Today's read... Birdie Lights Up the World by Alison McLennan

BIRDIE LIGHTS UP THE WORLD

by Alison McLennan

Illustrated by Lauren Mullinder

EK Books

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

JUNE 21st!!!

Birdie the penguin believes she is the chosen one who lights up the world every night with her 

song. Her zoo friends believe this too.

In this sensitively illustrated story, featuring a cast of zoo animals, Birdie the penguin has a special 

role to play. Until one day she gets sick and discovers that perhaps her role was not as
important as she thought. She and her friends discover that the world can light itself up at night 

without Birdie’s song. Birdie begins to question what her purpose is. She tries to learn the jobs the 

other animals do, without success. She feels lost and confused — until her zoo friends help her 

realize her true purpose.

The author has said that she wanted to deliver the message that we all have special, unique gifts and 

it’s our responsibility to share them with the world. If we have a song to sing, we should sing it, whether it fills a stadium or only brings joy to one person …it all counts.

Parents, grandparents, librarians and teachers will all want to gift or recommend this 

book. It’s for everyone, but especially for any child who has been told they are good at something and then feels the weight of responsibility to take lessons and compete, and 

to be the best. Birdie Lights Up the World will inspire them to do the things they
love for the pure joy of it.

GOODREADS  /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

A cute penguin brings more than just a few smiles; it learns an important lesson about talents as well.

Birdie lives in a zoo and is able to make the world light-up every night when she sings. The other animals look forward to her nightly melodies and are thrilled to listen and watch her talent unfold. Until, one night, she realizes that it's not her song which lights up the night. With her purpose in life completely demolished, she tries to figure out what she can do in life.

Penguin fans are going to enjoy this one quite a bit. Birdie is adorable and comes across wonderfully on every page. Her joy and disappointment are clear as she does her best to figure things out. Readers/listeners will have no trouble sympathizing with her and hoping that she finds the solution she's looking for.

The illustrations are vivid and bring Birdie as well as the other animals across clearly and brightly. The usual division found in zoos isn't portrayed in the scenes, but rather, the animals mingle. There is plenty of ice, water and snow surrounding Birdie to create a intriguing contrast to the jungle animals. The friendships come across nicely, and it's fun to flip through the illustrations and visit the various creatures.

The text flows smoothly and makes a nice read-aloud. It brings across the message well and shows how talents can simply be used for enjoyment...and how that can be a blessing in itself. It's a sweet, uplifting read from beginning to end. 

Review: Growing Pains by Alison McLennan

 Today's review takes a gentler turn toward kindness, nature, and simply being concerned about others. 

GROWING PAINS

by Alison McLennan

Illustrated by Melissa Johns

EK Books

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

When Finn’s family plants a tree in the backyard, he feels responsible for it and worries the little sapling is cold, hungry or lonely. He tries to share his breakfast with the tree, offers it his scarf, and spends the afternoon keeping it company. Just after going to bed, his nightlight goes out and Finn is plunged into darkness. As his nerves start to take hold, it occurs to him that his tree is outside in the dark, every night! But when he sees that his little tree is standing tall and brave in the moonlight and doesn’t seem afraid, it inspires Finn to be brave as well. And so Finn’s kindness and curiosity end up helping him to overcome his fear of the dark. Growing Pains is a touching story about curiosity, kindness, empathy, care of the environment, and overcoming your fears.

GOODREADS  /   AMAZON   /  B&N   /    BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Kindness and innocent curiosity make Finn a child to like from the very first page, and one young listeners will easily identify with.

Finn planted a tree in the yard with his family, but when he's told not to leave the house because it's cold, he begins to worry that the tree might be cold, too. Wanting to make sure the tree is as happy and comfortable as possible, Finn finds himself spending more and more time with the tree. But the tree might offer him something as well.

Finn's concern for the small sapling is already sweet and makes him a character, who is easy to like. He has a big heart, and listeners will have no trouble sympathizing with Finn's concerns. But this book is only about Finn's worries. Finn's shared time with the tree creates a gentle and calming atmosphere, which shows how wonderful simple things can be. But there is a bit of tension, too, which the author weaves in toward the end...and even this is a situation many listeners will identify with.

The text is just right for the age group and sticks to a few lines for each scene. The story flows smoothly and allows the illustrations to add their spark and even  a pinch of humor. These are done in a textured style, which allows artistic flair while keeping everything easy to identify. 

This is a sweet read, which is perfect for those more calm moments. And after reading this one, parents might find a scarf around one of their own trees.