BIRD BOY

Nico isn’t like all the other children, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

Nico knows he is different. He is new at school, and he isn’t sure what to do to be included. But he knows what he likes to do. He likes to watch insects marching or to sit in the grass and feel the sun on his face. As he sits still, birds begin to visit him. When the other children see this, they name him Bird Boy. Nico knows they are making fun of him, and it hurts. But as he thinks about the name, he finds himself smiling. He imagines himself as an eagle soaring, a penguin diving, a hummingbird hovering, and all sorts of birds in action. Throughout the day and into the night, he imagines and plays. Eventually, other children notice his kindness and his freedom, and he makes first one friend and then another. This heartwarming tale about a Black boy who feels free to be himself and finds genuine friendships by doing so offers realistic hope and encouragement for children who feel different to accept their authentic selves. Gentle illustrations use textures and color schemes to blend imagination with reality for a delightfully surreal journey through Nico’s world. His classmates are mostly kids of color, and one uses a wheelchair.

A lovely celebration of individuality.