Baby Bird

Luscious~ Sweet ~ Humorous

tl; dr: Learning to fly ain't easy

This book has amazing illustrations. There is one page where you see the reflection of flying bird in the water that is straight visual poetry. The writing is alright, if a bit wordy. But, the real challenge, and the reason this book is only a 3.5 is that one main character is named Cooter. Now, I know that this is a perfectly common nickname in some regions. But that word is also a derogatory term for female genitalia in many places. Feels like someone might have suggested a different name. I just can't imagine reading this book aloud at storytime. So, get the back and give the main character a different name when you read it aloud.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Although my logic keeps telling me that a bird that cannot fly has no chance of survival, I know how fables work: they do not necessarily reflect the truth about the nature and behaviour of animals but convey a message for us, humans. On that level, this little book does charmingly. Maybe Baby Bird cannot fly but that doesn't mean that he can't have fun. The story teaches the children and us to make the most of what we have.

The illustration is lovely. The background is soft enough not to distract the focus from the characters but still detailed; Baby and Cooter are adorable.

A delightful and adorable tale illustrated with eye-catching watercolour. A little bird is trying to learn how to fly. But one of Baby Bird’s wings is twisted and shrunken and not at all like the other one. Instead of flying, Baby plummets to the ground. Baby Bird meets another bird, Cooter, who helps Bird accept that, even if you can’t fly, you can still get around and enjoy life!

“Baby Bird” by Andrew Gibbs is a sweet tale about friendship and acceptance which is also an important reminder for both adults and children. I really enjoyed reading ”Baby Bird.” The lovely illustrations will keep young children engaged in the story and it is a fantastic bed-time story for them.

{Thank you to #NetGalley and Quarto Publishing for the free copy of #BabyBird and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}

<i>Baby Bird</i> by Andrew Gibbs was an adorable and sweet story about a young bird whose wing never fully grew out as he and his siblings grow old enough that they are ready to learn to fly. But as baby bird attempts to join his brothers and sisters in their exciting journeys, he finds himself seriously struggling to stay in the air. In fact, despite all of his best efforts, it seems nearly impossible for baby bird to fly. And yet he does not give up, jumping first from his tree and then from rocks and bridges, all flapping his wings wildly with the hope of taking to the air. It is during these attempts that he meets Cooter who sets about trying to help him fly.

In every way, I deeply enjoyed reading <i>Baby Bird. </i>The story is sweet and beautifully illustrated. And I think one of the most important aspects of this book is how it portrays disabilities and the ways in which a character overcomes the struggles that he is facing. I won't get into too many details, but the end of the story was more beautiful than I could have imagined and it might not be what you think. I definitely see this as a story that many children will benefit greatly from reading.

The illustrations were beautiful and filled with color. They will definitely keep young children engaged and pleased with the story, especially as they meet the amazing characters within. I believe many kids will love the story of baby bird and his new friend and hopefully they will find it inspiring as well.

<i>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i

This is stunning. The illustrations are heartwarming and overwhelmingly beautiful. The story has a clear and strong message that any child would benefit from hearing.

Sweet tale about friendship and acceptance. Baby bird is a special bird who can’t fly, but knows that birds are meant to fly! He tries and tries, but just can’t fly with the wings he was born with. He meets another bird (a goose), who helps him, and helps him accept that while he may never fly, he can still get around and have fun! He begins to understand that birds aren’t only defined by flight; he’s still a perfect bird. Great to help kids understand that humans are just as diverse in ability, and great for explaining that disabilities aren’t bad, we’re all different, and it’s how we make our society inclusive for all people that matters.

A good, highly pictorial young read about seeing through disability and 'otherness' to the strength within, whether that be yourself or other people. A young bird with a damaged wing can never get off the ground when it comes to flying, but lo and behold a new best friend can teach it the benefits of doing things differently. Some unusual decisions – making the bird's siblings the reverse colour pattern, making the new friend sound very Americanised – did raise a few eyebrows, but feathers were generally unruffled, for this is fun, enjoyable and not hammering home its message. It was disappointing to read the author has already passed away – here's hoping the illustrator, at least, can get the career in books that this debut work proves she deserves. A strong four stars.

