The Speckled Feather

by Johanna Ries

Feather ruffling fun!

In the wide savanna there are three birds named Ade, Emem, and Nuru, that live on the back of an elephant. They are best friends. But one day the wind blows a bright speckled feather into their midst, and in no time their peacefulness is over.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Birds, Friendship, Africa

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 4, 2021

Reviews

[Dennis]

This book is a little beauty.

Three birds are living on the back of an elephant. One day the wind blows a shiny feather into their midst, a fight breaks out and their thick-skinned friend has to step in.

The message of this one basically is, don’t be a selfish ass, friendship is more valuable than possessions.

This might not be the greatest children’s book I’ve ever read, the text being a little too simplistic and the whole thing being rather brief. But, boy, is the artwork gorgeous. I could look at these pages for hours. I just wish there were more of them.



You can take a look into the book (in its original language) here: https://nord-sued.com/programm/die-fl... (just klick on the glasses next to the cover)

Thanks to NetGalley and North South Books Inc. for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[Trish]

I only found out about this because Dennis Read and reviewed it. As it turns out, the author is German and this book is part of her final exam at the university for illustrations and art in Münster.

The story is rather simple: three birds, who usually sit atop a specific elephant, lead a pretty great life (them being so far up means protection and a great view). However, one day, the titular feather sows discord amongst them.

The message, of course, is not to be arrogant and selfish but to live in harmony with the others. I‘m not sure the message works 100% but am willing to roll with it. Why? Because the story pales in comparison to the truly fantastic art anyway.
Here‘s an example of one double-page:


A rather nice way to spend a few minutes - either alone or reading to a kid. And it would definitely be a nice piece on any shelf.

[Ronyell]

I would like to thank NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

So, after years of not being able to read any children’s books that dealt with animals (which are some of my all-time favorite children’s books), I finally came upon a children’s book that dealt with animals called “The Speckled Feather” by Johanna Ries. I must say that I really enjoyed this cute little story about friendship!

The story starts off with three birds named Ade, Emem and Nuru who all live on the back of an elephant in the savanna. One day however, a beautiful speckled feather is blown into their midst and when one of the birds picks up the feather and sticks it to themselves, the other birds quickly got jealous and they wanted the speckled feather for themselves, despite the fact that this is ruining their friendship with each other.

Will the birds stop fighting over the feather to save their friendship?
Find out in this story!

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Wow! This book was both fantastic and cute to read through! Johanna Ries has done an excellent job at both writing and illustrating this book! I just loved the way that Johanna Ries wrote this book as the narrative was simple yet impactful as the story shows the importance of friendship and how friends can argue with each other if something came between them. I was actually sitting on the edge of my seat, wondering if the birds will regain their friendship again, despite the appearance of the speckled feather. Johanna Ries also did a fantastic job at illustrating this book as the animals in this book look so realistic, especially the elephant that the three birds live on. I also loved the abstract look of the savanna as it has a simplistic look, but still conveys the appearance of the savanna pretty well.

Parents might be a bit concerned about one scene where the main characters are being chased by a predator. While this scene was pretty short, some smaller children might be a bit scared by the main characters being in any danger. Parents might want to read this scene first before reading it to their children.

Overall, “The Speckled Feather” is a fantastic children’s book about the importance of friendship and how your friendship is much more important than any materialistic thing. I would recommend this book to children ages five and up due to one intense scene in this book.

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

[Rebecca Crunden]

The artwork in this straight up left me like:



I think it's hand drawn, water-colour-y and lush and lovely, and I'm absolutely enamoured. You just want to fall into the artist's world and live inside these colours. So, so beautiful. Hats off to the artist!

The story itself is an important one about friendship, care and the downside of selfishness. Three birds live with an elephant and are protected from predators by the elephant until they start fighting with each other about who gets to keep the speckled feather that blows their way one day. Mr Elephant ain't about that nonsense and teaches them a valuable lesson.

Definitely recommend!

♡ thank you netgalley for the free arc in exchange for an honest review ♡

[Jennifer]

Three birds live harmoniously on an elephant's back in the savanna, until one day, greed divides them. A beautiful feather is snatched and worn by the fastest bird, causing him to become boastful and the other birds to become jealous and to scheme against him. The elephant refuses to put up with any of their squabbling nonsense. The birds become blind to everything besides the feather, even danger.

The illustrations are exquisite. They contributed well to the story. The birds' personalities were portrayed well in the drawings. The story teaches a solid lesson. There is one page that seems a bit scary, but the humorous picture on the next page will ease a child's fears.

Overall, I really enjoyed this author's debut picture book.

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth books.

[Andrea Pole]

The Speckled Feather, written and illustrated by Johanna Ries, is a delightful debut, and I was thoroughly charmed by the antics of the fascinating creatures who call the Savannah their home.

When a speckled feather falls from the sky, it catches the attention of bird friends Ade, Emem, and Nuru immediately. Having peacefully co-existed on the back of their elephant friend until now, the three bicker amongst themselves over who should rightfully possess this treasure, putting themselves, and those around them, in jeopardy.

