The Winter Bird

When winter comes, some animals leave, some animals hibernate, and some animals simply live through the winter. As this winter comes, the geese and many other birds begin their long migration to warmer climates. The nightingale has a broken wing and doesn’t know what to do. The owl tells the nightingale he will stay with the winter animals and learn what he needs to learn to get through the winter. As the first snow begins to fall, the rabbit invites the nightingale into his burrow and makes a bed for him of leaves and twigs. The grey squirrel shares his food. When a blizzard is coming, all the animals help him. The nightingale learns the ways of winter, and when spring finally comes, he sings a song of spring.

Author Katie Banks has written a sweet story of friendship and caring that will show youngsters how important it is to help others in their times of need and does it without being the least bit preachy. The beautiful illustrations by Suzie Mason will carry readers through autumn to winter and into spring with soft drawings using a subtle pallet. This is simply a lovely book. Don’t miss it.