Birdie the penguin believes she is the chosen one who lights up the world every night with her song. When the sky lights up without her one evening, she is left feeling lost and confused.
Birdie tries to learn the work of other zoo animals, without much success — until her friends help her realize her true purpose.
Birdie Lights up the World
A beautiful story written by Alison McLennan. Birdie Lights up the world was illustrated with pencil and digital painting.
Blue Wolf Reviews
“‘The message here is, sometimes we believe things that just aren’t true. Being flexible and adjusting our thoughts with knowledge can show us new ways..“
Bookworm for Kids
“Birdie is adorable and comes across wonderfully on every page. Her joy and disappointment are clear as she does her best to figure things out. Readers/listeners will have no trouble sympathizing with her and hoping that she finds the solution she’s looking for. … It brings across the message well and shows how talents can simply be used for enjoyment…and how that can be a blessing in itself. It’s a sweet, uplifting read from beginning to end.”
Books+Publishing
“Children as old as 10 will also benefit from discussions on topics such as extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and the importance of self-worth..”
NZ Booklovers
“Illustrator Lauren Mullinder has created lovely artwork with gentle zoo animals and a reimagined zoo. There’s an especially lovely double spread on animals watching the moon rise at the end of the story that my little readers loved.”
Buzz Words
“My kids loved the illustrations by Lauren Mullinder, especially the indigo hues in the night scenes where the pages sparkle like the stars and the moon. They also loved Birdie’s journey of self-discovery and were happy that she realised her talent.”
Dim’s Write Stuff
“The ultimate ode to friendship ties this story together like a warm hug, suggesting we don’t need dramatic dazzling results as proof that our efforts are valued and worthwhile.”
The Strawberry Post | 2.2k Twitter followers and a very dedicated blog following
“a lovely and heartwarming story… I’m sure lots of children will enjoy the tale and the illustrations again and again.”
Author: Alison McLennan
Format: Hardback
Australian RRP: $24.99
Publisher: EK Books
Published: June 2023
ISBN: 9781922539489