I Am a Bird
What’s inside...
Every day, a little girl rides to school on the back of her dad's bike, singing like a bird as they travel through the city. However, she becomes quiet when they pass a mysterious woman in blue carrying a peculiar bag. One day, when they're running late, the little girl discovers the woman's secret with her bag, which changes her feelings of fear into a sense of kinship. Hope Lim's text and Hyewon Yum's illustrations convey a heartwarming message about embracing similarities rather than differences.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Unnamed Girl
Father
Woman In The Blue Coat
Discussion points
How do you think the girl feels when she says 'I am a bird'? Can you describe a time when you felt like that?
Why do you think the girl enjoys flying so much? What is your favorite thing to do and why?
How does the caw-caw of the crow change the girl's feelings? What does this tell us about understanding others?
What do you think the story tells us about friendship and bravery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about flying, freedom, and friendship just like the girl in the story. Listen actively and validate their emotions.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences that align with the girl's adventures. This enhances their connection to the story and deepens understanding.
Discuss the nuances of the characters' interactions and what they teach us about empathy and courage. Use examples from the book to illustrate these points.
End your discussion by asking your child how they might include the themes of the book, like bravery and understanding, in their daily lives. This helps internalize the messages of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The protagonist's interactions with different birds symbolize meeting and accepting diverse people.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace individual differences in their classmates and community members.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore
Explanation: The young character's journey represents the bravery needed to explore new environments.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and try new activities or make new friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: The child imagines being a bird, showcasing the power of imagination to create joy and freedom.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their imagination as a tool for problem-solving and personal expression in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Value of Self-Expression
Explanation: The story celebrates the child expressing herself by singing like the birds, highlighting self-expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings through art, music, or dance, fostering emotional growth.
Example Lesson: Connection with Nature
Explanation: The child’s interaction with birds underlines a harmonious relationship with nature.
Real-World Application: Promotes outdoor activities and environmental awareness among children, nurturing a lifelong respect for nature.