The Language of Birds by Jon-Erik Lappano, Zach Manbeck
ISBN: 0593806654
Genres: Animals, Nature, Realistic Fiction, School
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

The Language of Birds is a touching story about Mira, a girl who has since birth, loved birds. In contrast to the busy and chaotic word around her, her gentle nature and soft bird sounds attracted doves, starlings, and other little songbirds. Her gift allowed her to understand birds completely, but made it more difficult to relate to the other children around her.

When Jad, a new boy at her school, has difficulty speaking, Mira wishes she could be brave enough to try to start a conversation. She loves watching him draw trees with chalk at recess. Together, their love of birds and trees merge harmoniously, without the need of words. Mira draws birds in Jad’s chalk trees and he smiles at her contribution.

This is a special story about two kids with individual differences who find each other amidst the trickiness of everyday social life. Zach Manbeck’s illustrations really make this a beautiful story with his use of earth-tones and warm chalk-style art. Recommended for ages 4-8 and school and public library picture book collections. (2025)

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath