Little Bird
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Celebrated Newbery Medal–winner, Cynthia Voigt, introduces Little Bird in this uplifting and adventurous short novel. Little Bird is a tiny crow with a big heart and imagination, who embarks on a journey to retrieve a lucky pendant stolen by a fisher cat, believed to bring good luck to her flock. Along the way, she encounters challenges that test her wits and survival skills, making new friends including a humorous goat. The story is enriched with black-and-white illustrations by Newbery Medalist Lynne Rae Perkins and highlights themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery. Additionally, E.M. Bradbury's Little Bird faces the challenge of moving to a new place and making friends with frogs from different backgrounds, emphasizing the message that differences don't hinder true friendships.
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Little Bird felt when she embarked on her journey? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
How did Little Bird's adventures change her by the end of the story? What new things do you think she learned?
What was your favorite part of Little Bird's journey? Why did that moment stand out to you?
If you were Little Bird, what would you have done differently on your adventure?
How did the other characters in the book help Little Bird? Can you think of ways we help each other in our family?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing 'Little Bird', use open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and personal connections, making the story more relatable. Encourage your child to express feelings and thoughts, and share your own interpretations and reactions to the story to foster a mutual exchange of ideas. Highlight the book's themes, such as bravery and growth, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter. This not only improves comprehension but also enhances empathy and emotional awareness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'Little Bird,' the main character faces challenges in learning to fly but continues to try despite failures. This persistence is key to the bird's ultimate success.
Real-World Application: Children learn that sticking to tasks, even when they are difficult, can lead to success. This lesson can be applied to schoolwork, sports, or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The value of encouragement
Explanation: Throughout the story, Little Bird receives support and encouragement from family and friends, which boosts its confidence and motivation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of supporting others. Kids can encourage their peers in school projects, sports teams, or any group activity, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Each failed attempt teaches Little Bird something new, contributing to its growth and eventual success.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that mistakes are opportunities for learning. Encouraging them to embrace errors as part of the learning process can help them tackle challenges more effectively in real life.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Little Bird tackles the unknown realms of the sky with bravery, depicting the courage required to explore new opportunities.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face new situations—such as moving to a new school or trying out different activities—with courage and openness.
Example Lesson: The joy of achieving goals
Explanation: The story culminates in Little Bird’s success, highlighting the joy and satisfaction that come from achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to set personal goals and work towards them, teaching them the value of setting and achieving personal milestones.