The Message of the Birds
The Message of the Birds book cover

The Message of the Birds

Hardcover – Picture Book, November 1, 2013

Price
$13.69
Format
Hardcover
Pages
32
Publisher
minedition
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-9888240555
Dimensions
10.13 x 0.38 x 9.88 inches
Weight
15.4 ounces

Description

★"Told through simple, lyrical words, the story of how the birds fly off to spread a song of peace by singing to children is a touching and profound interpretation of the role of the Christ Child and the meaning of his birth.... A lovely, quiet book with something powerful to say. " — Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW “A very special book…a timeless and timely tale not to be missed….xa0full of the warmth and innocence that parents so often desire for their young children’s lives. The book encompasses a single theme: let there be peace on earth…. The illustrations are spot on…. During what is one of the busiest times of the year for many people, taking a break to enjoy and understandxa0The Message of the Birdsxa0is well worth the time. - Good Reads with Ronna "The tale itself involves the birds of the world and a song they learned long ago that they want to sing to every child that they find. The real lure is the art, however." —Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal “Birdsong carrying a message of peace plays a central role in this beautifully illustrated retelling of the Nativity. "Why don't we sing it anymore?" asks the little robin pictured on the cover. While the other birds insist that "people don't listen," the robin suggests, "We should sing it for the children." Pale skies and white landscapes allow the birds' vibrant colors and the children's coats to pop in paintings as serene as a snowfall.” – Shelf Awareness “Delicate naturalistic illustrations capture the hush of winter and the transformative powers of friendship and love.” — Elissa Gershowitz, Horn Book Kate Westerlund is the authorxa0of Axa0Cup for Everyone and Sharing Christmas .xa0She has taught music and English, sung in musicals and operas, and helped run a summer opera program. Feridun Oral is a children's book illustrator whose work hasxa0been published throughout the world. He has participated in many national and international exhibitions and is the recipient of many awards, including an award from UNESCO in Japan.

Features & Highlights

  • This classic holiday book that brings together nature, the nativity, and the celebration of the first Christmas, Jesus's birth, makes a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for toddlers, boys and girls from 3 to 5 years old, and the young at heart!
  • “Let there be peace on Earth.” A timeless message of how peace can spread from one person to another, ideal for Christmas time, and throughout the year.Long ago a special child was born, and the animals heard a song of blessing and good will for all the creatures of the earth. But now the birds wonder why no one sings the song anymore. And so they fly far and wide, singing the song of joy and peace. Here is a beautiful story about the powerful role we all play in passing on the timeless message: “Let there be peace. Peace on Earth.”

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(191)
★★★★
25%
(80)
★★★
15%
(48)
★★
7%
(22)
-7%
(-22)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Don't be fooled!

The first book I have EVER returned! I was drawn in by the beautiful illustrations and the description of the book which stated “An old owl tells the Christmas story to the community of birds as he has done so many times before, but when he tells of the special message from the Baby Jesus…”
Anyone reading that description would expect this book to actually TELL the story of the Christmas story of Christ. Yet in actuality, the first page reading “Long ago in a simple stable, a child is born.” is the full extent of their story of Christ. Also, “Baby Jesus” in the description on the website, is the only place you’ll see the word “JESUS”, for the word is never printed in the book.
The message of “Peace on Earth” is all well and good, but don’t claim the book is about the story of Christ when it absolutely is not!
SPOILER ALERT: An old owl tells all his bird friends to whisper “the message” to all the children because no one else in the world listens to “the message” anymore. Why? Because they don’t understand “the language” anymore. Children listen with their hearts, so they understand. So all the children (of every color and of every language), after being whispered “the message” take their lanterns and hold hands across the world and understand the message is “Let there be peace on Earth”.
If you’re looking for a politically correct, “woke” version of the Christmas story, this is for you!
Otherwise, it’s shamefully, the lamest book ever.
149 people found this helpful
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Good swing hard miss

Over-simplified and the art was disappointing (as well as the story). I was so excited about the book upon arrival but it fell flat. Contradictions within- if it's a story relating to the story of Christ in the bible then I don't know why they would misrepresent angels (insinuated in the star-faces/children...). I get that this happens a lot but the fact that most pages were literally just birds passing "the message" was repetitive in a redundant way, not very interesting. The children hold hands; not sure why. Diversity of the children was in text yet only 1/15 or so of the children were non-Caucasian. Why even point it out? It's embarrassing in today's social climate. It was so simple it would seem for young children yet then it's too abstract for young children. Lacked flow and the very short message at the end was anti-climatic. I don't know how it has so many good reviews but I'm sad I spent $14 on this......I wouldn't keep it if it were free. :/
37 people found this helpful
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Disappointing

I was disappointed with this book. I know its a picture book (& the pictures are definitely the highlight of the work) but it seemed short to me. I was also disappointed in the message of the birds - for the peace on earth, goodwill to men is a message from God to man. Its a message of hope, of redemption. This story totally misses that & makes it about world peace. Yes, a parent can add to the story, but if people don't already know the Christmas story they will be mislead by its retelling here.

Story: 2 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars
Average: 3 stars
26 people found this helpful
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The Message of the Birds

This is a very beautifully illustrated book that tell of the first Christmas. Owl tells the story of how the birds listened to the baby and what they heard was a special song of blessing of joy and good will and how the birds sing the song. The birds ask Owl why people don't hear the songs anymore but the birds decide to sing again. Read to see what happens!
22 people found this helpful
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Loved it.

I loved the simple elegance of this book. It's not a traditional Christmas story but it has the Christmas message. It can be read all year long.
20 people found this helpful
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A Story for Every Child

I bought this book to read to my granddaughter. I wanted a Christmas book that wasn’t about the typical commercial festivities. I was very pleased when I read The Message of the Birds. It’s so lovely and gentle…the message of peace, brought to the world by Christ. I hope it remains in our family for generations.
13 people found this helpful
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What?

How did someone think this was a good book?
No story. Shallow points that never even connected. Weak attempt at pushing an agenda. And even maybe a little creepy. First book I will ever be returning, I won't even pass it along or donate it.
13 people found this helpful
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Not what I was looking for.

Wanted a story that was in line with REAL meaning of Christmas got sugar coated story instead.
13 people found this helpful
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Beautiful!

Loved this little book. Beautiful pictures. Great story. My granddaughter can read this book to me. A great book to have.
13 people found this helpful
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Great message

What beautiful pictures and message.
If only the world would LISTEN! Maybe the next generation will do better than this one.
12 people found this helpful