My daughter loved this book, especially the beautiful illustrations. Baby bird has a wing that doesn't let him fly, but he meets a friend that helps him realize that there's other things to be enjoyed!

A cute book with beautiful illustrations that help teach to younger children how to overcome diversities and that it is ok to be different!

Thanks to NetGally for a free ARC of this book!

A touching story about learning to accept yourself as you are and the power of true friendship, "Baby Bird" will charm young children with its calming watercolour illustrations and likeable protagonists.. Full of giggles and tender moments, I was really quite taken with just how wholesome this picture book was, modeling being a good listener, persevering and showing love for our friends in a down-to-earth and very real manner. The muted colour palette and beautifully formatted pages were gorgeous to look through, the story flowed wonderfully, and the writing was polished and impactful. What more could you possibly ask for in a children's picture book? A very easy 5 stars.

A great little children's book about friendship and learning to accept yourself just the way you are. In reality this little bird wouldn't have survived his first fall from the tree, but I just enjoyed this heart-warming story, that was the reason it was written. The illustrations were beautiful!

Baby Bird by Andrew Gibbs is a really cute story that I will definitely look to buy for my daughter's library. The story is about a bird born with one wing that is twisted and shrunken so he cannot fly like his brother's and sister's can. Despite his best efforts and perseverance, he is unable to accomplish his goal. During Baby Bird's attempts at flying, he meets another bird called Cooter and they try together to get Baby Bird to fly. They form a fast friendship and Baby Bird learns to accept his disability.

The illustrations are very well done and I love how colorful the book is. The story is a great one and a lesson that cannot be overdone. It teaches that although we may have a disadvantage that we are born with, there is more than one way of accomplishing something. Sometimes, all it takes is a little love and acceptance from a friend to guide that spirit along.

My only slight criticism is it ended quite abruptly. I would have liked to have seen a few pages on the new friendship formed by Baby Bird and Cooter zooming all around together.

Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Childrens for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This is a very sweet book about accepting yourself for who you are and finding those that love you regardless. It has beautiful illustrations and leaves you with a warm feeling inside. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

A beautifully illustrated story about a baby bird born with one wing smaller than the other. Baby cannot fly like the other birds and after trying and trying, is left feeling sad and alone, until a new friend comes along. Cooter shows Baby friendship and fun and helps Baby to learn about accepting who you are and enjoying the things you can do, rather on dwelling on things you can't.

I did feel a little disappointed with the ending, which seemed a bit quick and unfinished. I actually turned the page expecting there to be more. I also found some of Cooter's speech a bit irritating ("whaddya" "I sure think" "I'll show ya") but not so much so that I didn't enjoy the book. The message of the story and the lovely illustrations, will make it an excellent addition to any collection.

Baby bird is different from it's brothers. It has one wing that is so small, that makes it hard to fly.
Baby bird tries, harder and harder to fly but it's unsuccessful. A friend helps him but still baby bird never flies. Than it's friend gives him a fun ride.
This book is unique in the sense that it has an unique message - You should have fun while trying hard to overcome your drawbacks.
I think that's the most important thing, we try hard to achieve success but we should also have fun with friends. Sometimes, we need to forget our flaws and just have fun.

I was drawn to this book because of the gorgeous yet simple illustrations, and the natural colour palette.

Baby Bird isn't like the other birds. One of Baby's wings is small and twisted. When it's time to fly out of the nest for the first time, Baby falls and gets left behind. Baby must find some way to get around and find his place in this huge new world.

It's a beautiful an simple story of perseverance, acceptance, and being different. Teachers and librarians will find lots of opportunity for educational tie ins. It's also a fun read-a-loud, with lots of emotion and drama.

One interesting thing I noticed is that Baby is never given a gender. Children of any gender will see themselves in Baby Bird.

A touching story with an important lesson to teach. A baby bird has one weak wing compared to other birds. However, the baby bird doesn't let their weak wing get in the way. The baby bird is determined to fly and practices very hard. The baby bird makes a new friend who helps her to understand and appreciate her weak wing as well as showing her that friends can help you get through tough things in life. Beautiful illustrations! I love this book so much, all children should read this!

Baby Bird is determined to fly like all the other birds. However, he was born with a deformed wing and he just can't seem to get the hang of flying like his brothers and sisters can. Then he meets a coot named Cooter, who befriends him and tries to help him; together they learn to embrace his differences and have fun together anyways.
I really like the theme of this story, about how friends can take care of and help each other, and it also doesn't oversimplify Baby Bird's disability. His wings don't allow for him to fly, and no amount of practice can change that (although he does try really hard despite all his failed attempts!) but this doesn't make his friend want to play with him any less.
I don't have a lot of experience working with children with physical disabilities but I would imagine that this book would have a positive impact on them and their peers. Cooter never feels sorry for Baby Bird, nor does he ignore the fact that Baby Bird has a disability. It isn't presented as something that needs to be fixed, and instead the two characters find a way for Baby Bird to feel like he's flying even if it's on the back of his friend (who also doesn't really fly, but speeds along on the water).
My only complaint about this book is the friend's name, Cooter. In the U.S., the word is a sort of crass euphamism for female genitalia, so while this book may do well abroad, I might recommend a name change for the copies that are sold in this country.

The Story:
Baby Bird has a twisted and shrunken wing that makes Baby different from the other hatchlings. Baby watches as the others all fly away from the nest; but when Baby tries, Baby falls. Baby tries again and again. Baby meets a coot who tries to help, but Baby Bird just can’t fly. With the help of Coot, will Baby Bird learn that there is more than one way to fly?

Favourite Spread:
Zosienka illustrations are brilliant, seamlessly complimenting Andrew’s fabulous story. Zosienka has captured Baby Bird’s struggle to fly to perfection, making you feel like you are there was Baby and willing Baby on. By far my favourite spread was when Coot scoots – creating a scene we’ve all seen when a coot runs across the water.

The Verdict:
This book is an absolute triumph, celebrating “ability not disability”. It surprised me with its elegance and simplicity and has a timeless quality which I hope sees this book become a classic. A story that belongs in every home, school and library across the world.

Picture Book Perfect Rating:
Five out of five stars.
But five stars doesn’t do this book justice so I have awarded it the Picture Book Perfect Silver Award!

I am very grateful to the publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

** This review will be published on 2 May, links can be updated **

Cute story, great length for a bed time story for ages (with large beautiful pictures equally important to the young ones), would definitely buy!

An utterly heartwarming picture book, about a baby bird who's twisted and shrunken wing leave Baby grounded and unable to fly. Until Baby makes a new friend, and learns that sometimes you have to find unexpected ways to achieve your dreams.

Andrew Gibbs has written a unforgettably powerful tale addressing themes of disability, acceptance, friendship and determination. The beautifully, delicate watercolour illustrations by Zosienka are exceptionally remarkable and complement the story perfectly.

A must read!

Baby Bird is an adorable character. He is the fourth bird in the nest, but he was born with a difference. One of his wings did not develop and when all his siblings fly off, he can't go with them. No matter how hard he tries, he is not able to fly. Even as he falls and falls again, he keeps trying. When he meets a goose, they develop a friendship and "Cooter" tries to help him. Finally, Baby Bird and Cooter accept that he will never fly. Fortunately Cooter knows what to say and do to help Baby Bird realize that there is more than one way to fly.

Of course there are a couple of wonderful messages in this book. Baby Bird learns that sometimes we need a little help from friends as well as our own acceptance that we can overcome difficulties that we have no control over. Baby Bird realizes that he is wonderful even if he can't fly. The wonderful message about friendship, helping and encouraging one another as well as acceptance is an important one. A great addition to a home, school or public library.

