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Really Bird
I Really Want to Be First!: A Really Bird Story
Meet Really Bird, a small bird who lives in a large city park with his friends Cat, Pup, Mouse, and Rabbit. In each story, Really Bird finds himself really wanting something – to be bigger, to have his fair share, or to be the leader – to be really silly, funny, strong, cool, happy, or brave. And when he feels something, he really feels it.
Each story is an entertaining, character-driven caper based on relatable social/emotional themes, delivered with surprise twists, high drama, and expert comic timing. Along the way, lessons are learned about qualities such as teamwork and compassion. The emphasis is on character growth and development through creative problem-solving. Friendship and emotional engagement are at the heart of every story.
In I Really Want to Be First!, Really Bird is usually in line behind his two best friends, Cat and Pup. He wants to be first for a change, so he thinks up a scheme to become the leader of the group. Along the way, Really Bird discovers that being the leader involves more than being first.
Each story is an entertaining, character-driven caper based on relatable social/emotional themes, delivered with surprise twists, high drama, and expert comic timing. Along the way, lessons are learned about qualities such as teamwork and compassion. The emphasis is on character growth and development through creative problem-solving. Friendship and emotional engagement are at the heart of every story.
In I Really Want to Be First!, Really Bird is usually in line behind his two best friends, Cat and Pup. He wants to be first for a change, so he thinks up a scheme to become the leader of the group. Along the way, Really Bird discovers that being the leader involves more than being first.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published April 12, 2022
About the author
Harriet Ziefert
692 books57 followersHarriet Ziefert grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University.
For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.
"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.
For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.
"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 10, 2022
Really Bird has intense emotions, and he "really" wants to be the leader today. His friends, the Pup and Cat, agree to be the followers, and Really Bird leads them to a tree and tells them to climb while he flies up to the top of the tree. Pup tells them that he is not a good climber, but Cat and Really Bird encourage him to climb up. They get up to the top of the tree, and Pup is too scared to get down! Cat has to take the lead and carefully help the terrified Pup to climb down. Really Bird flies down, and argues with his friends that he was the first one on the ground. His friends argue for a moment, but then decide to let it go. Really Bird says, "Today I really wanted to be first, and I was!"
I don't understand this book. Really Bird is a horrible little person. He leads his friends into danger, and then doesn't even apologize to them for being so insensitive and stupid. The Pup told Really Bird that he was not a good climber, but Really Bird didn't listen to his friend. He didn't care that his friend was not enjoying their activity. Really Bird only thought about himself. Selfish mean little bird! What a horrible leader!
And what pathetic friends that don't have strong boundaries to stand up for themselves. They should not have "let it go" at the end. They should have insisted that Really Bird take responsibility for his bad decisions and apologize to his friends. But they just forgive him and let him be the leader again as if nothing is wrong. Talk about a toxic co-dependent relationship!
The last page has discussion questions, and I expected the questions to be things like, 'Why was Really Bird so selfish? Is it okay to be selfish if you "really" want something? What could Really Bird have done differently to be a better leader and a better friend? What can we do to listen to our friends and keep them safe?'
But NO. The actual questions were "Do you like to be first? Have you had an argument about who was first? What happened? Did you win? Or did you move on? How many "firsts" can you think of? Draw pictures to show who's first." These were the actual questions at the end of the book! I was shocked! They make it sounds like winning and being first is the most important thing.
What a terrible moral message in this book! I don't understand this at all. Is it suddenly a good thing to be selfish and inconsiderate? We should push everyone else aside in our desire to be first? This book makes no sense.
The only good thing about this book is the adorable illustrations! I love the colorful pages, and the cute artwork. If only the story wasn't so absolutely horrid.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I don't understand this book. Really Bird is a horrible little person. He leads his friends into danger, and then doesn't even apologize to them for being so insensitive and stupid. The Pup told Really Bird that he was not a good climber, but Really Bird didn't listen to his friend. He didn't care that his friend was not enjoying their activity. Really Bird only thought about himself. Selfish mean little bird! What a horrible leader!
And what pathetic friends that don't have strong boundaries to stand up for themselves. They should not have "let it go" at the end. They should have insisted that Really Bird take responsibility for his bad decisions and apologize to his friends. But they just forgive him and let him be the leader again as if nothing is wrong. Talk about a toxic co-dependent relationship!
