Nerdy Birdy

by Aaron Reynolds, Matt Davies (Illustrator)

Overview

Nerdy Birdy likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd.

One thing is clear: being a nerdy birdy is a lonely lifestyle.

When he's at his lowest point, Nerdy Birdy meets a flock just like him. He has friends and discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626721272
Publisher:	Roaring Brook Press
Publication date:	09/22/2015
Series:	Nerdy Birdy Series
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	130,574
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Aaron Reynolds is a New York Times bestselling author of many highly hilarious books for kids, including Carnivores; Chicks and Salsa; Joey Fly, Private Eye; and the Caldecott Honor book Creepy Carrots! He lives in the Chicago area with his wife, two kids, four cats, and between three and ten fish, depending on the day.

Matt Davies was the recipient of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartoons, the inaugural 2004 Herblock Prize, and the 2001 Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. He and his wife, Lucy, live in Wilton, Connecticut, with their three children.

Editorial Reviews

06/08/2015
In this ornithologically themed story of social hierarchy and acceptance, it’s Eagle, Robin, and Cardinal’s world—all the other birds just live in it. Bespectacled, allergic-to-birdseed Nerdy Birdy is resigned to being dissed or dismissed until he discovers a band of “nerdy birdies” just like him—“At least half of them had inhalers,” writes Reynolds (Here Comes Destructosaurus!). “And most of them liked to play World of Wormcraft.” But when a hulking female vulture shows up, Nerdy Birdy discovers that his fellow outcasts can be just as clannish and snobbish as the cool guys (“Where are her glasses?” “And have you heard what she eats? Blecch!!”). There’s no missing the messages about groupthink and staying true to oneself, but Reynolds also includes lots of fine, goofy jokes at the bro birds’ expense (Eagle’s talents include throwing a football, while Cardinal excels at posing). And Davies (Ben Draws Trouble) draws laughs throughout with page after page of witty, Searle-esque drawings; his elegant, scraggly artwork has a comic timing all its own. Ages 4–8. Agent: Paul Rodeen, Rodeen Literary Management. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

Davies' nicely frayed lines and ink-and-watercolor cartoon illustrations create a perfect hybrid of bird and, well, nerd. Reynolds' gently ironic tone will appeal to elementary-age readers who face similar friendship conundrums-and who might draw confidence from Nerdy Birdy. Very funny and full of hope-and feathers.” —Kirkus, starred review

From the Publisher

★ 2015-06-06
A small, bespectacled bird struggles with friendship. Nerdy Birdy, with his too-small wings, is unlike the cool birds. They have impressive attributes: "abs of steel" for Eagle, "glossy red attire" for Cardinal, and "worm-fed physique" for Robin. Nerdy Birdy, allergic to birdseed, wears glasses that are too big. He likes reading and video games (he's especially devoted to World of Wormcraft). He's not cool, and it's "awfully lonely not being a cool birdy." So he's delighted to discover other nerdy birds: "Their glasses were too big. Their wings were too small. At least half of them had inhalers." And there are "way more nerdy birdies than cool birdies." Now he has friends. The story could have ended there, but instead it ever so sweetly takes flight. A large vulture moves into the neighborhood. While the cool birds find her unacceptable, Nerdy Birdy has confidence in his friends: "Being cool is exhausting. You should hang around with us," he tells her. Though that's not exactly what happens, clearly Nerdy Birdy understands the heart of friendship. Davies' nicely frayed lines and ink-and-watercolor cartoon illustrations create a perfect hybrid of bird and, well, nerd. Reynolds' gently ironic tone will appeal to elementary-age readers who face similar friendship conundrums—and who might draw confidence from Nerdy Birdy. Very funny and full of hope—and feathers. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews