Each Little Bird That Sings facts for kids

Each Little Bird That Sings is a heartwarming novel written by Deborah Wiles in 2005. It's a story for readers of all ages, especially those between 12 and 15. The book won the Association of Booksellers for Children E. B. White Read Aloud Award in 2006 for older children. It was also a finalist for the United States National Book Awards in 2005 and won the California Young Reader Medal in 2008.

The story follows a girl named Comfort Snowberger. Her family lives in a made-up town called Snapfinger, Mississippi. They own a funeral home, which means Comfort has grown up around funerals. She has even attended 247 of them! Comfort has a best friend named Declaration and a cousin named Peach, whom she initially doesn't like very much.

What's the Story About?

This book explores how facing sad times, like saying goodbye to loved ones, is a natural part of life. It shows how people cope with loss and find comfort.

Comfort's Journey with Loss

Comfort Snowberger experiences a difficult time when her Great-great-Aunt Florentine passes away in her garden. Soon after, her Great-Uncle Edisto also dies on a day they had planned a fun picnic. Comfort becomes very worried about the next funeral, which will be her 248th. She wonders whose funeral it will be.

Dealing with Family and Friends

Comfort also feels annoyed because she has to take care of her cousin, Peach, after the funeral. Over time, Comfort starts to realize that Peach might be a true friend after all. Comfort just wants to hide in her closet with her dog, Dismay, to escape her worries.

A Scary Flood and a Difficult Choice

One day, Comfort, Peach, and Dismay get caught in a sudden flash flood at the cemetery. They struggle to stay safe by holding onto an oak tree. Comfort tells Peach to let Dismay go so the dog can try to swim to safety. Peach doesn't hear her because she is underwater. Comfort has to gently open Peach's fingers from Dismay's collar, letting the dog float away alone in the strong current.

Finding Comfort After Loss

Later, Dismay's collar is found by Declaration near a drainage ditch close to Lake Tallyhoma. Knowing that Dismay is gone, the town of Snapfinger holds a special service to remember him. Even after the service, Declaration and Comfort are still sad and upset with each other about what happened.

Who Are the Main Characters?

• Comfort Snowberger: The main character, a girl who lives in a funeral home.
• Merry Snowberger: Comfort's younger sister.
• Tidings Snowberger: Comfort's older brother.
• Great Uncle Edisto Snowberger: Comfort, Tidings, and Merry's great uncle.
• Great Great Aunt Florentine: Comfort, Tidings, and Merry's great, great aunt.
• Peach Shuggars: Comfort's 8-year-old cousin.
• Declaration Johnson: Comfort's best friend.
• Dismay: Comfort's beloved pet dog, a Black Labrador retriever.