What do you think?
Rate this book
Once Upon A Time...there was a Little Bird
Introduce your little one to fables and fairy tales from around the world with this spellbinding series of board books for children.
Little Bird has broken her wing and can't fly south for the winter with her friends. She has to find shelter, but will any trees offer her a safe place to rest? This charming retelling of a Native American tale of why evergreen trees keep their leaves in winter teaches children about the importance of being kind and sharing.
This story is the perfect length for bedtime reading, and Maja Andersen's colorful illustrations bring the magic and wonder of the tale to life. It is sure to be a storybook that little ones will treasure forever.
Little Bird has broken her wing and can't fly south for the winter with her friends. She has to find shelter, but will any trees offer her a safe place to rest? This charming retelling of a Native American tale of why evergreen trees keep their leaves in winter teaches children about the importance of being kind and sharing.
This story is the perfect length for bedtime reading, and Maja Andersen's colorful illustrations bring the magic and wonder of the tale to life. It is sure to be a storybook that little ones will treasure forever.
16 pages, Board Book
Published July 6, 2021
10 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 11, 2021
See how cute that cover is? The book matches it all the way!
Little Bird has broken her wing and so she isn’t able to fly south for the winter. When she approaches some trees for help, they refuse her outright. But just as she begins to despair, some other trees pop up with offers of food and shelter till the winter goes by.
This is a lovely retelling of a Native American story about how evergreen trees keep their leaves all through the winter while the deciduous ones stand bare. (The end of the book provides basic information on these two types of trees.) Within a few pages, it drives home the importance of kindness and charity.
This story has the right length and vocabulary to make it perfect for bedtime reading. The illustrations add to the charm of the book. They are vibrant and old school, thus giving adults also a nostalgic feel while kids will be transfixed at the cuteness and vividness of the sketches.
Perfect for all early readers to read, hear and see. Heartily recommended.
My thanks to DK Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Little Bird has broken her wing and so she isn’t able to fly south for the winter. When she approaches some trees for help, they refuse her outright. But just as she begins to despair, some other trees pop up with offers of food and shelter till the winter goes by.
This is a lovely retelling of a Native American story about how evergreen trees keep their leaves all through the winter while the deciduous ones stand bare. (The end of the book provides basic information on these two types of trees.) Within a few pages, it drives home the importance of kindness and charity.
This story has the right length and vocabulary to make it perfect for bedtime reading. The illustrations add to the charm of the book. They are vibrant and old school, thus giving adults also a nostalgic feel while kids will be transfixed at the cuteness and vividness of the sketches.
Perfect for all early readers to read, hear and see. Heartily recommended.
My thanks to DK Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
August 27, 2022
4.5 Stars
This cute and vibrant little book is the retelling of an indigenous North American tale about why some trees stay green even in winters while other trees shed leaves and grow them again. The story has a tiny bird with a broken wing that can’t fly south for winter. Now, she goes around asking trees to provide her shelter, but some don’t agree.
The juniper, pine, and spruce trees offer to take care of the bird and thus retain their leaves all through the year. These are some well-known evergreens trees that grow in the region.
The story is about being kind and offering help with a good heart. The illustrations are beautiful and warm. Each page is full of color and alive with trees, animals, and chilly winter wind. I’m sure kids will love this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and DK Children and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#OnceUponATimetherewasaLittleBird #NetGalley
This cute and vibrant little book is the retelling of an indigenous North American tale about why some trees stay green even in winters while other trees shed leaves and grow them again. The story has a tiny bird with a broken wing that can’t fly south for winter. Now, she goes around asking trees to provide her shelter, but some don’t agree.
The juniper, pine, and spruce trees offer to take care of the bird and thus retain their leaves all through the year. These are some well-known evergreens trees that grow in the region.
The story is about being kind and offering help with a good heart. The illustrations are beautiful and warm. Each page is full of color and alive with trees, animals, and chilly winter wind. I’m sure kids will love this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and DK Children and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#OnceUponATimetherewasaLittleBird #NetGalley
July 8, 2021
Intertext time!
For you readers that don't know what Intertexts are, it's when we re-tell a classic tale and put a little spin on it. Once Upon a Time... There was a Little Bird is a re-telling of a classic tale of compassion, typically with Indigenous People in North America. There are many versions of this story hopping around (pun intended), so this is just a new iteration with some lovely pictures to boot!
