Brian's Bird

Brian's Bird
Illustrated by Layne Johnson
Written by Patricia A. Davis
Albert Whitman & Company
Copyright ã2000
ISBN: 0-8075-0881-0

Synopsis
Eight year old Brian, who is blind, learns how to take care of his new parakeet and comes to realize that his older brother, while sometimes careless, is not so bad after all.

Reviews
From Booklist February 15, 2000
Excerpt: The deceptively simple story credibly introduces several themes: sibling rivalry, dealing with a disability, and the loss of a pet. Johnson's bright, eye-catching artwork does a good job of capturing family life. Ilene Cooper

From School Library Journal
Excerpt: This is a simple story featuring a loving African-American family. The brightly colored illustrations show the feelings of the boys and provide particularly good images of the bird. Use this book with Nicola Moon's Lucy's Picture (Dial, 1995) to show how children can lead normal lives even when dealing with a disability. Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

From Children's Literature - Children's Literature
When Brian, blind since he was four years old, receives a parakeet on his birthday, he begs for descriptions of Scratchy so he can visualize what he looks like. Kids who may have wanted a pet parakeet will enjoy the story while gaining insight into a blind boy's daily life. This interesting, real, but never sappy story about brothers who fight and the plight of the youngest is depicted with bright illustrations that offer an interesting variety of perspectives. Reviewer: Martha Shaw

Awards
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award (2000) Winner