Why read The Dead Bird?

Book cover of The Dead Bird

Book description

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2016! This heartwarming classic picture book by beloved children's book author Margaret Wise Brown is beautifully reillustrated for a contemporary audience by the critically acclaimed, award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson. One day, the children find a bird lying on its side with its…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Dead Bird as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Cecilia Ruiz

Author

This is a book I would have loved to write and illustrate. “The bird was dead when the children found it.” says its opening line.

There are many children’s books that deal with grief and loss but The Dead Bird is one of a kind. The kids in the story didn’t know the bird when it was alive. They only meet the bird after it has died and yet, they have a funeral for it. They sing for a bird that once flew and no longer will. They cry for a life that was, but no longer is.

With child-like…

From Cecilia's list on pictures about death.

Karen Toothaker

Author

This classic has been a favorite of mine for over 30 years. Its straight-talking text tells the story of children who find a dead bird, decide to have a funeral, and to bury the bird.

As young readers and listeners engage with this book, they learn about rituals of death.

The fact that it has stood the test of time, has never gone out of print, and was reissued with new illustrations after forty-five years on the market speaks to the value of this book. If you are fortunate enough to have or find a copy with the original illustrations…

From Karen's list on children dealing with death, grief, and loss.