Helen's Birds
Graphic novel, all ages
Graphic novel, all ages
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For as long as Saanvi can remember, she has been friends with her elderly neighbor Helen. They play cards and garden together and, especially, care for the wild birds that visit Helen’s yard. When Helen dies suddenly, a For Sale sign goes up, and movers arrive, emptying the house of its furniture and stripping the yard of its birdfeeders. The sparrows and hummingbirds disappear.
This beautifully illustrated, wordless graphic novel shows Saanvi’s journey through close friendship, then hollowing loss and change, until she finally finds hope. |
Reviews
"A comforting clarity and clear path for readers, even in the midst of a shocking and unexpected loss." - Quill and Quire Full review
"A moving testimony to the process of navigating abrupt, painful change—and the life-altering impact of true friendship. " - Kirkus Full review
“Equally heartbreaking and encouraging, this moving look at meaningful friendship offers valuable honesty and insight.” - Horn Book
“This story of intergenerational friendship [is] told with warmth and realism …” - Booklist
"Poignant" - Globe and Mail
"A comforting clarity and clear path for readers, even in the midst of a shocking and unexpected loss." - Quill and Quire Full review
"A moving testimony to the process of navigating abrupt, painful change—and the life-altering impact of true friendship. " - Kirkus Full review
“Equally heartbreaking and encouraging, this moving look at meaningful friendship offers valuable honesty and insight.” - Horn Book
“This story of intergenerational friendship [is] told with warmth and realism …” - Booklist
"Poignant" - Globe and Mail
Awards, Etc.
Globe and Mail 100 list, 2019
Globe and Mail’s 10 Canadian picture books that’ll make great gifts for the young readers in your life
Junior Library Guild selection
OLA Best Bets
Globe and Mail 100 list, 2019
Globe and Mail’s 10 Canadian picture books that’ll make great gifts for the young readers in your life
Junior Library Guild selection
OLA Best Bets
Illustrated by Sophie Casson Order from Groundwood Books or a local bookstore.
