The Language of Birds

A moving picture book about an anxious girl who can talk to birds but finds it hard to talk to people. When a new boy at school connects with trees the way she does with birds, they begin to form a friendship.

Mira speaks to the birds. As a baby, she napped in the park where starlings gathered. Before she was two, she could mimic the sounds of the doves. Birds have always made sense to Mira, unlike people who are much more confusing. When Mira tries to talk to them, her words remain out of reach. Mostly, people leave her alone.

But when a new boy named Jad comes to school, Mira notices that he understands trees the way she does birds. He's different. And as they draw together, Mira is able, at last, to make a friend.

Here is a beautiful, layered picture book that speaks to the need for connection and the many forms it can take.