Feathers Together - Caron Levis - ★★★★★

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AUTHOR: Caron Levis
ILLUSTRATOR: Charles Santoso
GENRE: Children's Picture Book
PUBLICATION DATE: October 4, 2022
RATING: 5 feathery stars.

If you are looking for a picture book that will make you go “Awwwww”, this is the book you want!

Malena and Klepetan are two storks who are best friends and always together. However, one year, Malena injures herself and is unable to make the long flight to a warmer place. She convinces Klepetan to fly without her and she stays back with her human caretaker. As the winter turns to spring, Malena waits eagerly – will her Klepetan return to her?

The story is absolutely adorable. Within a few pages, it conveys the behaviour of storks, the impact of human activities on storks and migratory patterns of birds. It also shows how humans can help other creatures in their time of need. What is even more amazing is that the story is inspired by a real pair of storks who lived in the village of Brodski Varos, Croatia, and reunited after the migration each spring for nineteen years. How fabulous is that!!!

A special word of appreciation for the correlation the author established between the storks’ separation and the forced separation imposed on families through the extended lockdown in various countries during the covid-19 pandemic.

The illustrations are breath-taking and would make this book a delight to read in physical form. The brush strokes are wonderful. While I loved all the characters and scenes, Klepetan and Malena were my special favourites for the amazing way their bond shines through the sketches.

The book is written in simple words, making it very easy for little humans to appreciate the magic of the story. The vocabulary level is perfect for ages 4-8.

Heartily recommended.

My thanks to Abrams Books and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Feathers Together”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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