The Dead Bird (book) facts for kids
Cover art of The Dead Bird.
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| Author | Margaret Wise Brown |
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| Illustrator | Remy Charlip |
| Genre | Picture book |
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Publication date
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1958 |
The Dead Bird is a special children's book written by Margaret Wise Brown. It tells a gentle story about a group of children who find a bird that has just died. The book explores feelings like sadness and respect in a way that helps young readers understand death.
Contents
What "The Dead Bird" Is About
The Dead Bird was first written by Margaret Wise Brown in 1938. However, it was not published until 1958, after she had passed away. The first published version featured beautiful drawings by Remy Charlip.
The Story of the Bird
The book begins with a group of children playing together. They are exploring a park when they discover a bird that is no longer alive. The bird is still warm, which means it has only recently died. The children feel a mix of sadness and curiosity about what they have found.
Instead of leaving the bird, the children decide to give it a proper burial. They gently pick up the bird and carry it to a quiet spot. They dig a small grave and carefully place the bird inside. To show their respect, they cover the bird with soft leaves and colorful flowers. They even sing a little song for the bird before they leave.
Why This Book Is Important
The Dead Bird is known for being a "gentle" and "standout" book. It helps children understand and deal with the emotions that come with death. It shows that it is okay to feel sad when something dies, and that showing respect is important.
The book has been praised for its simple yet powerful message. It helps young readers think about life, loss, and how we say goodbye. It teaches empathy and understanding in a very calm way.
New Illustrations for a Classic Story
In 2016, The Dead Bird was reissued with brand new illustrations. These new pictures were created by Christian Robinson. His drawings brought a fresh look to the classic story.
Robinson's illustrations are described as "cinematic storytelling." This means they tell the story almost like a movie. He set the story in a "lush urban park," making the setting feel rich and alive. The children in his drawings are diverse, meaning they come from different backgrounds. Even though they are diverse, their feelings, curiosity, and playfulness are universal. This helps all young readers connect with the characters and their emotions.
