"Home tweet home," is carved into a branch next to Little Bird's daisy-chained nest... that's how much Little Bird loves it there. After all, he has his favorite branch, food, music and view right within reach. But when the wind blows cold, his big brother has some rough news for him: it's time to fly south for the winter.
Home can be "here or there," his brother explains: "[N]ear or far, big or small, and even hot or cold." Little Bird feels sad, but decides he'll just take all his favorite things with him--nest, branch, food, the whole works--on the flight south. Not surprisingly, he's overloaded and must drop things. His favorite branch finds a new home--"with a splish and a splash"--in a stream, much to a dog's delight. Little Bird drops his wind chimes--"with a whoosh and a swoosh"--in some mountains, much to a shepherd's delight. His favorite berries become impaled on a happy porcupine's quills. But in the sun-drenched new home, where "the wind's breath was warm," Little Bird starts finding new favorite things... and some crazily plumed new birds to share his nest with, too.
British author-illustrator Jo Empson (Chimpanzees for Tea!; Rabbityness) wows readers with fun read-aloud repetition and spectacular watercolor illustrations of the gigantic-eyed yellow bird, in delicious textures and kinetic brushstrokes. Children confronted with a move, unexpected trip or any new circumstances will relate to Little Bird's initial resistance to the unknown adventure. Empson both honors the joy of a cozy home and celebrates the idea that "home" can be more a feeling than a place. --Karin Snelson, children's & YA editor, Shelf Awareness