In a grand celebration of flight, the Parliament of Owls declares a thrilling contest: the bird who flies the highest shall be crowned the Bird King!
Excitement spreads throughout the forest, and though Penguins cannot fly, they eagerly offer to host the event, planning a spectacular gathering with help from birds and other woodland creatures. As the race begins, birds of all shapes and sizes take to the skies, flapping furiously in a dazzling display.
The competition is fierce-small birds drop out early, while Falcons and Hawks push to the limits. The mighty Eagle soars higher than all, seemingly securing victory.
But the outcome proves unexpected when cunning triumphs over size and strength, proving that intelligence can outshine even the strongest competitors.
In a grand celebration of flight, the Parliament of Owls declares a thrilling contest: the bird who flies the highest shall be crowned the Bird King!
Excitement spreads throughout the forest, and though Penguins cannot fly, they eagerly offer to host the event, planning a spectacular gathering with help from birds and other woodland creatures. As the race begins, birds of all shapes and sizes take to the skies, flapping furiously in a dazzling display.
The competition is fierce-small birds drop out early, while Falcons and Hawks push to the limits. The mighty Eagle soars higher than all, seemingly securing victory.
But the outcome proves unexpected when cunning triumphs over size and strength, proving that intelligence can outshine even the strongest competitors.
The forest was all abuzz; the Parliament of Owls proclaimed it would crown a new Bird King to the bird who flies highest across the bright sky. A beautiful illustrated scene captured thirteen different types of birds taking to the skies, many of the same kind. There were also four faeries, which seemed out of place considering the prize and theme of the story but still nicely drawn. Queen of the Birds did feature non-aerial birds and short-distance birds, which didn't compete, but worked together to orchestrate the celebration party. The Penguins, Peacocks, Parrots, and Toucans looked adorable in the party hats. The cutest and coolest party bird had to be the Woodpecker. Kids and adults will love his sunglasses and be amused by what instrument he plays in the funk fusion band. The story didn't list a name for the feathered trio, so ask your kids what their band name should be.
There are numerous birds featured throughout the book, and even though the artwork was superb, I do advise labeling each mini portrait (start and end pages) in case readers are not familiar with or can't recall the feathered names. Let's keep expanding the learning opportunities and have the birds marked as flightless, small-distance fliers, and long-distance ones.
Queen of the Birds is a lovely children's book showing birds and one non-feathered animal (no spoilers) working together in harmony. It's a gentle reminder that you don't have to look the same to get along or to help one another. In a world where you can be anything, be kind! The book also had another valuable lesson that reminded me of the fable "The Tortoise and the Hare": Work smarter, not harder. In that famous fable, a turtle was crowned champion by using his brains. In this tale, a bird surprises readers by besting every other participant, including the mighty Eagle, who many would consider unbeatable, in a remarkable and ingenious move.
I recommend sharing this beautifully designed and written story with children ten years and younger.
(Reviewer’s special note: Bird names were capitalized to mimic presentation in the story.)