Brian's Bird [Hardcover]

Patricia Anne Davis (Author), Layne Johnson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2000 | Age Level: 6 and up

Eight-year-old Brian, who is blind, learns how to take care of his new parakeet and comes to realize that his older brother, while sometimes careless, is not so bad after all.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-Brian, a blind child, gets a parakeet for his eighth birthday. He teaches Scratchy to talk and allows him to fly around the house, calling on his grandmother when help is needed to find his pet. His older brother Kevin is very supportive, but like many children, sometimes forgets to shut the door. One day the bird gets out, but fortunately, he only flies to a nearby tree and with Kevin's guidance, Brian is able to coax Scratchy onto his finger and to safety. The perilous open door is foreshadowed in the beginning of the book. This is a simple story featuring a loving African-American family. The brightly colored illustrations show the feelings of the boys and provide particularly good images of the bird. Use this book with Nicola Moon's Lucy's Picture (Dial, 1995) to show how children can lead normal lives even when dealing with a disability.
Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Brian, a young African American boy, is visually impaired. When he receives a parakeet for his birthday, he names it Scratchy because that's how the bird feels on his hand. Brian succeeds in teaching the bird to say "Hi Brian," and Scratchy becomes an important part of his life. Brian's older brother, Kevin, the bane of Brian's exsistence, carelessly leaves the front door open, and Scratchy flies away. By working together--Kevin spots the bird in the tree, and Brian gets him to jump on his finger--the boys get Scratchy to come home. The deceptively simple story credibly introduces several themes: sibling rivalry, dealing with a disability, and the loss of a pet. Johnson's bright, eye-catching artwork does a good job of capturing family life. Ilene Cooper

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Shen's Books (April 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807508810
• ISBN-13: 978-0807508817
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #922,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brian's Bird: Beautiful Story & Images, April 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Brian's Bird (Hardcover)

Brian's Bird is a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated picture book. Author Patricia Davis tells a simple direct story while creating many opportunities for visual images. Layne Johnson's striking and colorful photo-like pictures jump to life off the page.

This story of a blind boy who delights in his new pet parakeet is ideal for young readers. The book treats Brian's blindness in a positive manner. The scene in which he uses his sense of touch to solve the mystery of his birthday present gives young readers the opportunity to gain understanding of the special skills of a blind person. The description of how the bird's feet feel on Brian's finger is delightful.

Brian exhibits patience and persistence in teaching his bird. There is humor in the story, as when Brian hears someone calling his name, only to realize it is the bird. Once again, the author highlights the use of an alternate sense.

Brian's brother presents challenges for Brian from the opening pages of the book. Indeed, his brother's actions lead to the bird's flight from the house. The boys work together to solve the problem and sibling teamwork wins the day.

The book presents many opportunities for an adult reading this story to a young child to discuss a variety of issues. The book is also appropriate for young readers up to age 8 or 9 to read on their own.

5.0 out of 5 stars Every library needs this one!, February 14, 2004

By 

Tracy Beck (WATERDOWN, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brian's Bird (Hardcover)

Brian is so excited when his parents buy him a pet bird. Everyone is amazed when he teaches it how to talk. When his pesky big brother leaves the door open though, the bird flies out. While Brian's visual impairment plays a big part in the action of the story, it certainly isn't the focus of this charming book. This book acts as a great way to introduce children to diversity.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for ANY child, September 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Brian's Bird (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for my six year old nephew who is blind and a bird lover. This book is incredible! The illustrations are wonderful and the story focuses on family togetherness, not just blindness. It is a wonderful book for siblings with differences, any child really.