Little Home Bird (Child's Play Library)

Little Bird loves everything about his home. There is his favorite branch, where he sits and sings a happy song. There are cherries galore (Little Bird’s favorite food) to eat, music from a wind chime hanging from his branch, and a view he can look at every day.However, one day, things begin to change. A chilly wind starts to blow and leaves fall from the trees. Little Bird’s big brother wraps his wing around his young sibling and says, “Did you know a home can be here or there? It may be near or far, big or small, and even hot or cold. And sometimes you can have two homes—just like us! It’s time to fly south to our winter home, where the food is plenty and the wind’s breath is warm.”But Little Bird is not reassured. The youngster feels despondent at the prospect of leaving all his favorite things behind until the he has a wonderful idea: to take what he loves along. So Little Bird fills his nest with cherries, flowers, his favorite branch, and everything else that reminds him of home. When it is time to leave, the sky is full of green-and-yellow birds flying south—and Little Bird following with his favorite things held in his feet.However, Little Bird, because of the weight of his treasures, cannot keep up with his fellow travelers. “So with a splish and a splash…his favorite branch found a new home. Much to a dog’s delight!” This scene repeats itself as a strong wind blows and then a thunderstorm sweeps in—causing another of Little Bird’s favorite things to find a new home to the joy of its recipient.When the voyagers finally arrive at their winter residence, Little Bird has only his nest. However, he does not have a chance to miss his favorite things: there is so much to discover in his new home-- and new friends to share his nest.Jo Empson’s warm story will resonate with kids, especially those who are facing a move or living in a new home. Repeated refrains ("And further south the birds flew”) add to the dramatic effect of the tale. Vibrant illustrations by the author provide a charming complement to the text and effectively depict Little Bird's emotions and all the characters’ body language. The reader can almost feel the cold wind and the warm sun as the birds make their journey south. The delightful conclusion and a map of the avian route add a touch of realism to the story and provide a springboard for discussion. A delightful tale of friendship, family, and how the choices we make can have effects of which we are not always aware.

Loved it!

Little Bird realizes he must go to his winter home in the south but knowing that brings him trepidation and so he decides to bring his favorite things with him from his northern home.The flight south might not be so easy with all of his baggage. How will his journey go?Written and illustrated by Jo Empson, published by Child's Play.#PB #migration #birds

I was a bit skeptical after buying this book for 15p but the book is in amazing condition and arrived very quickly! Lovely book that definitely helps children in transitional periods of their life.

Used this book for our Library's Preschool Storytime. Our theme was Migration

Our first purchase from this talented author-illustrator, and its a huge hit with my almost four year-old boy and myself!He asked for me to read it again (twice!) immediately, which I did gladly as it is just gorgeous.Little Home Bird is a heart-warming tale that addresses how change, especially moving home, can be strange at first but can end up being a positive experience. Home can be anywhere and change can be exciting.I would recommend buying this to anyone, especially if you’re moving home/have recently moved.It's also be great for educators who are teaching about migration/ bird projects.

Excellent story. Beautiful illustrations.Explains that home can be anywhere you want it to be

...I received the USA edition, so not great for reinforcing UK spellings of repeat words such as 'colour' & 'favourite'.Hopefully mine was a one-off ~ worth checking on receiving!ooOooFrom the back cover:📝 'Little Bird loves everything about his home. He’s surrounded by his favourite branch, his favourite food, his favourite view and his favourite music. Why on earth would he ever want to change, even when his brother tells him that they must? Discover how Little Bird ends up finding happiness in his new home from home in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Perfect for all children who love home, however many they may have.'