Suzanne Del Rizzo

Birds on Wishbone Street,” crafted by Suzanne Del Rizzo, is a heartwarming story set in the diverse neighborhood of Wishbone Street. Here, Moe, an inquisitive girl, and Sami, a boy from Syria, find common ground in their love for birds. The story is centered around a touching act of kindness – the rescue of a cardinal during a cold winter day. This incident is more than a gesture towards an animal; it’s a moment that helps Sami feel more connected in his new surroundings.

Del Rizzo’s storytelling is engaging, with a balance of dialogue and inner thoughts that bring her characters to life. The narrative is straightforward yet warm, drawing readers into the world of Moe and Sami. For instance, the description “I plop down on his bed. ‘Ouch!’ A tiny toy soldier, Sami’s keepsakes are scattered everywhere. I discover coins, multi-colored feathers, chunks of brick… and bird leg-bands too. ‘Your collection is incredible!’ I whisper,” vividly conjures Sami’s world. This attention to detail in the text beautifully complements the illustrations, enriching the story’s depth and echoing the birds’ natural habit of collecting.

The illustrations, a standout feature of the book, are made in a distinctive Claymation style. They are intricate and full of life, capturing the imagination with their richness and variety. The detailed depictions, especially of the birds and their plumage, add a special charm to the story, making each page a joy to explore.

In essence, “Birds on Wishbone Street” is a delightful tale that explores themes of kindness, community, and the beauty of diversity. It’s an inviting read for children, offering a subtle yet powerful message about the importance of empathy and forming connections in a world filled with different backgrounds and experiences​​​​.… (altro)

There is a fine line to walk when writing for children about the horror and deprivation of war, especially when that story is about a child of the same age. The author needs to inspire empathy and understanding without causing anxiety for the young readers. In My Beautiful Birds, Del Rizzo has done a masterful job of straddling that line and in doing so has not only given a beautiful story, but also a teachable moment for kids ages 4-10.

In this story, young Sammi and his family are forced to flee their home in order to avoid falling bombs. While seeing the destruction going on around him he is concerned for the pet birds that had to be left behind. His story continues when his family reaches the refugee camp where they will be living. Like the rest of the residents of the camp, he and family find a way to make the best of this horrible situation. There is hope in the people he meets along the way and the birds that he befriends around the camp.

I am not even going to be shy about admitting that I had no idea what this book was about when I picked it up. I simply judged this book as “need to read” by the positively stunning artwork on the cover, art that has been perfectly described as dimensional illustrations. I am fond of using a euphemism for ‘leaping off the page’ when it comes to talking about art in children’s books, but that is such pale terminology for what this book offers. If there were no text to tell the reader what is happening in the story, the reader would still be pulled in to Sammi’s world; Birds fly, the smell of smoke fills the air, you can feel the grit of the sand and the hear the rasping of canvas tents. Sammi’s fears and hopes have been rendered in infinite detail with this beautifully textured sculpted art.

The war in Syria and other parts of the world are in the news almost nightly. In addition to being a wonderful story, this book can also be a tool to explain to little ones about the war and the people it affects. It is told in a way that is completely accessible to kids and adults alike. It would make an excellent addition to any classroom library shelf.

I am looking forward to Del Rizzo’s latest release, in the fall, A World of Kindness

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… (altro)