Lali's Feather

by Farhana Zia, Stephanie Fizer Coleman (Illustrator)

This endearing story of identification and values shows the rewards in looking closely and thinking imaginatively.

Lali finds a little feather in the field. Is it lost? Lali sets out to find feather a home, but one bird after another rejects it. The feather is too small for Rooster, too slow for Crow, and too plain for Peacock. Once Lali decides to keep the little feather and discovers all the things she can do with it, the other birds begin to recognize its value.

Farahan Zia's charming tale employs an inventive circular structure that reveals the importance of looking beyond first impressions. Illustrator Stephanie Fizer Coleman brings this delightful story of imagination and inspiration to life.

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Nature, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2020

About the author

Farhana Zia grew up in Hyderabad, India. She is a retired elementary school teacher and the author of picture books and novels. Her stories blend humor and tradition, memories and contemporary moments. She lives in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[La Coccinelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jai Ho! What an adorable book! Comparisons to Cao Wenxuan's Feather are going to be inevitable, though this is, in my opinion, a far better book.

Lali finds a feather in the field. She doesn't know who it belongs to, so she sets out to find its owner. Each bird that she encounters tells her it's not theirs (and why it couldn't be). Having no luck, Lali decides to simply have fun with the feather. She writes with it, sweeps with it, fans the fire, and even torments her family with it. But when the feather is lost, the rest of the birds come to the rescue in a delightful display of empathy and friendship. And after all that, the story ends with the promise of another adventure.

Unlike the aforementioned Feather, this book is far more lighthearted and appealing. The illustrations are fun and colourful. Hindi interjections are sprinkled throughout and, combined with the pictures, they give the book a definite Indian flair. It's likely to be much more engaging to children, with the relatable main character.

Overall, this is a strong picture book showing a little girl searching for a lost feather's home, as well as highlighting the value of seemingly insignificant things, like a dropped feather. I'd definitely recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Publishing Company for providing a digital ARC.

[Christi M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A colorful picture book story that shows that sometimes there is more to something than what you first see.

The story involves a girl who finds a rather short, unremarkable feather. When none of the birds she knows won’t claim the feather as their own, then she decides to basically show them what they are missing. She writes with it in the sand, she uses it to sweep the path, she fans a flame and other fun things. However, when the wind takes the feather away all the birds work together with Lali to get that feather back.

Overall, it was a nice story about discovering the joy and beauty in something that others may not see, but also working together to help a friend out by getting something back that is important to them.

I really enjoyed the color choices for the illustrations. There was something very calming and beautiful about them. To be honest, my favorite illustrations were the peacock, but also the mangoes that grew on the trees. My only issue with any of the illustrations was the blue jay. Although the blue jay was beautifully drawn and very colorful; it was not a blue jay. It’s a minor issue and one that preschoolers will most likely not notice.

Rating: 4 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Peachtree Publishing Company for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.

[Franki Sibberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll definitely be preordering this one. A fun story with good messages about play and creativity. Good supportive and repetitive language for younger readers too.

[Wendi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute picture book about Lali, who finds a mysterious feather. Who does the feather belong to? Readers are introduced to a wide variety of birds during Lali's playful discoveries.

[Elizabeth Wig · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I learned I was going to be in Mrs. Zia's fourth-grade class, an older student told me that she told the best stories and I could look forward to hearing them in her class that year. Now, it's so exciting to see her stories being shared with a larger audience! Lali's feather was a sweet and whimsical story about friendship and creativity. A joy to read! :)

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish Goodreads showed the cover of this delightful picture book due to be released in 2020, because the art is gorgeous and the cover shows what a joyful book it is. The book tells the story of a little girl who finds a feather and goes from bird to bird to see who it might belong to. Each bird tells of why it's not theirs (theirs are so much better) so she decides to keep it. She loves it and shows the birds all the creative things she can do with it, until it's sadly lost. The other birds are sad for her and offer their feathers, but she misses hers and they band together to find her feather. The book is set in India and the characters interject Hindi phrases. There are so many nice things about this sweet book, which is sure to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was delightfully illustrated and sweet. The language used was fun and I enjoyed that it mixed in some Hindi sayings. The illustrations were really gorgeous and helped keep my daughter engaged in the story. We both really loved the illustration of the peacock. The story, one of the importance of something simple that others might not understand, was simple and easy to follow.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a welcome picture book that incorporates pattern, bird names and feather adjectives, and a kind, creative girl whose helpfulness, loyalty, and determination transforms a random group of creatures into a caring community.
With occasional interjections from another language, the universal nature of Lali's curiosity and gentle nature is amplified.

