21FA-LS-5653 - International Literature: Birdsong by Julie Flett
"When we're done, Agnes says it's like a poem for her heart."
Bibliography:
Plot Summary:Flett, Julie. 2019. Birdsong. Vancouver, BC Canada: Greystone Books. ISBN: 9781771644730
In Springtime, Katherena and her mother move to the countryside, away from family, friends, and their home by the sea. As they settle into their new home, Katherena misses the city and feels withdrawn from the activities she usually loves to do. As the season changes to Summer, Katherena meets her new neighbor, Agnes, an elderly woman who shares her passions for nature and art. By Fall, Katherena and Agnes have become close friends who visit each other often, enjoying artwork and the season changes. In Winter, Agnes's health begins to fail, and Katherena is faced with the lasting lessons of what friendship and life truly mean.
Critical Analysis:
Birdsong by Julie Flett is a gorgeously illustrated picture book that accurately depicts the beauty of nature through season changes and representation of Cree heritage. Readers of all ages will enjoy Flett's artistry of textured pastels of the characters, animals, nature, weather, color schemes, and more. The detailed images of each page enhance the text and help bring the story to life.
Julie Flett's Cree-Métis background perfectly fits the narrative, creating a unique experience for reading authentically represented characters and cultural reflections. She also includes a glossary and pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book to help readers understand and pronounce the three Cree words incorporated into the story, such as ôhô and ayikîpîsim. The illustrations clearly represent BIPOC characters and easily distinguishes differences between each person as well.
Overall, it's clear why this picture book is a new 2020 USBBY Outstanding International Book. The story invites reflection for intergenerational friendship, meanings of life and death, and defines how people heal with time. This own voices picture book represents the Cree tribe beautifully and accurately. The illustrations also unfold the story in an appealing and coherent format. Most of all, readers of all ages will relate to Katherena and her new experiences of moving to a new home, finding friendship, and sharing a passion for nature and art. I recommend that everyone reads this story, young and old alike.
Awards & Reviews:
- 2020 USBBY Outstanding International Books list
- 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award Nominee
- 2020 CCBC Choices list
From Globe Books, “Birdsong by Julie Flett...is an absolutely perfect picture book. Flett’s warm textured pencil and pastel illustrations are a perfect match for her stunningly lyrical text.”
From Kirkus Reviews, “[Birdsong] shows young readers how new friends can sometimes ease them; that this friendship is an intergenerational one between fellow artists is an especially sweet touch. Emotionally stunning.”
From School Library Journal, “Simple and profound, this tender story is a reminder that finding a new friend can make a new place feel like home. Highly recommended for purchase.”
Connections:
Discussion: Ask patrons to discuss if they have any intergenerational friendships and their favorite memories or stories with that person(s).
Discussion: Ask patrons to discuss if they have any intergenerational friendships and their favorite memories or stories with that person(s).
Activity: Katherena and Agnes share a love for art and nature. Ask patrons to draw or paint their favorite seasons using any available art medium, and discuss what they draw and why.
Activity: To teach patrons more about the Cree language, try this Cree dictionary for an alphabet table and word translator: https://www.creedictionary.com/. Help students become familiar with the Cree alphabet by writing letters to friends or family members using the online dictionary.
Patrons who connect with this story might also enjoy similar picture books and illustrations by Julie Flett:
- Flett, Julie. 2021. We All Play. ISBN: 9781771646079
- Flett, Julie. 2013. Wild Berries. ISBN: 9781897476895
- Robertson, David Alexander. 2016. When We Were Alone. Ills. by Julie Flett. ISBN: 9781553796732