The Wandering Feather, written by Lisa Frenette and illustrated by August Swinson. Owlkids, 2025. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"When the wind quiets, 
the feather drifts down,
landing on a woman's hat
decorated with three shiny 
peacock feathers. 

It would be fun to live with
such colorful friends,
the feather thinks. 
Could this be my 
new home?

Before the feather has time 
to settle, the woman spots 
it, plucks if from her hat, and
tosses it over her shoulder."

When a red-tailed hawk drops a feather in a quick dive to make a mouse its breakfast, a long and impressive journey begins. As it lands, the feather is concerned that it has lost its home; the rest of the book details that many intriguing actions that lead to a very fine ending. 

First, a squirrel makes it a part of her nest. The feather likes the feeling it gets from the quiet and serenity of this new home. With the heat from a rising sun, it becomes much too hot. Luckily a wind picks it from the nest and sends it on its way again. As the wind dies, it lands on a lady's hat alongside some beautiful peacock feathers. The lady is unimpressed, sending it on its way pretty quickly. 

From place to place, and one adventure to the next, the feather continues its wandering. At each stop, it expresses its feelings about where it lands, and the understanding that it has not yet found a permanent place to call home. A stroke of good luck puts it in the path of a young girl whose beach search for a third feather for her dreamcatcher is exactly the home it has been seeking. 

An author's note helps readers understand the cultural value of the dreamcatcher. August Swinson's artwork is full of motion and meaning as the feather floats from place to place. This book provides a lasting memory for finding a home that is just right.