This is a story of kindness and compassion. Our little bird friend just wants a home in a tree. Is that too much to ask? So many trees don't show kindness to the little bird, with each having their own reason on why they can't help out (some of which seem completely unreasonable). It shows themes of being kind to others and others will be kind to you. It's the whole "treat others the way you want to be treated" line we tell kids. It's an important lesson, and this book does it justice.
Also, the illustrations are STUNNING. I like how classic they feel and how exciting and engaging they are.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
For you readers that don't know what Intertexts are, it's when we re-tell a classic tale and put a little spin on it. Once Upon a Time... There was a Little Bird is a re-telling of a classic tale of compassion, typically with Indigenous People in North America. There are many versions of this story hopping around (pun intended), so this is just a new iteration with some lovely pictures to boot!
This is a story of kindness and compassion. Our little bird friend just wants a home in a tree. Is that too much to ask? So many trees don't show kindness to the little bird, with each having their own reason on why they can't help out (some of which seem completely unreasonable). It shows themes of being kind to others and others will be kind to you. It's the whole "treat others the way you want to be treated" line we tell kids. It's an important lesson, and this book does it justice.
Also, the illustrations are STUNNING. I like how classic they feel and how exciting and engaging they are.
Four out of five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK Publishing for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
May 6, 2021
A beautiful illustrated children's book about a little bird looking for shelter. Each tree gives a reason for not giving shelter until one tree welcomes the little bird safety. Many lessons to learn from little bird that teaches compassion and kindness.
A special thank you to DK Children and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A special thank you to DK Children and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
April 12, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and DK for a free digital copy.
This is an adorable board book based on a Indigenous story about why some trees keep their leaves. The illustrations are lovely and the story teaches of kindness.
This is an adorable board book based on a Indigenous story about why some trees keep their leaves. The illustrations are lovely and the story teaches of kindness.
June 18, 2021
'A Little Bird' is the retelling of a tale about kindness, suspected to have begun with an American Indian tribe. The bird has a broken wing so it can't fly south to warmer climates with its fellows, and asks different trees for shelter.
Of course, some of the trees are arrogant, impatient, or dismissive; not caring about the needs of a little bird. The oak tree seems most ridiculous because it claims Little Bird would eat all of its acorns...while a squirrel sits on a branch holding one.
The evergreen trees offer shelter and food, and welcome Little Bird with kindness. As autumn progresses and winds blow, the leaves fall off other trees, but evergreens retain theirs.
I was happy to see that there was no judgement. It just seemed that "nature" rewarded kindness!
SPOILER:
At the end, illustrations were labeled to explain migration, where North America is, deciduous trees versus evergreens, and identified the trees in the story.
As expected, this DK book has colorful, attractive illustrations.
The story is educational, eventful, and offers the chance for the reader to use different voices (as the trees and bird), which is always popular with kids! And there's a sweet, snuggly little bird sleeping in a kind tree at the end!
This book would make a lovely gift for any kind person you know, for people who love birds, cultural stories, or for any home with children.
5/5 Stars
Many thanks to DK and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book!
#OnceUponATimetherewasaLittleBird #NetGalley
Of course, some of the trees are arrogant, impatient, or dismissive; not caring about the needs of a little bird. The oak tree seems most ridiculous because it claims Little Bird would eat all of its acorns...while a squirrel sits on a branch holding one.
The evergreen trees offer shelter and food, and welcome Little Bird with kindness. As autumn progresses and winds blow, the leaves fall off other trees, but evergreens retain theirs.
I was happy to see that there was no judgement. It just seemed that "nature" rewarded kindness!
SPOILER:
At the end, illustrations were labeled to explain migration, where North America is, deciduous trees versus evergreens, and identified the trees in the story.
As expected, this DK book has colorful, attractive illustrations.
The story is educational, eventful, and offers the chance for the reader to use different voices (as the trees and bird), which is always popular with kids! And there's a sweet, snuggly little bird sleeping in a kind tree at the end!
This book would make a lovely gift for any kind person you know, for people who love birds, cultural stories, or for any home with children.
5/5 Stars
Many thanks to DK and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book!
#OnceUponATimetherewasaLittleBird #NetGalley
April 1, 2021
I received this ARC from #netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I can definitely see myself buying a copy of this book about a Little Bird and her search for shelter. I think my younger students would enjoy the colorful pictures. I also appreciate the fact that this is an old tale from Anishinaabe, a group of Indigenous Peoples that live in North America. I was a bit surprised to learn that the bird chose the Spruce tree over the other evergreen trees. Spruce trees are pokey! Ouch. However, this little fact would be a great starting point for an open-ended book discussion with young students.
