How to Heal a Broken Wing

Bob Graham (author/illustrations)

Walker Books, UK: 2008

ISBN: 9781406307160

Genres: allegory, picture book

Issues: environment, community, compassion, observation

CBCA Winner, 2009: Book of the Year, Early Childhood

In a city where all is hustle, hustle, hustle, the fall of one bird, especially a common pigeon, goes unnoticed - except by Will.

He takes the pigeon home and, with the support of his parents, looks after it while it heals, then releases it.

Very much a book about a world where we have become disconnected from the natural environment as well as from each other, How to Heal A Broken Wing is a cry from the heart for humans to open their eyes and see the world around them. The text is sparse but the delicate pen and watercolour pencil illustrations carry the story. The muted greys, browns and greens of the city are broken by the red of Will's coat - the bright, hopeful symbol of an individual who sees the sparrow (well, pigeon) fall and cares.

Share this book with a class, or your child. Talk about how easy it is to become numb to small needs in a world where there is so much noise - visual and aural. Remind your child to live a connected life and, above all, to care.