One Word and a Bird (Stephen Michael King, Scholastic)

One Word and a Bird is an earnest picture book by author and illustrator Stephen Michael King, whose previous titles include the award-winning Three and Leaf. Known for his masterful storytelling and distinct watercolour and ink illustrations, King turns his attention to the search for meaning in his latest work for children. The story follows a nameless young traveller who guides readers on an emotional journey through a word-filled landscape where nothing quite fits. As the character searches for the right language to make himself feel tall (enormous, humongous, gargantuan), make sense of their expedition (auspicious, significant, magnanimous) and find comfort (enfold, entwine, encompass), simple yet profound interactions with animals, including a bird, dog and horse, begin to reveal the answers. This is a multi-layered story that will mean different things to different readers and can be interpreted in myriad ways. King has created an original narrative that uses powerful language and enchanting illustrations to prompt young people aged 4+ to think about what is important to them, why friendship is necessary, and how serendipity can play out in curious and surprising ways. However, in the end, like with all good journeys, the road leads home. The conclusion here is both foreseeable and heartfelt.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Karys McEwen is a librarian, author, and the education advisor for the Melbourne Writers Festival. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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