I do have one criticism. The language is too advanced for most beginning readers. A teacher will definitely need to read the story and explain the meaning of some words to younger students. Older elementary students would be able to read the words with little to no difficulty, but they might believe it's a "baby book" because of the book design.
That's not a deal-breaker for me, though. I'd buy it and make it work.
I can definitely see myself buying a copy of this book about a Little Bird and her search for shelter. I think my younger students would enjoy the colorful pictures. I also appreciate the fact that this is an old tale from Anishinaabe, a group of Indigenous Peoples that live in North America. I was a bit surprised to learn that the bird chose the Spruce tree over the other evergreen trees. Spruce trees are pokey! Ouch. However, this little fact would be a great starting point for an open-ended book discussion with young students.
I do have one criticism. The language is too advanced for most beginning readers. A teacher will definitely need to read the story and explain the meaning of some words to younger students. Older elementary students would be able to read the words with little to no difficulty, but they might believe it's a "baby book" because of the book design.
That's not a deal-breaker for me, though. I'd buy it and make it work.
July 22, 2021
Little Bird has a broken wing so she can't join her friends flying south for the winter. Wherever will she find shelter? The adorable protagonist goes from tree to tree trying to find someone who will let her shelter in their branches. While she explores, children will learn the names of tree species and they may also spy some other woodland creatures on the pages.
This is a short little book (great for wiggly listeners) that retells a tale believed to have been shared by the Anishanaabe group of indigenous people of North America. The book closes with a brief explanation of bird migration and the difference between deciduous and evergreen trees.
I loved the bright colors and the animated style of the illustrations. Children will delight in the satisfying conclusion to Little Bird's search and learn a valuable lesson about kindness. It would be fun to follow up with a nature hike to find the trees from the book. I recommend this sweet little tale as a read-aloud for ages 2-5.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Once Upon a Time...There Was a Little Bird from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
This is a short little book (great for wiggly listeners) that retells a tale believed to have been shared by the Anishanaabe group of indigenous people of North America. The book closes with a brief explanation of bird migration and the difference between deciduous and evergreen trees.
I loved the bright colors and the animated style of the illustrations. Children will delight in the satisfying conclusion to Little Bird's search and learn a valuable lesson about kindness. It would be fun to follow up with a nature hike to find the trees from the book. I recommend this sweet little tale as a read-aloud for ages 2-5.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of Once Upon a Time...There Was a Little Bird from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
June 6, 2021
Board Book
I received an electronic ARC from DK Publishing through NetGalley.
Another book in the series on myths and legends from around the world. This legend most likely comes from the Anishinaabe people from North America. It tells the story of why some trees keep their leaves all year long. A bird had a broken wing and could not fly south with the others. It sought shelter from several types of trees and was rejected. As the weather turned colder, the spruce, juniper and pine trees offered shelter, food and a place to sing and be itself. After this, the spirits blew the leaves off the other trees but rewarded the kindness of the evergreen ones.
Lovely way to introduce legends and talk about science and how people explained nature in the past.
I received an electronic ARC from DK Publishing through NetGalley.
Another book in the series on myths and legends from around the world. This legend most likely comes from the Anishinaabe people from North America. It tells the story of why some trees keep their leaves all year long. A bird had a broken wing and could not fly south with the others. It sought shelter from several types of trees and was rejected. As the weather turned colder, the spruce, juniper and pine trees offered shelter, food and a place to sing and be itself. After this, the spirits blew the leaves off the other trees but rewarded the kindness of the evergreen ones.
Lovely way to introduce legends and talk about science and how people explained nature in the past.
April 3, 2021
This short book tells the fable of a little bird with a broken wing you cannot fly south for the winter. The evergreen trees show her kindness and provide shelter for her, and that is why these trees do not lose their leaves in the winter. The folktale comes from the Native Americans and the last couple pages of the book offer facts about the area and the trees mentioned in the story.
The artwork in the book is vivid and colorful, sure to catch any child's attention and imagination.
Recommended for children who enjoy animals, nature, and science.
I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The artwork in the book is vivid and colorful, sure to catch any child's attention and imagination.
Recommended for children who enjoy animals, nature, and science.