The last page has discussion questions, and I expected the questions to be things like, 'Why was Really Bird so selfish? Is it okay to be selfish if you "really" want something? What could Really Bird have done differently to be a better leader and a better friend? What can we do to listen to our friends and keep them safe?'
But NO. The actual questions were "Do you like to be first? Have you had an argument about who was first? What happened? Did you win? Or did you move on? How many "firsts" can you think of? Draw pictures to show who's first." These were the actual questions at the end of the book! I was shocked! They make it sounds like winning and being first is the most important thing.
What a terrible moral message in this book! I don't understand this at all. Is it suddenly a good thing to be selfish and inconsiderate? We should push everyone else aside in our desire to be first? This book makes no sense.
The only good thing about this book is the adorable illustrations! I love the colorful pages, and the cute artwork. If only the story wasn't so absolutely horrid.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
April 13, 2022
The illustrations are cute and energetic, but the abrupt ending leaves the moral very muddled. Really Bird concludes the tale by saying that he was glad to finally be first, without acknowledging the bad situation that he got his friends into under his poor leadership.
April 22, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Sorry we missed our review yesterday, but to make up for it, we’ve got a double review for you! Our books today are the first two titles in the Really Bird series – I Really Want to Be First! and I Really Want a Bigger Piece! – written by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated by Travis Foster.
In both books, the reader is introduced to Really Bird, an outspoken little bird so named for their rather BIG emotions; Really Bird doesn’t just get happy or sad or thirsty, they get REALLY happy or REALLY sad or REALLY thirsty. In Be First!, Really Bird decides that they are really tired of being last, and want to act as leader that day for their trio of friends, which includes Cat and Pup. All goes well at first, but unfortunately, Really Bird leads their pals into a precarious spot, and the trio must work out how to get home. In Bigger Piece!, the three friends share a picnic pie, but have differing opinions on who should get the largest and best piece. Really Bird is really hungry, but since they’re the smallest, the other two don’t think the bird should get the biggest piece. The friends will have to decide what they think is fair for everyone, or no one will be able to enjoy their picnic.
Playful lessons in problem-solving. These early readers feature simple storylines that tackle kid-oriented problems, with solutions focusing on care, kindness, and consideration. Bigger Piece!’s storyline is slightly stronger, as it nicely explores come complex ideas on fair distribution. Be First! has a less satisfying ending, especially since Ready Bird doesn’t seem particularly apologetic or remorseful for scaring poor Pup. Both books feature follow-up questions for young readers, and the dialogue-exclusive text in speech bubbles is fun to read aloud, especially if you have character voices ready. Foster’s cartoonish illustrations are bright and fun (and that blueberry pie looked delicious). The lengths were fine for elementary readers, and JJ enjoyed both books very much. Overall, this is could be a fun new series for bookworms beginning to read independently, and we enjoyed it – Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
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August 20, 2022See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/i-real...
I REALLY WANT TO BE FIRST features Really Bird, who feels emotions strongly, and today, he really wants to be first. Usually, Really Bird is last, but today, he is determined to be the first and lead the way. As they set out with Really Bird being first, he leads his friends, Cat and Pup, up into a tree. However, once there, they are afraid and not sure how to get down. Really Bird does not help, but brags that he is first down after they make their way together back to the ground.
What I loved: The story features some very colorful illustrations with cartoonish, fun characters that will appeal to young readers. The amount of text on each page is brief, making the story move very quickly. It will also work well for early independent readers for this reason. The end of the book includes some questions to inspire discussion and further consideration that may resonate with children.
What left me wanting more: While the messages around being first and needing to help your friends are not obvious, they may be presented through caregiver discussion about what Really Bird could/should have done better. However, if children are beginning to read independently, the message may not really come across, and Really Bird does not really demonstrate how to be a good friend or leader.
Final verdict: I REALLY WANT TO BE FIRST features colorful illustrations and brief text that will work well for early readers. Discussion with caregivers will be needed to elucidate the messages around the story.
