Bravo, Little Bird!

The favorite tunes and kind spirit of a talented pianist live on after his death in this story about the ripple effect that one person’s life can have. Little Bird is so enthralled by the “beautiful, bountiful, breathtaking music” wafting into the valley from the high hill that she follows the notes to their source: an old man, portrayed with white hair and tan skin, playing a piano. Little Bird makes her nest at his window and sings along daily, interacting with the man and his family until “one morning, all was quiet.” Silence and sadness still hover over the hill when another bird from the valley appears, assuring Little Bird how far the old man’s music has already traveled, entertaining “all of us”—children with varying skin tones and a cast of sweet-faced animals, all singing the man’s songs. Musical notes float on the swirled lines that breezily flow through Kaulitzki’s bucolic scenes of a cozy domestic life, accompanying Silvestro’s comforting language and warm imagery. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)