Tree of Birds

by Susan Meddaugh (Illustrator)

After Harry nurses Sally, a green-tufted tropical bird, back to health, he is reluctant to let her fly south with her friends.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Birds

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Susan Meddaugh was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey. She graduated from Wheaton College, where she studied French literature and fine arts. After working briefly with an advertising agency in New York, she moved to Boston and worked at a publishing company for ten years, first as a designer, then art editor, and finally as art director. While there, she did the illustrations for Good Stones (Houghton Mifflin) by Anne Epstein, and then decided to strike out on her own as a freelance illustrator and creator of children's books. Since that time, Susan has written and illustrated many popular books for children, including Martha Speaks, which was chosen as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book for 1992. In 1998 she was awarded the New England Book Award, given by the New England Booksellers Association to recognize a body of work. Her work also was acknowledged with a New York Times Best Illustrated Award. She lives in Sherborn, Massachusetts. - from HMHBooks.com

Susan Meddaugh, a New England Book Award Winner, adores Halloween and calls it "THE major Holiday" in her household, in part, she says "because it's the only time in the year when you get to be someone else." - from Candlewick.com

Reviews

[Christine Fricker (EDU 378) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text to Teaching
A great story about a boy who finds a bird that is hurt. He takes the bird inside and helps him heal. He soon realizes that the bird is sad because she misses her friends. He then discovers that her other bird friends are in the tree outside waiting for him so they can travel south for the winter.
A reading activity for this book would be to create colorful birds with different colored feathers and construction paper.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ending!

[Jessica Starzyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect for the saying “if you love them, let them go”. At times it is hard to let go of something you put so much love and effort into. But in the end it really is better for everyone. The ending of this book was really funny, and I think the boy got what he deserved for waiting for so long!

Genre: modern fantasy
Grades: 3-6

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just a random pick from the library and what a delight!!! When young Harry nurses a wounded bird back to health, he become quite attached to his feathered friend. When Sally, the bird, is ready to fly free, Harry is reluctant to let her go. Even when a tree "sprouts" with Sally's friends, Harry still can't say goodbye. The ending is unexpected and cute. A fun, enjoyable book about friends and friendship.

[Shaundell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry finds a wounded Green Tufted Tropical bird, whom he names Sally. He takes her home and nurses her back to health. Her friends are missing her and come to find her; however, Harry loves his bird and doesn't want to let her go. A surprise ending! What a beautiful picture book - loved the plot and also the cute little drawings from Susan! I had to chuckle when Harry pretended to be a cat! :)

[Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story-telling book! I used this book with a student and covered the words and allowed her to use the pictures to explain what was probably happenening in the story :)

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, amusing book about the conflict between domestication and wildness, and how a young child resolves it.

[Esodhiambo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Migration
Feelings
Friendship

Intermediate grades

[Chris Meads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Soar to Success reading book for young kids. A funny book about a boy who takes care of a bird and finds out what happens.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story about friendship, a fun twist at the end.

[Melanie]

Also nature-pets

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

-Birds -Pets -Changing weather