetic, vividly rendered book about finding one’s place in the world.”
And reviewers agreed. It received starred reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus.
Now, let’s hear from today’s guest reviewer.
Our reviewer: Ellie
Age: 7
Things I like to do: Play sports, make arts and crafts, and listen to music.
This book was about: A girl who lived in Boston a long time ago. Her mother died, and her dad was sad. So they moved to Nebraska.
The best part was when: She found her bird out in the prairie. And when her dad brought home the hound, the banty hens and the rooster.
I smiled when: Everyone was singing.
I was worried when: The bird was lost.
Three words that best describe this book are: “Sing.” “Town.” “Bird.”
My favorite line or phrase in this book: “Timmy Tune began to sing back, circling and circling overhead.”
You should read this book because: It helps you learn about nature.
Ellie adds that she has a dog, a cat and two frogs, but not any hens or roosters.
Thanks, Ellie!
If you’d like to learn more about Jane Yolen (and you really should) you can visit her website or watch this video interview. Or, read this written one.
And certainly don’t forget David Small. Here’s his website, and an illuminating interview.
You can find other reviews of Elsie’s Bird at: