Bird is Dead is a gentle and simplistic exploration of death and funerals for young readers. As the birds in the story discover that their friend is dead, they express feelings of sadness and begin to wonder what to do next. Not everyone has fond memories of Bird, but those that do remind the others to be respectful of the life that is lost. While death is not always an easy topic to approach with young audiences, the author addresses it in a matter-of-fact way, which builds connection and understanding to the experiences of others in English Language Arts. As songs and stories of Bird are shared as they say their goodbyes, the birds acknowledge their feelings of sadness that Bird is gone but also remind each other that memories of Bird will be a part of them forever. This hopeful ending teaches students that memories of loved ones that have passed will always be a part of them.

Other End Matter: None
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Shannon S., School Librarian, BC Books for Schools

Tiny Fisscher writes for all ages in all genres, and is the author of many books for children.

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Herma Starreveld was originally a therapist and now works as a mixed media artist.

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“This plainspoken and candid lens on death is a conversation-starter.”
—Horn Book

"Unexpectedly tender... honoring the spectrum of grief and its varied manifestations"
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, STARRED