The Bird Who Swallowed a Star

When a little bird swallows a star in one giant, accidental gulp, it illuminates his body. At nighttime, he shines so brightly and beautifully that the other birds envy his appearance. However, not a single creature wishes to delight in his company. They all fear his presence will cause exposure to predators, threatening their existence. After countless critters tell him to “go away,” he’s left with only sadness. Tears fall from his eye, and with the gift of time, a gorgeous star-shaped flower sprouts. A traveler admires it’s beauty as well as his and carries him off into the distance to a place he can call home.

This is a unique book about kindness and inclusion. Children who’ve been shunned and ridiculed by their peers will find this story relatable. They’ll be struck by the man’s benevolence and touched by his innate ability to see goodness where others find fault. The illustrations are intriguing and elegant in their simplicity. They feature blends of neutral and dark hues with only a few sprinkles of light, more vibrant ones. Additional colors are introduced in the final spreads, but no words accompany them, leaving readers, notably those between the ages of five and nine, the alluring challenge of interpreting the conclusion.