Three Little Birds

In geometric shapes and bright hues, three birds perch on a wire “chirping about the day” at the start of Mullady’s story, which delivers a missive about kindness and honesty. Left behind when Red invites Yellow to search for worms, hurt Blue impulsively lies to two other feathered friends (“I heard Red say to Yellow that Yellow was the worst at finding worms”), who then depart and spread the rumor among their avian pals. The group flies off, “flapping furiously to find the bickering birds,” but instead discover Red and Yellow amicably snacking on worms together. Back on Blue’s wire, the chatty birds agree that “the world is a better place when words are used for kindness.” Back matter offers parents and caregivers sound advice for helping kids to cope with hurtful words and conflict. Ages 4–8. [em](Mar.) [/em]