Ashley Bryan (A) and (ILT)

List Price: $19.99 (Hardcover – Creativity / Self Expression – 2003)

Long ago, Blackbird was voted the most beautiful bird in the forest. The other birds, who were colored red, yellow, blue, and green, were so envious that they begged Blackbird to paint their feathers with a touch of black so they could be beautiful too. Although Blackbird warns them that true beauty comes from within, the other birds persist and soon each is given a ring of black around their neck or a dot of black on their wings – markings that detail birds to this very day. Ashley Bryans adaptation of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia resonates both with rhythm and the tales universal meanings – appreciating ones heritage and discovering the beauty within. His cut-paper artwork is a joy. Coretta Scott King Award (40 pgs) Ages 3-8

• Grade Level: Preschool – 3
• Lexile Measure: 540L 
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 0.4 x 10.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 16 ounces