I REALLY WANT TO BE FIRST features Really Bird, who feels emotions strongly, and today, he really wants to be first. Usually, Really Bird is last, but today, he is determined to be the first and lead the way. As they set out with Really Bird being first, he leads his friends, Cat and Pup, up into a tree. However, once there, they are afraid and not sure how to get down. Really Bird does not help, but brags that he is first down after they make their way together back to the ground.
What I loved: The story features some very colorful illustrations with cartoonish, fun characters that will appeal to young readers. The amount of text on each page is brief, making the story move very quickly. It will also work well for early independent readers for this reason. The end of the book includes some questions to inspire discussion and further consideration that may resonate with children.
What left me wanting more: While the messages around being first and needing to help your friends are not obvious, they may be presented through caregiver discussion about what Really Bird could/should have done better. However, if children are beginning to read independently, the message may not really come across, and Really Bird does not really demonstrate how to be a good friend or leader.
Final verdict: I REALLY WANT TO BE FIRST features colorful illustrations and brief text that will work well for early readers. Discussion with caregivers will be needed to elucidate the messages around the story.
April 12, 2022
Really Bird has his name because when he is happy, he is REALLY happy or when he is thirsty, he is REALLY thirsty. Really Bird has two best friends, Cat and Pup. They like to hang out together in the city park. Sometimes, when they are together, Really Bird likes to express his feelings.
Really Bird is frustrated because usually when they do something together, Really Bird is always last. So, he decides to suggest that he gets to be the leader. When Cat and Pup agree, they realize Really Bird may not be the best leader.
Really Bird doesn’t quite understand why her idea of being the leader was such a problem and is just focused on the fact that she got to be first for once. Even though, Cat and Pup know that maybe there is a reason why Really Bird isn’t usually the leader. Everything works out and Really Bird is happy, so the friends decide it was okay that Really Bird got to be the leader for once.
The end of the story features a Think About/Talk About feature with questions to talk about with your child or storytime or classroom. Some of the discussion questions include:
Do you like to be first?
Have you had an argument about who was first?
How many firsts can you think of?
Overall, I think this book offers an opportunity for a great discussion. In the classroom setting, being first seems to be a popular choice. Many teachers fix it by having rotating jobs with line leader or caboose being options so the same person isn’t always the leader or the last one. This might be a great story to read at the beginning of a school year.
Really Bird is frustrated because usually when they do something together, Really Bird is always last. So, he decides to suggest that he gets to be the leader. When Cat and Pup agree, they realize Really Bird may not be the best leader.
Really Bird doesn’t quite understand why her idea of being the leader was such a problem and is just focused on the fact that she got to be first for once. Even though, Cat and Pup know that maybe there is a reason why Really Bird isn’t usually the leader. Everything works out and Really Bird is happy, so the friends decide it was okay that Really Bird got to be the leader for once.
The end of the story features a Think About/Talk About feature with questions to talk about with your child or storytime or classroom. Some of the discussion questions include:
Do you like to be first?
Have you had an argument about who was first?
How many firsts can you think of?
Overall, I think this book offers an opportunity for a great discussion. In the classroom setting, being first seems to be a popular choice. Many teachers fix it by having rotating jobs with line leader or caboose being options so the same person isn’t always the leader or the last one. This might be a great story to read at the beginning of a school year.
July 25, 2022
This review will be for Really Bird Stories series, Books #1 & #2.
In the first book, I Really Want to Be First!, Really Bird is always last in line. One day, he demands to be first - the leader. When he decides they should climb the tree, where Pup and Cat get stuck. He then talks them down the tree and volunteers to lead them home.
In the second book I Really Want a Bigger Piece!, Really Bird, Cat, and Pup are discussing who should get the largest piece of blueberry pie. When Dog resolves the complaints, Really Bird is still hungry, so asks for the last piece of pie, which he will share with 3 friends Mouse, Squirrel, and Rabbit.
Each book ends with several questions to think about or discuss.
Ziefert has the right idea - these are issues that young children have to deal with and learn how to resolve - ex. being the leader and getting the biggest piece. Unfortunately, Really Bird often comes across as being a bit of a brat in order to get his way and results in being a bit annoying in the process. The questions in the back seem somewhat superficial and a missed opportunity.
Illustrations by Travis Foster use an unusual color palette of turquoise blue, olive green, and golden orange with black outlines. Illustrations are very 2-D and static, but serviceable. These would be useful as beginning readers, as the font looks hand-printed.
