The Swallow Who Stayed - by Philip Giordano (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Iris asked the other birds, 'What happens to the forest when we leave?' But nobody knew the answer. No swallow had ever stayed long enough to see. It's time for the swallows to fly South for the winter. But not for Iris, a curious swallow, who has always wondered what the winter is like and decides to stay. One by one, the leaves fall from the trees and the cold begins to settle. Soon an icy wind blows and big snowflakes tumble from the sky. Maybe staying for the winter was a mistake... Though everything changes when Iris stumbles into the home of a squirrel."--

Book Synopsis

A gorgeously illustrated story of a swallow who goes against the flock, and the wonderful friendship that emerges from her decision. For kids 3-7, The Swallow Who Stayed is a beautiful celebration of the seasons and what happens when we have the courage to be different.

Iris asked the other birds, "What happens to the forest when we leave?"

But nobody knew the answer. No swallow had ever stayed long enough to see.

It's time for the swallows to fly South for the winter. But not for Iris, a curious swallow, who has always wondered what the winter is like and decides to stay. One by one, the leaves fall from the trees and the cold begins to settle. Soon an icy wind blows and big snowflakes tumble from the sky. Maybe staying for the winter was a mistake... Though everything changes when Iris stumbles into the home of a squirrel.

Philip Giordano's geometric art perfectly captures the changing seasons and the different skyscapes we experience in the morning and at night as seasons change. This heartfelt story shares the incredible surprises that happen when we dare to do something different, and celebrates a friendship that lasts from winter to spring.

Review Quotes

"A beautifully illustrated story about having the courage to be different, and how we need to create friendships to help us succeed."
--Kiss the Book Jr.

"The idea of following your dreams and experiencing consequences, but also being able to find help from unexpected quarters will be a welcome message."
--Youth Services Book Review

"A lovely story of having the courage to stray from the crowd, chart one's own path, and cherish the friendships made along the way."
--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Phillip Giordano is an illustrator and animator whose work has been selected for the American Illustration Annual, Communication Arts Illustration Annual, 3x3 Illustration Annual, and the Applied Arts Photography & Illustration Awards. His illustrations have received international recognition and awards including the Silver Medal by the Society of Illustrators; the White Raven Award; and the International Illustration Prize Bologna. He lives in Tokyo, Japan.