The Dead Bird

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Originally written in 1938, the story of a group of children who find a dead bird and decide to bury it and honor it has been given fresh life by the illustrations of Robinson. The story may upset sensitive children, but it is a realistic look at what happens when something dies and what we can do to honor the life of another creature. There is a beautiful ceremony for the bird complete with flowers, a song, and tears. This is a simple and lovely book to use with a child who has lost a beloved pet. The ending is a bit jarring because the children forget about the bird, but this also speaks to the reality of time healing sadness over loss. Not a first-purchase, but an worthwhile title to include in a collection or study of loss.

Overall Book Score: good