The Message of the Birds

by Kate Westerlund, Feridun Oral (Illustrator)

Overview

This classic holiday book that brings together nature, the nativity, and the celebration of the first Christmas, Jesus's birth, makes a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for toddlers, boys and girls from 3 to 5 years old, and the young at heart!

“Let there be peace on Earth.” A timeless message of how peace can spread from one person to another, ideal for Christmas time, and throughout the year.

Long ago a special child was born, and the animals heard a song of blessing and good will for all the creatures of the earth. But now the birds wonder why no one sings the song anymore. And so they fly far and wide, singing the song of joy and peace. Here is a beautiful story about the powerful role we all play in passing on the timeless message: “Let there be peace. Peace on Earth.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789888240555
Publisher:	Astra Publishing House
Publication date:	11/01/2013
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.70(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	AD630L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Kate Westerlund is the author of A Cup for Everyone and Sharing Christmas. She has taught music and English, sung in musicals and operas, and helped run a summer opera program.

Feridun Oral is a children's book illustrator whose work has been published throughout the world. He has participated in many national and international exhibitions and is the recipient of many awards, including an award from UNESCO in Japan.

Editorial Reviews

★"Told through simple, lyrical words, the story of how the birds fly off to spread a song of peace by singing to children is a touching and profound interpretation of the role of the Christ Child and the meaning of his birth....A lovely, quiet book with something powerful to say." —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“A very special book…a timeless and timely tale not to be missed…. full of the warmth and innocence that parents so often desire for their young children’s lives. The book encompasses a single theme: let there be peace on earth…. The illustrations are spot on…. During what is one of the busiest times of the year for many people, taking a break to enjoy and understand The Message of the Birds is well worth the time. - Good Reads with Ronna 

"The tale itself involves the birds of the world and a song they learned long ago that they want to sing to every child that they find. The real lure is the art, however." —Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal

“Birdsong carrying a message of peace plays a central role in this beautifully illustrated retelling of the Nativity. "Why don't we sing it anymore?" asks the little robin pictured on the cover. While the other birds insist that "people don't listen," the robin suggests, "We should sing it for the children." Pale skies and white landscapes allow the birds' vibrant colors and the children's coats to pop in paintings as serene as a snowfall.” – Shelf Awareness

“Delicate naturalistic illustrations capture the hush of winter and the transformative powers of friendship and love.” — Elissa Gershowitz, Horn Book

From the Publisher

★ 2013-10-02
This calm, unassuming story tells how the birds of the world spread a message of peace at Christmas by singing their special song for children around the world. The proverbial wise old owl tells a mixed flock of birds the story of the Nativity, and the gathered birds are inspired to spread the song of peace themselves by reaching out to children. Told through simple, lyrical words, the story of how the birds fly off to spread a song of peace by singing to children is a touching and profound interpretation of the role of the Christ Child and the meaning of his birth. The birds share their song, and lines of children join hands on snowy hills under a guiding star. The message of the birds' song is revealed on the final pages: "Let there be peace, peace on Earth!" with the word peace written in dozens of different languages on the last page. Minimalist illustrations are painted in muted hues on pale gray backgrounds dotted with snowflakes, creating a hushed atmosphere that makes the final message stand out. Even the cover is understated, with a single robin perched on the tip of an evergreen, snow falling in the background. A lovely, quiet book with something powerful to say. (Picture book/religion. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews