Bluebird

Reader’s Annotations: No words necessary for this story about friendship. The bluebird notices a lonely boy and befriends him, ultimately sacrificing his life for the boy, who then personally delivers him to heaven. 

Author: Bob Staake

Illustrator: Bob StaakeAge: 4 - 8 yearsgenre/subject: children's picture book, children's graphic novelPlot Summary: With only images, Staake is able to weave the story of a young boy struggling through the monotony of life alone: in school, walking home, on his free time. However, this very boy is followed and observed by a radiant bluebird. Soon the boy notices his winged friend and together they embark the things that happy young boys should experience, like sailing paper boats in the pond and exploring nature. However, the bliss comes to an end when some bullies encounter the two. When a stick is thrown at the boy, bluebird comes to his rescue and swoops in the path of the stick. The bluebird dies. The bullies scatter. And the blow is left holding his lifeless, little friend. In the end, other birds come to his aid, lifting the boy (holding the bluebird) to the heavens where he releases him. Evaluation: Wonderful story to teach about bullying. Significance & Bibliographic Usefulness: One of a rare few sequential artworks for children this age. Artwork is gorgeous!Readalikes:
Awards/Lists: NoneLinks:
Hook: Bluebird sees all.
Ideas, Uses: Use book to teach about the outcome of bullying.
ISBN: 978-0375870378
Page Count:40
Format: hardcover
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade

NYTimes

Pub Date: April 9, 2013