The True Story of Stellina

by Matteo Pericoli

Stellina was a bird: “CHEEP.” A very little bird: “Cheep! cheep!”So begins critically acclaimed author Matteo Pericoli’s all-true story of how he and his wife, Holly, came to rescue and raise a little finch, Stellina, in the middle of New York City. When no zoo would take the abandoned bird, fallen from her nest onto a busy street, Holly took her home and gave her the best life she could. And there, in a Manhattan apartment, Stellina leaned how to eat, fly, and sing.

Genres: Picture Books, Birds, Childrens, Nonfiction, Realistic Fiction, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 2006

About the author

Matteo Pericoli is a Milan-born architect, illustrator, writer and teacher.

He is the author of several illustrated books — including Manhattan Unfurled, The City Out My Window: 63 Views on New York and Windows on the World: 50 Writers, 50 Views.

His drawings have appeared in various newspapers and magazines, both in the US and in Europe — including, among others, The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Observer, The Paris Review Daily and La Stampa.

In 2007, his mural Skyline of the World was installed at the new American Airlines terminal at JFK International Airport.

In 2010 he founded the Laboratory of Literary Architecture, a cross-disciplinary exploration of literature as architecture.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of how the author's wife found a baby bird beneath a streetlight on a busy street in New York City. After waiting hours to see if the mother bird would return, Holly took the malnourished baby bird home with her and proceeded to nurse it back to health. She tried to find it a home at a zoo but they would not take the bird because it was just a common finch. So, Holly keeps the bird. And comes to love the bird. So does Matteo, when he comes into Holly's life. And, it seems, the bird loves them, too. It loves singing along with Holly when she is in the shower, it loves sitting on Matteo's pen when he is writing. And it's certainly a very cute bird!!!

I wanted to like this story more than I ultimately did because it's very sweet and clear that the author loves both Stellina and Holly. The notes in the back give more insight into Stellina's story. For example, I was wondering why Matteo is nowhere to be seen in the first half of the book--but the back matter explains that Holly found Stellina before she and Matteo were a couple. Also, I found the narrative lacked a bit of flow at times--and constantly referring to Holly as "Holly, my wife," got on my nerves a bit for some reason especially since she wasn't even his wife yet when the story began.

I also wasn't completely clear why Holly didn't feel she could release the bird; she and Matteo seemed to think it was too used to humans and I guess that is probably the case but I have done baby bird rehabilitation and know there are ways to feed and care for baby birds so that they can be released. Of course, probably the well-meaning Holly did not have this expertise and probably the bird imprinted with her attentions. I certainly don't mean to criticize her kind heart and it seems the bird was happy with them for the eight years it lived (though there was mention of it looking out the window wistfully) but I do wish there had been some mention in the book of bird rehabilitation facilities and that the best thing for injured or orphan baby birds it to go to one of those places so they can live a life in the wild.

[Christine Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself was cute, but the writing is repetitive and boring. I like the illustrations well enough, and I think Stellina is very cute. But overall, the experience kind of felt "bleh."

[Kelly Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this picture book. There was more text than I usually like in a PB, but it had a fresh, quirky, charming voice. It had some repetition too (cheep, and now?) to keep kids following along with the longer text. And what a wonderful story, to boot!

[GraceAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my favorite picture books of all time.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a finch owner, the theme of the book charmed me. Now, its title says it's a true story, but there are some embellishments. In the back, the true story is shared for Stellina's biography.
A small fledgling is found. The author's wife takes it home to feed it, and nurture it by taking Stellina everywhere with her on her journeys to work and to home in Manhattan.
The wild finch is given free-rein to travel the apartment during the day, and sleeps in her cage at night. She lived 8 years.
The story is unnecessarily repetitive in that it constantly identifies the wife's name, which really takes away from the story. If that had been edited, it would be a much better read.
The occasional "cheep" added into the text is where the charm in the story.
The incidental "cheep" I can hear through the day is one I know well so it was a wonderful addition.

[Kae · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a little bit of a weird story but it's also very sweet and loving. The simplistic illustrations are enhanced with carefully placed color, that naturally draws the eye to the beloved main character. She was clearly a bright spot in the author's life and this ode to their time together may well bring a mist to the eye. This would be a wonderful story for children who love animals and possibly those who have recently lost a pet.

[Chiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9-year-old found this book at the library and picked it up because of the name. My daughter's name is Stella and I often call her Stellina. She read it, my 11-year-old read and they asked me to read it. Ahh...what an endearing little story about an orphaned wild bird found on the streets of Manhattan, and a couple who raise the little birdie in their apartment. A story of compassion, love, and friendship.
I highly recommend. The illustrations are awesome.

