The Best of Both Nests

by Jane Clarke

One day, Mrs. Stork tells Stanley that Dad is going to fly off and build his own nest. At school, Stanley worries about Dad missing Fathers' Flyday Friday. But his friend Stella tells him, "Two nests are better than one."

Genres: Divorce

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

See also pseudonym Hayley Daze.

Jane was born 17 December 1954 and brought up in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. From 1972 to 1975 Jane attend the University of Birmingham where she earned a combined Bachelor of Arts with honours in archaeology and history. In 1981 she completed a PhD in archaeology from University College London.

On 5 November 1977 Jane married Chemical Engineer Martin Clarke, whose work took them to Mexico, Brazil, the United States, Wales and the Netherlands. Together they raised two sons, Andrew and Robert (both born in Wales).

During her doctoral studies Jane lectured at University College London (1978–79). Thereafter she lectured at University College Cardiff in Wales part time (1981–83), and also taught history at Bryn Hafren School in Barry, Wales (1979–83). After Jane moved with her family to the Netherlands (Koewacht), she began working part time as a librarian at the Antwerp International School. It was during this time when she started her career as a children’s author.

Jane’s husband, Martin, died of a heart attack in Antwerp, Belgium on 20 December 2001. In June 2005, Jane moved from the Netherlands back to Kent (near Deal) in England where she now lives.

Aside from writing children’s books, Jane spends a significant amount of time inspiring children to read and write. She frequently visits schools throughout the UK and Europe to do so.

Jane Clarke is a team writer on three different popular series. Dinosaur Cove (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Oxford University Press), Puddle the naughtiest puppy (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Ladybird Books Ltd.) and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (created by Random House Children's Books and published by Red Fox.)

Jane has also done support work for various charitable organisations including Ellenor Lions Children’s Hospice, Institute of Cancer Research (The Clapham Grand), Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and READ (promotes reading in Africa).

Reviews

[Dawn]

Stanley wants his parents to stop squawking at each other, but when his dad moves to a new nest, Stanley finds it hard to deal with the changes.

This seems more focused on the story than about depicting separated/divorced parents. Some positives: another stork in Stanley's class already has divorced parents, and she is fine with it; mothers actually are welcome at the father event. Negatives: the whole plot of the father maybe missing the special event and then arriving at the last minute.

A lot of text for younger readers.

[Nicole]

This is about a little bird who hears his parents yell at each other all the time, and he doesn't like it. Then one day his dad tells him it's best if he moves to another nests in south town. This makes the little bird sad and embarrassed. Then he gets to school where they're planning a fathers day and he's too embarrassed to say that his dad lives too far to come, but then someone else speaks up. She says exactly what the little bird was thinking. It makes him feel better about his situation and knowing other people go through it as well.

[Ashlin Edmisten]

I think this is a great book for parents just separating/divorcing or for parents who are facing kids who want the family to stay in tact. Ideally, I'd give this book a 3.5 as I don't think it really tackles the problems therein all that well.

[Sarah Rosati]

'The Best of Both Nests' begins with a depiction of a mother and father stork who are consistently bickering through the night and the distressing effect that these arguments have on their child Stanley. The parents decide to separate and live in separate nests, which initially upsets Stanley and he brings this hurt, anger, and fear with him to school. As his classmates prepare for Fathers' Flyday, Stanley worries that his father will not make it as his new nest is farther away, and as he becomes more and more upset about his new living situations, a fellow classmate with divorced parents reassures him that two nests are better than one. Ultimately, Stanley realizes that his parents' love for him has not diminished as a consequence of their separation, and he comes to appreciate his new reality. This story relates to this unit's focus on diverse family forms and the value that each unique arrangement has for all those involved. It accurately illustrates the gauntlet of emotions that a child with newly divorced parents may experience, and gradually transforms these thoughts and feelings to ones rooted in understanding and appreciation.

[bookworm22]

Good book introducing the idea, not too quickly but still somewhat overstated at times, that having two homes is "good." It does a pretty good job illustrating the ambivalence that children have towards a divorce that can drastically diminish conflict but that can also "tear" a child in two... illustrates the fantasy thinking of a child who may think that their wishing that mom and dad's fighting will stop caused the divorce--the divorce is the child's fault in this sometimes common perception.

[Rebecca]

I didn't know what this book was about when I picked it up at the library. It's actually about a couple of parents storks who argue so much that they separate and their kid stork has to deal with having two nests. My boys enjoyed a discussion about how lucky they are to have parents who are together and committed to their family...and how important it is to have harmony and peace within the home.

[Kimberly]

Depicts divorce from before the actual event; Stanley wishes his parents would stop "clattering" at each other, but his wish comes true in the form of Mr. Stork moving across town. A supportive classmate, understanding teacher, and constant reinforcement of love from both parents helps Stanley come to terms with the divorce.

[Amanda]

I had never came across a book addressing divorce and I am so glad I did. This story does a great job at showing how one child may feel and relate to a real child going through the same thing and how it will be okay. I am really glad that I have been introduced to this story because now I know a resource to give to a student that may be dealing with the same issue.

[Marilyn]

Love the vocabulary and sensitive, positive tone of the story.