This is a wonderful story that touches upon several universal themes, including greed, vanity, friendship, and loyalty. Children of all ages will be captivated by this book, and I would highly recommend adding it to library shelves everywhere.

Many thanks to NetGalley and North South Books Inc. for an ARC of this title.

[Stephany]

Highlights:
What a beautiful book, the illustrations are wonderful. The story and text is well thought out. I believe this book can offer a little bit of something for everyone. I certainly enjoyed it as much as my children.

My criteria for reviewing children's picture books are as follows: Does it keep my child's attention? Are the pictures engaging? Is it age appropriate? Is it teaching anything of value? Does it promote a conversation after the book is over?

Does it keep my child attention?
Yes, my 2 year old and 5 year old both like this book. They sat through it attentively and the text was not to long, and easily understood.
Are the pictures engaging?
This book was a piece of artwork, in that it had beautiful renderings done of the Savannah. I also loved the juxtaposition of each picture and the text.
Is it age appropriate?
Absolutely.
Is it teaching anything of value?
Yes, not only does it drop some facts about the Savannah and the creatures who live there in a fun way, it addresses the issue of pride, vanity, and selfishness and what consequences those choices may have. As well as forgiveness which is important for any child to read about.
Does it promote a conversation after the book is over?
Absolutely, it promoted a wonderful conversation on the above teaching values.

[Kelly Hooker]

The Speckled Feather by Johanna Ries is a delightful children’s book that my 3 year old son and I have revisited many times. Set in the Savanna, readers meet three birds named Ade, Emem, and Neru who make their home on the back of an elephant. The birds are initially peaceful, but become quarrelsome after one of the birds happens upon a treasured speckled feather. When danger strikes in the night, the true meaning of bravery and friendship is revealed.

The Speckled Feather is a wonderful story of camaraderie and the importance of sticking together. With bright pictures and intricately depicted animals, the illustrations are nothing short of stunning in this beautiful book. In true toddler fashion, my son requested to revisit the pages at the climax of the novel many, many times.The story sparked great conversation about the importance of getting along with others. We were able to directly apply this lesson from the story to interacting with siblings later in the day. I would highly recommend The Speckled Feather to toddlers as well as school-aged children.

[The Blossoming Bibliophiles]

I love this beautifully illustrated story about friendship and cooperation!

When a gorgeous speckled feather wafts through the air near an elephant and his three bird friends Ade, Emem and Nuru, chaos ensues as the three birds fight over who gets to keep the beautiful feather. The elephant can't stand the quarreling anymore and blasts the birds off his back with a rush of water from his trunk. He won't let them sit on his back again until they get rid of the feather and make amends, which the birds do not agree to. Things change however when danger lurks that evening and the elephant comes to the rescue of his three friends.

This debut book from author-illustrator Johanna Ries is stunning and beautifully captures the relationship between the elephant and his bird friends. Kids will be able to relate to the conflict in this story as disagreements are inevitable amongst groups of friends, and this will show them that true friendship is deeper than any squabble they may have.

[Terry]

With a brief introduction about birds that ride on the backs of elephants, author Johanna Ries begins the tale with a "Once upon a time." Each bird has a name, a personality and they each share the ride on their elephant, never quarreling. One day, Ade, the fastest one, captures a beautiful speckled feather, quickly adding it to her feathers, while bragging about it to Emem and Nuru, her friends. Jealous they do not have a feather like that, they hatch a plan to take the feather. Arguing ensues and all three birds are asked to stay away and off the elephant until the feather is gone and they promise to stop quarreling. What happens soon after lets the friends know that a single, beautiful feather is not worth the trouble of losing a friendship or losing themselves!!! Terrific tale to have conversations about!
#NetGalley #TheSpeckledFeather

[Meaghan Morrissey]

Ade, Emem, and Nuru, are three birds that reside on an elephant's back in the savanna. One day, a lovely speckled feather gets blown into their midst-and when one of the birds takes it up and sticks it to themselves-the other birds rapidly became envious and wanted the speckled feather for themselves, even though the jealousy is hurting their friendship.
Will the birds' rivalry over the feather end in order to save their friendship?

This is a book I would definitely introduce to the classroom, because I believe it has aspects that would be beneficial to teach younger kids. Throughout the story, the themes of jealousy are presented and pin the birds against each other. I think, by introducing this book in the classroom, as teachers we can teach students that jealousy is wrong, and that fighting with friends is never the answer. This book would be good for classrooms 3rd grade and up!

[Theediscerning]

A debut picture book with a whole heap of promise. On the plains of Africa, three birds live calmly on the back of an elephant, until jealousy, big-headedness, spite and greed all rear their heads, when one of the birds claims as his own a red, speckled feather, previously from a different type of bird entirely. How can such an argument be resolved? There're dynamism and character in the artwork, and a good mood when the visuals allow for something more atmospheric. At times things are possibly a little too dynamic – I stumbled once or twice, having missed the text that was allowed to break away from the usual straight lines. But for an entertaining story with a good moral, this succeeds.

[Sally]

A simple yet well crafted story with a message.
Three birds, like children, live on the elephant’s back and are good friends until the speckled feather floats down and then friendship goes out the window and covet comes in.

