The Dead Bird - by Margaret Wise Brown (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

This New York Times Best Illustrated Book is a heartwarming classic from the author of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, with stunning, evocative art by #1 New York Times bestselling and multiple-award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson (You Matter and Last Stop on Market Street).

This classic picture book by beloved children's book author Margaret Wise Brown is gorgeously reillustrated for a contemporary audience by the critically acclaimed, Caldecott Honor winning illustrator Christian Robinson.

One day, the children find a bird lying on its side with its eyes closed and no heartbeat. They are very sorry, so they decide to say good-bye. In the park, they dig a hole for the bird and cover it with warm sweet-ferns and flowers. Finally, they sing sweet songs to send the little bird on its way.

A beautiful book to share with children beginning to grapple with loss.

Review Quotes

"Robinson stays true to the intent of the original text and illustrations but elegantly improves upon it with cinematic storytelling." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Brown takes a direct approach to a difficult subject, suggesting how community rituals provide solace. Robinson concludes with a wide-angle view of growing trees and the children flying a kite, implying a return to carefree fun and putting a poignant distance between the tiny figures and readers." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Robinson's sensitive new mixed-media art, with its personality-rich quartet of young people...and its city-park setting, elicits the children's deeply felt emotions and their actions to honor the bird's memory." -- Horn Book Magazine

"The original text is timeless, and the modern, cheerful illustrations will help resurrect this classic for a new generation of readers." -- ALA Booklist

"Robinson thoughtfully pays homage to his predecessor while bringing something new to the telling...a lovely book befitting its lineage." -- School Library Journal