Beautiful BlackBird
Author: Ashley Bryan
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Genre: Cultural, Fiction, Folklore
Major Awards: Coretta Scott King Award
Age Group: Pre-K - 6
Summary:
The birds of Africa are colorful and plentiful but of them all, there was only one bird who had any black, Blackbird. Out of all of the birds, Blackbird was seen as the most beautiful and every bird wanted to have some black too. Despite Blackbird telling them that it's what's on the inside that is most important and that it's what makes you truly beautiful, he brews some blackening and gives the birds some black. The story ends with all the birds dancing happily and sporting some beautiful black.
Evaluation and Comments:
Beautiful BlackBird is a beautiful story that students of all ages will enjoy and appreciate. With it's colorful illustrations and message, we truly see the importance of appreciating who you are and the beauty found within all of us.
A quote that stood out to me and will have a profound impact on all who read this book is "Color on the outside is not what's on the inside. You don't act like me. You don't eat like me. You don't get down in the groove like me". Messages like this is a great reason to read this book if you're teaching students about loving themselves and appreciating the things that make them who they are. It teaches that no matter what we look like, what makes us who we are is the beauty that shines within. We want all our students to appreciate who they are and to never try to look or compare ourselves to other people's "outside". Just be you and all should be fine.
Given the illustrations, I would try to incorporate an art assignment with this book, such as having students create what they believe their bird would look like and then hang them up on the wall for all to see. Along with that, you can have students list out their unique qualities and all the things that make them who they are.
In conclusion, Beautiful BlackBird has my seal of approval! 🥇😄
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