Book Review: Beautiful Blackbird

 



1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bryan, A. (2003). Beautiful blackbird. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

ISBN: 9780689847318

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This classic folktale shares the story of Blackbird, who was thought to be the most beautiful bird.  The other birds, who were different colors begged blackbird to paint their feathers black so they too could be beautiful. Blackbird agrees, but reminds them that true beauty comes from within and begins to paint different beautiful black stripes and dots on each bird until he completely runs out of paint “uh-huh!”

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This fictional folktale conveys several powerful messages such as accepting one’s heritage, celebrating diversity, and understanding that beauty comes from within. Bryan uses different writing technics like alliterating, rhyming, and word play to bring this classic story to life. As reader’s listen blackbirds’ words, “uh-huh, uh-huh,’ they see how his paintings are each unique and different, which adds to the message of celebrating diversity. 

Bryan’s illustrations are simple yet bold and help convey the story’s message. The different colors used in this book accurately represents the African culture and adds the message. Additionally, the way Bryan chooses to paint each individual bird further adds to the message of the story. Although this story wasn’t my favorite, I must admit the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. They help tell the story of “Beautiful Blackbird.”

This book is a great resource to help teach kids how to celebrate diversity and finding beauty from within.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott King Award Winner

Starred review in Publisher’s Weekly: “Storyteller Bryan's (What a Wonderful World) singular voice provides rhythm and sound effects throughout this musical adaptation of a Zambian tale.”

Starred review in School Library Journal: “The cut-paper silhouettes are colorful but static, effectuating a stylized formality.”

5. CONNECTIONS

* Lead a discussion about diversity. Ask students to dig deep and explain what beauty means to them.

* Have students illustrate their own beautiful bird or have them create a collage of birds similar to what they saw in the book.

* Using Nearpod, take students on a virtual field trip to explore African.  As an extension activity, have students research the Zambian culture and create a presentation they can share with the class.  

*Other books about Celebrating Diversity and Accepting your Heritage:

Choi, Y. (2003). The name jar. Dragonfly Books. ISBN 9780440417996

Penfold, A., & Kaufman, S. (2018). All are welcome. Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0525579648

Review completed for SHSU MLA course

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