Beautiful illustrations drawn as part of Johanna’s final project for her degree. Very well thought out compositions in wonderful textures used in the elephants and the Savannah.

There are sometimes, frenzied elements of almost Dave McKean influence, in the dog for instance or the quarrelling birds and then there is the balance with the calm of the Savannah. The spread where the dog pounces is fabulous.
I loved reading this story aloud and look forward to seeing more of her work.

[Papergirl]

The blurb speaks of this book being a thought-provoking tale about friendship. That sentiment is lost on me. Yes, there is a fallout but the way it is framed doesn't bring about a satisfactory conclusion to the message it is trying to get across.

I think the target audience will enjoy the story and the dramatics it includes. The illustrations are simple, yet pretty in a camouflage kind of way. I think some of the darker pages could give more thought to the font colour, however this might be an issue due to the format I received the ARC in.

My 4 and 6 year-olds enjoy the tale. They clearly have a deeper appreciation for the text than I do and I suppose that's the way it should be. Overall I rate this book a 4/5

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading)]

With gorgeous illustrations, this story focuses on three friends and a fight they get into over the titular speckled feather.

I loved how the text was placed on each page, it really help emphasize the illustrations.

All in all, this was a beautifully illustrated book that focused on the importance of friendship and getting along. If this was published a couple decades earlier, I could definitely see my parents reading this to me and my sister when we were younger as a way to promote sharing and discourage arguments.

Many thanks to NetGalley and North South Books Inc. for this e-ARC. I really appreciate the opportunity to read this gem!

[Mortisha Cassavetes]

This is such a beautiful picture book. I really loved the storyline as well as the amazing illustrations. The book follows an elephant that has three white birds, Ade, Emem, and Nuru, that ride on his back. One day a beautiful speckled feather blows their way which causes the birds to fight over it. The elephant is not pleased and kicks them off his back until they can get rid of the feather and go back to being peaceful. While the birds are off the elephants back and fighting amongst themselves, danger is lurking in the dark grass. I can't recommend this book enough to kids of all ages. Thanks so much #netgalley for the early review copy.

[Leslie]

The Speckled Feather by Johanna Ries is a book packed full of lessons that go along with friendship--lessons about sharing, disagreements, and protecting one another. This beautifully illustrated book takes place in the Savannah with an elephant and 3 birds that set on his back named Ade, Emem, and Nuru. The 3 birds find a spiffy looking feather and spend the entire book fighting over it. I really enjoyed this book and think this book would be perfect to read at home, school, or library story time. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. (This review is also on GoodReads.)

[Colleen]

Debut children's author. Beautiful illustrations and a great message, story is intended for children preschool-grade 2.

I loved the different perspectives in viewing the elephant; so creative.

I plan to purchase a copy of this book once released; publication date is 04 May, 2021.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher NorthSouth Books, the author Johanna Ries, and the translator David Henry Wilson for the opportunity to read and review the advance read copy of The Speckled Feather in exchange for an honest review. All the best.

[Our_readingjourney]

A very beautifully illustrated book about three white birds residing in elephant s back in the beautiful Savannah. These three birds are fighting for a speckled feather and how in the greater picture they realise the importance of friendship and staying together!
The best part for my daughter was the fact that's these birds live on these elephant s and in term help each other in their own special ways.. she hadnt thought about it before so that's a big plus for me!
Thank you Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Meneniareads]

Free ARC from Netgalley.

Three birds lives on the back of an elephant. One day a beautiful speckled feather blows in the wind, and the birds gets a hold of it. Only it makes them argue and fight. And the elephant leaves them.

A good story about the meaning of friendship. Such gorgeous illustrations! Children deserves pretty books like this.

[Jessica]

When three birds quarrel and bicker over a speckled feather their arguments put themselves, and everyone else in the Savanna, at risk.

A beautifully and uniquely illustrated picture book that demonstrates the importance of unity. Great for read alouds.

[Jennifer Hottinger]

The Speckled Feather is a story of not only friendship, but fairness and understanding. A bit frightening for a moment, but then all comes together, as they receive a reminder of why quarreling just distracts and divides.

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks)]

Thanks to Netgalley and North South Books for a free digital copy to review.

A excellently illustrated story with a great message about the importance of friendship, and the silliness of quarrelling.

[Victoria Jackson]

This is a lovely book telling the story of friendship and doing the right thing. It is beautifully illustrated and both myself and my 4 year old son enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC.

[bohemianrhapsodyreads]

This is a cute and imaginative story about three birds who discover a colorful and beautiful feather out of nowhere. What do you think will happen?

I just reviewed The Speckled Feather by Johanna Ries. #TheSpeckledFeather #NetGalley

[G. Salter]

A very beautiful book, filled with great detailed drawings that communicate the story in vivid colors, with a huge sense of space that fills well in a story about the African wilderness.

[Heather]

The possession of things can distract us from what's truly important.

[Jessica]

3.5 stars. Three white birds sit on the back of an elephant. But when a red speckled feather lands on the elephant's back, there is quarreling among the birds. pretty artwork. okay writing.