How to Make a Bird

How to Make a Bird is a stunning picture book that celebrates the transformative power of creativity, imagination, and letting go. In this beautifully written and illustrated work, a young girl takes readers on a reflective journey as she gathers inspiration from nature to construct a bird-piece by piece. With poetic narration by Meg McKinlay and exquisite illustrations by Matt Ottley, this story mirrors the process of making art, embracing imperfection, and learning to trust the creative journey. It explores how we bring ideas to life and eventually release them into the world. The book's layered themes make it suitable for both children and adults, offering reflections on artistic expression, resilience, and wonder. Winner of the 2021 CBCA Picture Book of the Year, this title is a quiet masterpiece that encourages deeper thinking and appreciation for nature and storytelling.

Educational Benefits:

• Supports emotional literacy and creative confidence in young readers.
• Introduces metaphor, symbolism, and poetic language.
• Enhances appreciation for the arts and the natural world.
• Encourages exploration of the creative process and self-expression.

Classroom Ideas:

• Use the text as a prompt for students to create their own œbirds (art or writing).
• Discuss the emotional journey of creating and letting go.
• Explore how illustrations work with the text to enhance meaning.
• Reflect on nature's role in inspiring imagination.

Information:

• Ages: 6+ years
• Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
• Dimensions: 253 mm (H) x 278 mm (W)