I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2021
This book was not what I was expecting. A little bird with a broken wing can not fly south for the winter and must find shelter. But most of the trees don’t want to help, until the bird finds the evergreens. Apparently this is an indigenous tale that explains why some trees lose their leaves. I like that the book gives a bit of history of the tale, but I find it odd, it does not list an author in the pages. I wonder if that is because the tale is being told by a non-indigenous person? I like this story, but think it would be better if it was told and illustrated like the indigenous story it says it is.
October 13, 2021
This is a traditional fairy tale wrapped in stunning illustrations.
I like it when a book is not afraid of being a bit old school, in a good way. This story reads like one of those my mother told me when I was a kid (ages ago): simple and beautiful. It's about plants, animals and the cycle of life. The sketches are absolutely fabulous, with bright and warm colours.
If your child loves nature, this book gives plenty of reasons to talk about different birds, trees and the four seasons.
Thanks NetGalley and DK for an Advance Review Copy.
I like it when a book is not afraid of being a bit old school, in a good way. This story reads like one of those my mother told me when I was a kid (ages ago): simple and beautiful. It's about plants, animals and the cycle of life. The sketches are absolutely fabulous, with bright and warm colours.
If your child loves nature, this book gives plenty of reasons to talk about different birds, trees and the four seasons.
Thanks NetGalley and DK for an Advance Review Copy.
July 6, 2021
Loved reading this series. The beautiful illustrations by Maja Andersen really enhance the words, giving it so much depth. This one, a kindness tale about a bird who needs to find shelter for the winter, has a clear problem and solution. Perfect for young readers.
With a board book format, they'd be a great intro point for fables/moral/lesson in the early classroom.
Thank you to D.K. Publishing, Maja Andersen and Netgalley for an early copy to review.
With a board book format, they'd be a great intro point for fables/moral/lesson in the early classroom.
Thank you to D.K. Publishing, Maja Andersen and Netgalley for an early copy to review.
October 16, 2021
This really cute book has a simple tale to tell, but it's a quite magical one. A bird with a broken wing cannot fly south with the rest of its flock, and so asks tree after tree for a safe place to hide for the winter. Several turn it down, but several don't – and the difference is the reason, so this has it, for a major difference between the trees of our world today. A lovely, quick North American indigenous legend, and a lovely way to portray it. Four and a half stars.
April 6, 2021
A tiny tale possibly from the Anishinabe tribe to explain why evergreen trees keep their 'leaves' for their act of kindness. Utterly adorable. It pulled on my empathetic heartstrings (I was getting ready to cry if the book had been longer) and delighted my eyeballs with its charming artwork - and there are semi-hidden animals to find.
June 15, 2021
This is a nice short tale about a bird who cannot migrate south because of a broken wing. The story revolves around this bird seeking somewhere to overwinter. The story is based on an indigenous story and is a good way to introduce young children to bird migration and different types of trees. Nicely illustrated.
June 22, 2021
I would have liked a little more information about where in North America the Anishinaabe tribe is located as they are credited as the possible origin of this story.
That said this was a great story about how kindness is a gift that benefits the giver and the receiver. The illustrations were colorful and engaging. The story was short and simple with a clear message.
That said this was a great story about how kindness is a gift that benefits the giver and the receiver. The illustrations were colorful and engaging. The story was short and simple with a clear message.
July 1, 2021
The pictures in this children's book were engaging, and the lesson taught (always be kind to others) was well presented. This book is also an excellent way to piggyback into teaching about the trees that were presented in the book.
A special thank you to DK Children and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A special thank you to DK Children and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
November 29, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book with my daughter.
I thought that the illustrations in the book were wonderful and they really brought the story to life.
This was a retelling of a North American folk take and it was lovely and heartwarming.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was a lovely book and one to treasure.
Very highly recommended!
I thought that the illustrations in the book were wonderful and they really brought the story to life.
This was a retelling of a North American folk take and it was lovely and heartwarming.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was a lovely book and one to treasure.
Very highly recommended!
May 25, 2021
This lovingly illustrated small book retells a First Nations lore about why the Juniper, Pine, and Spruce trees are evergreen. Very fine.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from DK Books/DK Children illustrated by Maja Andersen via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from DK Books/DK Children illustrated by Maja Andersen via NetGalley. Thank you!
April 26, 2021
This was a cute story. I loved the message and the illustrations were very well done.
September 23, 2021
This is a delightfully illustrated "just-so" fable about kindness. This story was new to me and I enjoyed learning the traditional Native American fable.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews