The Little Tern: A Story of Insight [Hardcover]

Brooke Newman (Author), Lisa Mann Dirkes (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2002

A beautifully illustrated modern fable in the spirit of Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Hope for the Flowers

The Little Tern is the enchanting story of a bird who one day discovers he has lost the ability to fly. Life becomes meaningless and, deserted by his airborne friends, he is left alone on the shore. But then new friends arrive and they bring with them a fresh view on life. Through this experience and the friendships that are formed from it, the Little Tern encounters things he had never noticed before. And soon he realizes that life is much richer than he had previously known and discovers that our real strength comes from our seeming weakness.

An appealing book on many levels:

--beautifully illustrated. --a wonderful all-occasion gift book. --timely theme: how to find hope in disappointing or frustrating circumstances. --for all ages.

Editorial Reviews

Review

It is a thoughtful modern-day parable of inspiration, suitable for readers of all ages and faiths. -- The Midwest Book Review

It is beautifully conceived and flawlessly executed, a fable that speaks to adults and children in language that both understand. -- Susan Baerwald

The Little Tern is a charming and touching fable that was a delight for me to read. -- Larry McMurtry, Pulitzer prize winning author

The Little Tern is a lovely book that I will always treasure. -- Alan Lightman

The Little Tern is a wonderful antidote for the daily news. -- Spirit and Life

This beautiful book showcases wonderful watercolor images. -- WildBird

This is such a wonderful book for all ages because its message is universal. -- Julie Houston, Co-author of One Door Closes, Another Door Opens

About the Author

Brooke Newman has been the editor, co-author and author of numerous books, film scripts and plays. She received an award from the Pacific Northwest Writer's Guild for her one-act play, "My Mother's Lovers." She lives in Aspen, Colorado, with her four children and three dogs.

Lisa Mann Dirkes began her career as a freelance illustrator working for, among others, Vogue, but she now focuses on fine art. She is married, with five children, and lives in Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Hiddenspring (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587680165
• ISBN-13: 978-1587680168
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #250,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE LITTLE TERN is a charming story., July 7, 2004

By 

A Customer (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Little Tern: A Story of Insight (Hardcover)

THE LITTLE TERN is a philosophical fable that has been designed as a picture book. It tells the tale of a little bird who suddenly cannot fly. All birds are supposed to fly, and a tern is designed to fly and soar through the skies, darting for food in the sea.

Since the Little Tern can't fly he's forced to live on the beach, walking awkwardly in the waves and watching the fog roll in, pondering who he is and his purpose in life. Is a bird still a bird if he has to remain earthbound?

Season follows season and gradually the Little Tern makes some friends. He searches for meaning in the little things he observes --- things he never noticed before when he could fly. As he gradually learns to make the very best of things as he finds them, he discovers a secret that enriches his life. Will it help him fly again, or will it just help him live without being able to fly?

THE LITTLE TERN is a charming story with beautiful watercolor illustrations. The words themselves draw their own pictures for you and will make you think about what the purpose of living really is.

--- Reviewed by Tamara Penny

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational, April 4, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Little Tern: A Story of Insight (Hardcover)

I found the Little Tern both moving and inspirational. A welcomed piece of wisdom to all of us during these difficult times. The writing and illustrations work brilliantly together to create a memorable journey for the reader. A book not to be missed!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, timely story, March 17, 2002

By 

Reader16 "reader16" (Houston TX United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Little Tern: A Story of Insight (Hardcover)

I loved this charming story. This Little Tern is a character of great importance to anyone who has gone through difficult times in their lives. The bird has such resiliency; finding ways out of his struggles that he truely is a hero of mine. I highly recommend this beautiful book!