“The bird was dead when the children found it.” Indeed, by the time the children find the bird, it’s cold and stiff. “That’s the way animals got when they had been dead for some time … ” The children dig a hole to bury the bird and hold a small funeral for it, “like grown people did when someone died.” Brown’s picture-book text for young children was groundbreaking when it was first published in 1938 for its matter-of-fact treatment of death. It is just as unusual today, nearly 80 years later. Christian Robinson’s contemporary illustrations showing four diverse playmates in a city park makes it even more appealing to 21st-century children, and to grownups who want to talk to young children about what happens when someone dies. (Ages 3–6)

A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2016!

This heartwarming classic picture book by beloved children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown is beautifully reillustrated for a contemporary audience by the critically acclaimed, award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson.

One day, the children find a bird lying on its side with its eyes closed and no heartbeat. They are very sorry, so they decide to say good-bye. In the park, they dig a hole for the bird and cover it with warm sweet-ferns and flowers. Finally, they sing sweet songs to send the little bird on its way.