[Molly Ritterbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I like about this book is that Holly the man's wife could hear this bird cheep in the middle of a really busy street in Manhattan on 46street.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi and I give this 4 thumbs up! We are glad we browsed across this cute book and enjoyed reading it together. Now Naomi says that she will listen extra carefully for the "CHEEPS".

[Nancy GG · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved art work.

[Elaine montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweeeeeet

[Stephanie Duerr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐The story had a sweet charm, but the writing felt dull and repetitive. I enjoyed the illustrations and loved Stellina's adorable character.

[Inhabiting Books]

This is the story of a baby bird who falls out of its nest by a busy New York City street. When a passer-by, Holly, notices the baby bird, she waits a long time to see if the mother will come for it. When its mother doesn't come, Holly takes the little bird and gives it a home in her apartment, where it stayed the rest of it's life.

The blog Storied Cities reviewed this book a week or so ago, and due to my girls' on-going bird fascination, I ordered it from the library. They really enjoyed this book. I liked the simple text that worked very well for reading aloud. And in the manner of good books, it led to discussions of why (or why not) Holly didn't let the bird go free once it could fly, and what they would do if faced with a similar situation. (They didn't come to any firm determination, since they were apparently able to see the logic of both letting nature take its course and keeping the baby bird safe, 'though I'm sure in their heart of hearts they would have done the same as Holly.) Their only other observation was, "Mom why does he (the author) keep saying 'my wife, my wife' all the time. We know it's his wife!" I found that a distraction myself, but having kept that to myself, was interested that they had the same reaction. Bottom line: we liked it; we've read it more than once since we checked it out from the library.

My thanks to Storied Cities for turning us on to this book.

[Alyssa Becker · Rating 2 out of 5]

The True Story of Stellina; by: Matteo Pericoli; Copyright 2006; 29 pg.
*Gryphon Award 2007*

I truly did not enjoy this book. While I was reading I did not find the story intriguing nor interesting. Personally, the storyline was very dull and drug out. I could sum it up in one sentence: his wife brought the bird home and raised it. I think the book would have been better if the author would have exaggerated Stellina's love and how she showed it more.

People who may connect more to this book would be people who have lost their way or do not really have a home. It could be a good book to read to children first grade and under to teach them that not everyone may have a home and to be kind to others. Otherwise, I would not suggest reading this book.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently a lot of these children's books are going to be about animals. Were children's books always about animals when I was little? Probably. I did think animals were way better than humans. This story is...can I stop calling kids' books sweet? Nope...very sweet. It's about the life of a bird but it's also about how we can make an impact in the life of an animal and how in turn they make an even larger impact on us.

[Angela Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grades 1st-3rd

Pericoli uses large sized illustrations that relate to the text in this book. He also uses long sentences and repetition to tell his story. Children will enjoy listening to this story while relating it to something they have found and will also enjoy the sound effects.

Science/Art

Lesson Idea: Students can learn and discuss how to take care of nature.

[Ashlyn Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this short story a lot actually. I thought it was really a cute story and is very realistic, animals don't naturally warm up to us. We work for it. I liked how the author kept referring to his wife it showed a love and appreciation, even an awe for her abilities and character. I thought it was a touching little story.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. I loved the story as well as the art work. It was a very interesting book because it is a true story. This story showed that people can come to love their pets. This book can teach children to love and care for animals. I would recommend this book to second grade students to that they are able to understand why Stellina was living in a cage and apartment.

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a really cute book. I loved the illustrations and the wonderful color in them. The only problem I think you might have with reading this to little children is that they will want to rescue any little animal they find. But other than that it's a supper cute story!

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really liked this book! It was cute and creative. I liked the simple illustrations. It was cute story. It was cool to hear a true story. I personally love birds so I really enjoyed it. It was an easy read and interesting story.

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a personal favorite. It's such a sweet and charming story, but I don't know if I would read it to kids because then they will want to take home "stray" baby birds . . . share at your own risk!

[Brindizi Hamblin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was adorable. I'm not exactly sure why I liked it so much but it was so fun. The paintings in it were beautiful and the story was so realistic. Such a cute story and one I would definitely want to share with my future children.

[Aquinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

True story about young bird adopted and raised by a woman in Manhattan. Small book-size and gentle story with some word repetition, illustrations with white backgrounds and spare colors. Detailed information and adequate amount of text will keep readers interested.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short book, fun illutrations - great for 1st/2nd graders just getting into chapter books - sad-ish ending, though

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about a Manhattan woman who adopted a lil finch that was abandoned by its mother.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very gentle children's book, soothing pictures. The story is a little sad, but endearing.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touching true story of a bird who is adopted in the city.

[Emily Briano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Simple. Amazing. Made me cry!

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and a sweet true story of two people who adopt a baby bird

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender true story about a tiny finch. Very simple writing and beautiful artwork. Good for young readers. Sweet.