"expecting
marveling
caring"
Oh, I love these books for little ones. This gorgeous book, which was first published in 2013 in the Netherlands, is reprinted this year for a brand-new audience by Pajama Press.
In single words on double-page spreads the author tells the story of birds parenting their babies. What is missing from that simple description is the power of the words chosen and the marvelous beauty of the boldly colored images that are so imaginatively designed by the brilliant Mies Van Hout. If you have seen her other books, you will not be surprised.
On pages that are heavy enough to withstand many readings with little ones, the author opens with the word 'longing' and shows a bird whose body is filled with images of tiny baby birds. The word on one page; the image faces it on a black background that gives such life to it. The design remains the same as the words move from 'hoping' to 'expecting' to marveling' to 'caring' and through to 'letting go'.
The details that define the words and artwork as the parenting progresses are cause for pause. There is much to see and discuss from one page to the next. The final spread shows a thankful mama bird watching contentedly as many chicks fly off into the blue, now ready to lead life on their own and hopefully carry the lessons learned from a loving parent to future generations.
It's a winner, and certain to be the perfect gift for expectant or new parents.
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