The Dead Bird

This New York Times Best Illustrated Book is a heartwarming classic from the author of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, with stunning, evocative art by #1 New York Times bestselling and multiple-award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson (You Matter and Last Stop on Market Street). 

This classic picture book by beloved children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown is gorgeously reillustrated for a contemporary audience by the critically acclaimed, Caldecott Honor winning illustrator Christian Robinson.

One day, the children find a bird lying on its side with its eyes closed and no heartbeat. They are very sorry, so they decide to say good-bye. In the park, they dig a hole for the bird and cover it with warm sweet-ferns and flowers. Finally, they sing sweet songs to send the little bird on its way.

A beautiful book to share with children beginning to grapple with loss.

“Robinson’s sensitive new mixed-media art, with its personality-rich quartet of young people…and its city-park setting, elicits the children’s deeply felt emotions and their actions to honor the bird’s memory.” - Horn Book Magazine

“Robinson stays true to the intent of the original text and illustrations but elegantly improves upon it with cinematic storytelling.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The original text is timeless, and the modern, cheerful illustrations will help resurrect this classic for a new generation of readers.” - ALA Booklist

“Brown takes a direct approach to a difficult subject, suggesting how community rituals provide solace. Robinson concludes with a wide-angle view of growing trees and the children flying a kite, implying a return to carefree fun and putting a poignant distance between the tiny figures and readers.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Robinson thoughtfully pays homage to his predecessor while bringing something new to the telling...a lovely book befitting its lineage.” - School Library Journal