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Lali appears to be a creative, free-range spirit who loves nature and talking with the birds. One day she finds a loose feather in a field and attempts to discover the owner. But it’s not rooster’s or crow’s or peacock’s or hen’s or duck’s or blue jay’s feather. All their feathers serve very unique purposes just for them. Still, Lali finds incredible value in her feather. For example, it can write in the sand. It can sweep a deck. It can fan a fire. Or it can tickle unsuspecting family members. After a day of experimental play, a gust of wind sadly carries Lali’s feather away and her bird friends must help her find it. However, just wait until you see what she finds next.

The ending showcases the fact that we can find value in just about anything if we are open-minded and look more closely at our seemingly worthless possessions. Lalai’s Feather is an excellent, light-hearted picture book that can be employed to open a deeper discussion about first impressions and even gratitude. The colorful artwork in this book was rendered digitally. My thanks to Netgalley and Peachtree Publishing Company for providing me with an e-ARC so that I could give my honest review. This title will be published on April 1st!

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lali and her bird friends discover all the amazing things a feather can do.

[Sahara Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great book to turn into storytime with props using a feather and a button. Possibly using different bird puppets or sticks as well.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lali finds a feather in a field. When she tries to find the bird it belongs to, Rooster, Crow, and Peacock all deny that the plain little feather belongs to them. But Lali shows Hen, Duck, and Blue Jay all the things the little feather can do, write, sweep, fan a fire, and tickle feet. Lali is delighted with her new little friend, until the wind carries it away and breaks her heart. Crow flies off to catch the feather they have all learned to value. This is a sweet story about finding the value in even the smallest things. Coleman's beautiful, illustrations set the story in an India full of color and life. A delightful diverse read that shows the value of persistence and looking beyond the obvious.

[Denise Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free digital arc from netgally in return for my 100% honest opinion.


Lali’s Feather by Farhana Zia has to be the cutest picture book. Lali finds a feather and she goes around asking her bird friends if it belongs to them, sadly they don’t claim feather so she keeps feather all to herself and does amazing things with feather. Lali cleans the floor with feather, she writes on the sand with feather, Lali even uses feather to fan a fire and make it even bigger.

A gust of wind comes and blows feather away from Lali and her friends, Lali was sad and crying so her friends offer her there feathers, hoping it will cheer her up. Finally her friends were able to bring back feather to Lali so they can all play with feather, but the next day she found something even better.

The illustrations are beautiful and simple, my 2 year old loved it and will constantly bring me my tablet for me to read it to her. The writing was simple yet effective to captivate a young child and letting children know to look past what they see and deeper into what they are and could be, exploring imaginations.

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a playful story and I wanted to like the book more than I did, in the end. What threw me was how it started with a sing-song pattern at the beginning, but dropped it in the middle and end. A new pattern wasn’t established and I couldn’t ascertain a reason for the shift. It sort of ruined it for me, although I liked the illustrations and inclusion of Hindi words.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated story of Lali, who finds a feather. Who’s feather is it? It is too pokey to be rooster’s or peacock’s. What can a simple feather do? Find out with Lali! I also enjoyed the Indian lilt (na, jai ho, etc. in the text)!
#LalisFeather #NetGalley

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read about rejection and finding great value in the rejected. The illustrations are stunning. I read this via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

[Vidya Tiru · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts
Lali finds a feather, and goes around asking the birds if it is theirs so she could return it to the bird that lost it. When each of them says it is not and gives a reason why, she decides to keep feather and play with it. All her bird friends are amazed at what feather can do, and come to love feather. But when Lali loses it, everyone gets together to help her look for it and make her feel better.

The book subtly and sweetly relays messages of friendship and of finding happiness in the simple things. Both the charming text interspersed with Hindi words and the simply beautiful illustrations with delightful details work together to take the story forward, as well as give the book a distinct yet subtle flavor of India.

And then, a surprising twist at the end 🙂

In Summary
A delightful book with a relatable and adorable main character, a sweet message and bright, colorful, beautiful illustrations.

Check my blog - LadyInReadWrites - for more reviews

Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC of the book; these are my honest opinions after reading this lovely book.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...