These would be great to use as a starting point when talking about working together as a group - as there are 3 friends here, not 2.
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 2.
In the first book, I Really Want to Be First!, Really Bird is always last in line. One day, he demands to be first - the leader. When he decides they should climb the tree, where Pup and Cat get stuck. He then talks them down the tree and volunteers to lead them home.
In the second book I Really Want a Bigger Piece!, Really Bird, Cat, and Pup are discussing who should get the largest piece of blueberry pie. When Dog resolves the complaints, Really Bird is still hungry, so asks for the last piece of pie, which he will share with 3 friends Mouse, Squirrel, and Rabbit.
Each book ends with several questions to think about or discuss.
Ziefert has the right idea - these are issues that young children have to deal with and learn how to resolve - ex. being the leader and getting the biggest piece. Unfortunately, Really Bird often comes across as being a bit of a brat in order to get his way and results in being a bit annoying in the process. The questions in the back seem somewhat superficial and a missed opportunity.
Illustrations by Travis Foster use an unusual color palette of turquoise blue, olive green, and golden orange with black outlines. Illustrations are very 2-D and static, but serviceable. These would be useful as beginning readers, as the font looks hand-printed.
These would be great to use as a starting point when talking about working together as a group - as there are 3 friends here, not 2.
Recommended for PreSchool-grade 2.
February 25, 2022
This is a funny and sweet early reader for ages 5-7. I love the vibrant illustration style -- the bird, cat and dog are all depicted in playful ways. The colored word bubbles used for each character remind me of Mo Willems books, and the pacing is pretty similar here. The premise is in the title -- the bird wants to be first! The narrative shows how the bird convinces its friends to let it be first, what consequences come from making bad decisions as a leader, and what arguments ensue along the way and how friends can navigate them. It's playful with a nice undertone of a conflict most kids will resonate with. Love it!
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Red Comet Press. Opinions are my own.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Red Comet Press. Opinions are my own.
November 27, 2022
From RG reviewer Panda Incognito:
The illustrations are cute and energetic, but the abrupt ending leaves the moral very muddled. Really Bird concludes the tale by saying that he was glad to finally be first, without acknowledging the bad situation that he got his friends into under his poor leadership.
My take:
I really wanted to like this book, the first in a new series by Harriet Ziefert--an author whose former work I've enjoyed. The illustrations are good, and it looks like a great next step for the Elephant and Piggie crowd. But the moral of the story was muddled. Early Bird's bad behavior was not clearly recognized. The follow-up questions at the end of the story did not address this either. Big feelings are an important topic. The book failed to deal well with the issue.
The illustrations are cute and energetic, but the abrupt ending leaves the moral very muddled. Really Bird concludes the tale by saying that he was glad to finally be first, without acknowledging the bad situation that he got his friends into under his poor leadership.
My take:
I really wanted to like this book, the first in a new series by Harriet Ziefert--an author whose former work I've enjoyed. The illustrations are good, and it looks like a great next step for the Elephant and Piggie crowd. But the moral of the story was muddled. Early Bird's bad behavior was not clearly recognized. The follow-up questions at the end of the story did not address this either. Big feelings are an important topic. The book failed to deal well with the issue.
December 8, 2021
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
In I Really Want to Be First!, Really Bird is always last behind his friends Cat and Pup. Today, he wants to be first…he really wants to be first, so they let him. He figures out that if he’s first, that he needs to take responsibility as the leader.
This is a cute book with bright and colorful illustrations throughout. The lesson here is fairly vague, and children may not pick up on it, but it’s still a cute story.
In I Really Want to Be First!, Really Bird is always last behind his friends Cat and Pup. Today, he wants to be first…he really wants to be first, so they let him. He figures out that if he’s first, that he needs to take responsibility as the leader.
This is a cute book with bright and colorful illustrations throughout. The lesson here is fairly vague, and children may not pick up on it, but it’s still a cute story.
December 6, 2021
I Really Want to Be First is a little story about a bird who REALLY wants things. This time, it wants to be FIRST. This is definitely cashing in on the popularity of graphic novels. The illustrations are cute, but the text is a little didactic, taking a lot of time at the beginning to explain REALLY bird. A jump straight into the narrative and more humor like the surprise after climbing down the tree would have been more welcome.
