Alison McLennan (text) and Lauren Mullinder (illustrator), Birdie Lights Up the World, EK Books, June 2023, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922539489
At the end of each day, Birdie the penguin lights up the world with her song. Without this song, the stars won’t twinkle and the world will fall into darkness. So, what will happen when Birdie wakes up with a terrible cold and loses her voice? Soon, Birdie’s zoo friends discover that the lights go on regardless and they go about their jobs. So now what is Birdie’s place in the world?
This a sweet moral-based story about confidence in yourself and appreciating unique gifts for what they are. Not all gifts may set the world alight!
This is a gently read for preschool ages 3-5 years. Mullinder’s illustrations are soft and expressive. A book for children with or without talents.
Reviewed by Stef Gemmill