LALI'S FEATHER is a delightful and colorful picture book that explores birds and imagination. Lali is playing when she finds a feather. She sets out to find its owner, only for the birds to tell her why the feather cannot be theirs. Lali then explores what she can do with the feather, like draw in the sand or tickle feet. The birds are impressed by what this seemingly plain feather can do. When the feather is lost, the birds will help Lali try to find this impressive feather.

What I loved: The illustrations here are really lovely with so many different birds and scenes. Lali herself comes to life on the pages. The story is really cute and teaches about so many different types of birds, as they explain why their feathers are different. The book also explores the imagination, and the many ways that something simple can turn into something fantastic.

Final verdict: A delightful and charming story of imagination and birds, LALI'S FEATHER is a colorful adventure that will enchant young readers.

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day Lali finds a feather. She asks various creatures in her Indian village if it is theirs. Rooster, Crow, Peacock, Duck, and Blue Jay say no, and they all prefer their own feathers to Lali’s. But when the wind sweeps her feather away, all the animals are sad along with Lali. Crow finally finds the feather, and they all play together for the rest of the day. And on the next day, Lali finds a button. Sweet textured digital art sets the scene and portrays the village and its animal inhabitants with whimsy and affection. The simple text has the sing-song feel of a folk story, with repeated phrases and easy to parse exclamations in another language. A lovely picture book to add to diversity in story time.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully bright, delightful book. I just love little Lali and her charming character. She exudes joy.

She finds a feather and just wants to get it back to it's rightful owner. But no bird she asks claims it as theirs and they seem to look down their "beaks" at the very idea that such an inferior feather would be their's.

Then Lali demonstrates ways she can use the pretty feather and they are all in awe.

I like that at the end and following the saga of the feather Lali then finds a shiny button. Now I just wonder......

A delight for any child to read or have read to them.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given.

[Dontreadlikethem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lali's is like a breath of fresh air as she dances and flows through this book with her newly found feather. As she tries to find the original owner of the feather she travels through her village questioning who she encounters. The repetition in the conversations splashed with scientific facts about birds makes this a perfect for a science read aloud for little ones. Children ages 4 to 8 will be on the lookout for their own special feather.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do we gather our worth? What makes us so intrinsically valuable? To all the birds in this book, Lali's feather is poky and not worth very much, but to Lali it is the most precious feather of all. When she shows the birds--each who have scolded and bragged in turn about their own feathers--how she sees the feather and what it can do, then the birds find value and worth in an object that was once despised and now is sweet. Beautiful story and beautiful lesson.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight! Love the way Lali sees beauty, usefulness and even a sort of friendship in something "ordinary" and the way that her joy and kindness calls the other birds out of their own narrow worldview (at first, each thinks his or her own feathers are the best) and that they join together in cooperation and friendship at the end. The final page left me with a huge smile. I just love Lali and her imagination!

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lali finds a feather one day while out playing. It may seem plain and small and pokey, but it turns out this feather can do amazing things with a little ingenuity and imagination. A lovely story of sharing and pleasure in simple things, chock full of satisfying alliteration and vocabulary.

Themes: Birds, Imagination

[charlene.librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The feather is little, pokey, and plain and gets transformed in Lali's hands to write in the sand, sweep the dock, fan the fire, make sister sneeze and tickle Bapu's toes. I like the author including a taste of East Indian culture with words/sayings, e.g., "na, lali, na" and "Jai Ho!" and "Oo ma!" This title is a cheerful folk tale for all.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lali has found a wonderful feather! As she sets out to find its owner, every bird she encounters shakes their head no. That feather is too little, pokey, and plain to belong to any of them! Yet in Lali's hands the feather becomes a writing implement, a fan for the fire, and a sneaky tickling tool.

Beautiful artwork and a great message about the creative powers of the imagination.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming picture book about a little Indian girl, who finds a feather and wants to give it back to its owner. However, none of the birds she visits claim this feather as their own. So she ends up showing all the birds all the fun things she can do with this small, plain, pokey feather - making friends along the way.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lali's found feather is too pokey and plain for the crow, the hen, the peacock, the blue jay, the duck, etc. But Lali finds a lot to do with it -- tickle feet, sweep the floor, write a message in the dirt, fan a flame, etc.

About possibilities and seeing beyond initial appearances.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lali spends the whole day trying to find the owner of a feather she finds in the forest. All the birds she asks say the feather is too plain to be theirs. The feather flies away and Lali cries and the birds try to make her feel better by giving her their feathers.

[Dena Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't really do much for me. I'm not sure that it will keep a child's interest. I think you could use the book to help explore what all you can do with a feather or talk about different birds.