December 31, 2021
Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from Red Comet Press in the Grab a Galley giveaway.
Written for lower elementary level. Really Bird wants to be first instead of last behind his friends. Cat and Dog agree to follow his lead as they play that day. Bird doesn't make the best choice but they follow anyway. The illustrations are highly detailed and fun to study. Questions included at the end to trigger family discussion on Really Bird's actions.
I received an electronic ARC from Red Comet Press in the Grab a Galley giveaway.
Written for lower elementary level. Really Bird wants to be first instead of last behind his friends. Cat and Dog agree to follow his lead as they play that day. Bird doesn't make the best choice but they follow anyway. The illustrations are highly detailed and fun to study. Questions included at the end to trigger family discussion on Really Bird's actions.
December 6, 2022
I could not agree less with reviews comparing Really Bird to Elephant & Piggie. This early reader series lacks the charm, humor and the tender lessons.
Really Bird is rather obnoxious and a terrible friend (which wouldn't necessarily bother me by itself - I love Grumpy Bird), but for a book series advertised as "emotional learning at the heart of every book," I expect better. The message (presumably patience in the first book) is often missing or unclear. The pacing in general feels off.
Really Bird is rather obnoxious and a terrible friend (which wouldn't necessarily bother me by itself - I love Grumpy Bird), but for a book series advertised as "emotional learning at the heart of every book," I expect better. The message (presumably patience in the first book) is often missing or unclear. The pacing in general feels off.
October 27, 2025
We are so proud of you for reading this wonderful book! You learned something really important - being a leader isn't just about being first in line. True leaders think about their friends and help them when there's trouble. Remember how Really Bird wanted to be first but forgot to care for Cat and Pup? Next time you play with your friends, you can be a kind leader who makes sure everyone is safe and happy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
Really Bird is always last following a black puppy who follows a yellow cat. One day Really Bird gets to be the leader and be first, but there's more to being a leader than just going first. Really Bird learns nothing! The yellow cat shows leadership by helping the black puppy down, but none of them talk about it. Really Bird is just really annoying.
December 12, 2022
12/11/2022 ~ The series seems to set out to deliver specific early childhood themes, such as cooperation, imagination, team work, and solving problems with others. There is backmatter intended to spark conversations between a young person (4 or 5 years?) and their loving adult.
I'm not sure about the hand lettering. I'll be curious to interact with kids around the format of the book.
I'm not sure about the hand lettering. I'll be curious to interact with kids around the format of the book.
June 2, 2022
A fun story that I believe emphasizes the importance of finding what you want in the world and being confident enough to say it and go for it. The illustrations are so fun and the bird, cat, and dog are all depicted in playful and fun ways!
June 11, 2022
Good choice for a graphic picture book to see how a Really bird/child wants to be first but has to learn to lead the group of his best friends and lead his friends another way and share being first with others.
August 3, 2022
Adorable art. Terrible message. Thought it was going to discuss being selfish and needing to be first in everything. NOPE. The book ends with Really Bird saying, "Today I really wanted to be first, and I was!"
May 9, 2023
Not really a fan of a character whining and always getting his way. Mo Willem's obnoxious pigeon books work because the Pigeon never actually gets what he wants. Kids don't (or shouldn't) always get what they want.
February 22, 2026
While I find the illustrations to be cute and a bit whimsical, I hoped for a better story. The title seems like it would be a good book for kindergarteners, but it's just meh. I'm going to take a pass.
January 9, 2022
My 5-year-old son declared this book "awesome!" It was fun to read together and the questions at the end are a nice touch for discussion.
January 12, 2022
The humor, so important in beginning to read books, kind of falls flat here.
May 16, 2022
What an annoying bird! The other animals were funny, because they were exasperated by their aggressive little buddy. Has potential...
August 29, 2022
The animals argue twice over who is/was first.
November 27, 2022
Really Bird gets what he wants at the expense of his friends’ safety and happiness. Not a great message.
May 19, 2023
an early reader about a friendship between a dog, cat and bird where the bird always wants to go first. preschool and up
August 13, 2025
This bird is a brat and even my kids agreed there is no lesson learned.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews