Bird (book) facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Zetta Elliott |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Shadra Strickland |
| Published | 2008 |
| Publisher | Lee & Low Books |
| Awards | New Voices Award Honor |
Bird is a picture book from 2008. It was written by Zetta Elliott and illustrated by Shadra Strickland. The book won the New Voices Award Honor. This award came from its publisher, Lee & Low Books.
Contents
Discovering the Story of Bird
Zetta Elliott, the author, is a poet and writer. She studied American Studies at NYU. She first wrote Bird as a short story in 2006. Later, she worked with illustrator Shadra Strickland. Together, they turned it into a picture book in 2008. This was Zetta Elliott's first published book. It has won several awards. Bird is an African American story. It includes ideas from African folklore. The book also talks about dealing with loss and big feelings.
What Happens in Bird?
The book tells the story of a young Black boy named Mehkai. His Grandad gave him the nickname "Bird." After his Grandad passes away, Mehkai becomes very close to his Grandad's best friend, Uncle Son.
Bird's Journey of Remembering
Mehkai and Uncle Son start going to the park together. They feed pigeons, share stories, and drink coffee. Bird loves to draw. He uses drawing to remember things and understand his life better. His favorite thing to draw is, of course, birds.
The story goes back in time to when Bird's older brother, Marcus, taught him to draw. Marcus was a graffiti artist. After Marcus passes away, and then Grandad shortly after, Bird and Uncle Son's weekly park visits become very important. During these times, Bird learns to find peace. He learns to cope with the loss of his brother and his Grandfather. He keeps drawing, hoping to learn from his experiences. He wants to remember everything that happened.
Who Are the Characters?
- Mehkai (Bird) - He is the main character and the person telling the story. His Grandad calls him Bird.
- Uncle Son - He is Mehkai's Grandad's best friend. He becomes a wise friend to Mehkai after his Grandad passes away.
- Grandad - He is Mehkai's Grandfather. He guides Mehkai and gives him his nickname. He passes away in the story.
- Marcus - He is Bird's older brother. Bird looks up to him.
- Mama - She is Bird's mother.
- Papa - He is Bird's father.