A very sweet story about accepting yourself as you are. Baby Bird was born with a disability, a shrunken wing that doesn't allow him to fly. He feels bad about himself, and tries hard to learn to fly, but is unable to do so. Then he meets Cooter (really wish the name was something less, ummm.... questionable), a goose who helps Baby Bird learn there are other things he can do, and other ways to fly. The message is lovely, and the illustrations are gorgeous. My only quibble is the story ends very abruptly- we do get the feel good, but it so brief! Still, it leaves a warm fuzzy in your heart, and the art is just beautiful.

Received as an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Baby Bird and his friend Cooter work together as Baby Bird learns to accept his injury and overcome it. Born with a malformed wing, Baby Bird cannot fly like the other birds no matter how much he tries and tries. While trying to learn to fly, he meets and befriends Cooter, another bird who isn't that great at flying either. With Cooter's help, Baby Bird eventually learns to accept his inability to fly. This is a wonderful little picture book that I think would be a great tool to explain physical disability to able bodied children while helping disabled children learn to accept who they are and what they can do instead of allowing them to focus on what they cannot do.

I received a copy of this arc from NetGalley for an honest review. I love all picture books about birds. I enjoyed this book about a young bird who doesn't think he can learn to fly. A story about not giving up.

This is super cute. The illustrations are lovely and the writing isn't too complex or simple. There is a special mix of elements that need to come together for a children's book to be engaging and have staying power. Andrew Gibbs has achieved that in this simple; yet complex story.

We start by learning that baby bird has a little wing. Which means he can't fly, no matter how much he tries. His friend tries to help him out and feel better about things; as well as saves baby bird as his lowest moment. This low moment is a quick panel and the perfect subtle way of saying that it's okay to be sad and angry and low. So long as you have someone to help you back up again! For a children's book to even touch on a low moment is rare and so I love the way it's done in Baby Bird.

This is the perfect book for any child that is different or feels like they don't fit in. Be it because of a medical, physical, emotional or mental reason. The end allows us to realize that there are other ways to participate in activities than doing everything the same way all the other birds do. A great book for afternoon reads or before bed. The illustrations are colourful but not too bright and the length is perfect. This solid kids story could be purchased for any child and be appreciated.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

I enjoyed this story for young children. The illustrations are lavish and true to nature. A baby bird has a wing that did not grow properly, and he spends a lot of time trying to fly like the other chicks. But he has fun with a grown coot who tries to help.
As well as the nature story we get a message of working with others and we see that not everyone is born with the same gifts, but those less lucky can still be our friends (or we may be the less lucky one).

This would be good for kids under six. Very bright and cheerful. I downloaded an ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

Baby Bird is born with an under developed wing so he can't fly like his siblings. He tries and tries but it just won't happen. Then he meets a new friend - the Coot who teaches him that his wing won't stop him achieving his dreams and there is more than one way to fly. Lovely images and a great story - one I would get for my daughter to read over and over and keep

It's a story we've seen many times: an character seems like they aren't capable of doing something. In this case, we have a baby bird with a deformed wing. Generally these stories take the perspective that you can achieve anything if you try hard enough. Or, occasionally, that you might have to take a different approach but that you CAN do it. Gibb's story looks at the issue from a different perspective. No matter what Baby Bird tries, he simply cannot fly. His body is not capable of that task. Instead, he has to change his idea of what it means to be a bird. He has to change his entire world view. Baby's friend never tells him not to try. He helps and encourages Baby. And then he shows him another way to be a bird, how to work with his limitations instead of in spite of them. And that is a valuable message for a young audience.

I love the idea of this book - the friendship, the theme of failing/failure and the way it was dealt with in a different way rather than the usual do not give up. I think it is an important lesson for the little ones too.

However... there is a lot of space for improvement in the way this story was told...