Don't Judge a Bird by its Feathers

January 27th is Multicultural Children's Book Day: Celebrating Diversity in Children's Literature. 

I am honored to have been chosen as one of the book reviewers for this unique and wonderful event. Diverse books not only provide much needed mirrors for children of color to see themselves reflected in literature, they also give white children a window into the experience of others. And that's vital if we are to raise sensitive, compassionate kids who are global citizens.

Tori Nighthawk is a gifted artist and author who wrote and illustrated “Don’t Judge a Bird by its Feathers” at the age of 13. She drew her illustrations by hand, scanned them into her computer and then used graphic design programs to colorize the images. Her simple drawings are enhanced by bold colors. Her choice of New Guinea images are unique ones that most readers may have not seen before. The book was published in May of 2013 and promptly won a Gold Medal Mom’s Choice Award and a Pinnacle Peak award for Children’s Educational Books.

Tori has traveled extensively. She was chosen to travel with People to People as a Student Ambassador to Australia as well as several European countries. One of Tori’s favorite family trips was to the Galapagos Islands because the animals there are unafraid of humans, allowing her to study their interactions at close proximity. Observing people and wildlife were Tori’s inspiration for “Don’t Judge a Bird by it’s Feathers.” Tori is 16 now and plans to enter college next fall.

The story is simple – a boy bird of paradise Phoenix loves a girl bird of paradise, Luminous. He must find a way to win the affection of the most beautiful Bird of Paradise in the rain forest. Phoenix is determined to woo Luminous. He works hard to practice the bird dance and change his outward appearance to win her over despite the other animals teasing him. It's only when Luminous realizes that Phoenix is willing to risk his life for her that she asks for his forgiveness. After a time she comes to love him for his quick wit, strong spirit and brave heart. 
I enjoyed the added bonus, a moral which enhances the book for discussion purposes.The story illustrates three trials/life lessons which are practice, be yourself, and be brave. The author’s message that she was trying to convey to her readers is that children are often excluded or accepted on the basis of their appearance. Through her book, Tori hopes to teach children to be kind to one other, to overlook superficial differences, to resist peer pressure, be true to themselves, and strive to reach their dreams. It is quite evident the author has stayed true to her beliefs following her dream with the publication of this book. 

Since the picture book and text is double what an ordinary picture length is, my target age recommendation would be ages 7-9. The appendix at the back of the book is a terrific addition. It contains photographs of the critters in the story with detailed descriptions. What a wonderful resource for readers and an invaluable resource for the science curriculum. 
My congratulations to Tori who at such a young age is a published author and illustrator.

Suggested Home and Classroom Activities for "Don't Judge a Bird by its Feathers"

1. Literature Connection

Non-fiction picture book where young naturalists meet sixteen birds in this elegant introduction to the many uses of feathers. A concise main text highlights how feathers are not just for flying. More curious readers are invited to explore informative sidebars, which underscore specific ways each bird uses its feathers for a variety of practical purposes. 

2. Science Connection
    Biology

https://askabiologist.asu.edu/content/23-functions-feathers 

http://kidwings.com/nests-of-knowledge/3-bird-feathers/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7QZnwKqopo youtube video Birds of Paradise Mating Dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTR21os8gTA Birds of Paradise Introduction

3. Art Connection

Directions on how to make your own unique cardboard Birds of Paradise 

http://krokotak.com/2015/08/big-cardboard-birds/

Order your free poster
http://www.jumpintoabook.com/2016/01/a-colorful-freebie-for-multicultural-childrens-book-day/
About MCCBD
The MCCBD team’s mission is to spread the word and raise awareness about the importance of diversity in children’s literature. Young readers need to see themselves within the pages of a book and experience other cultures, languages, traditions and religions within the pages of a book. MCCBD encourages readers, parents, teachers, caregivers and librarians to follow along the fun book reviews, author visits and events. The full name of this event is Multicultural Children’s Book Day and the official hashtag is #ReadYourWorld on Twitter and other social media.

The co-creators of MCCBD are Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press. Find a bio for Mia and Valarie here. View the Diversity Book Lists and Resources for Educators and Parents here. Connect with Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Facebook.

MCCBD Sponsors
Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2016 Medallion Level Sponsors #ReadYourWorld include the following:
Platinum – Wisdom Tales Press, StoryQuest Books, Lil Libros
Gold – Author Tori Nighthawk, Candlewick Press Bharat Babies
Silver – Lee and Low Books, Chronicle Books , Capstone Young Readers http://kidlit.tv/
Turtle Publishing, NY Media Works
Bronze – Pomelo Books, Author Jacqueline Woodson, Papa Lemon Books, Goosebottom Books,Author Gleeson Rebello, ShoutMouse Press, Author Mahvash Shahegh, China Institute.org liveoakmedia

MCCBD Co-Hosts
Multicultural Children’s Book Day has 12 amazing Co-Hosts and you can view them here.
Classroom Reading Challenge
MCCBD holds a Classroom Reading Challenge. This very special offering offers teachers and classrooms the chance to earn a free hardcover multicultural children’s book for their classroom library. These books are not only donated by the Junior Library Guild, but they are also pre-screened and approved by them as well.

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for Multicultural Children’s Book Day and related activities #ReadYourWorld”

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