Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, my friends. And this book is definitely a Perfect Picture Book! I love it so much…and the author/illustrator, Fiona Halliday, that I’m featuring her and her book THREE times. And that doesn’t happen very often! Last week a Will Write for Cookies post. On Tuesday, a Happy Book Birthday post. And today, a Perfect Picture Book Friday post. Please remember there will be a giveaway of a copy of the beautiful book, so don’t forget to leave a comment on the blog.
NUMENIA AND THE HURRICANE: Inspired By a True Migration Story
Written and illlustrated by Fiona Halliday
Published by Page Street Kids (January 21, 2020)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Courage, migration, natural disasters
Synopsis: From Amazon
When the autumnal equinox arrives, Numenia takes off with her two sisters and thousands of other birds to begin their long migration from the Arctic to the islands of the Caribbean. But there is a dangerous storm brewing on the horizon. When the hurricane hits, fierce winds rip Numenia away from her family.
This small, scrappy whimbrel must make her way through unfamiliar terrain and rough conditions to reunite with her sisters. Battling hunger, loneliness, and raging winds, Numenia finds the strength to endure the elements on her miraculous journey.
Inspired by a remarkable true story of a whimbrel who fought her way through a devastating storm, this book brings a brave little shorebird to life through poetic language and vividly expressive art by a debut author-illustrator.
Why I love this book:
- If you watched the trailer in Tuesday’s Book Birthday post, you won’t have to ask that question – the book is GORGEOUS and the story is compelling
- The text is so lyrical, you can get lost in the words
- The illustrations will hook you in
- The story grabs your heart
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Photo courtesy and for detailed instructions for any of these projects: https://www.kidssoup.com/activity/animals-in-winter-preschool-activities-lessons-and-printables
More info and activities about bird migration here: https://www.neefusa.org/resource/animal-migration-activity-guide
And here https://www.massaudubon.org/content/download/13465/209556/file/PreKTeachingUnit-BIRDS.pdf
I’m in Chicago right now – getting ready for my Author Night workshop for young writers at my granddaughter’s school this evening, and then next week, I’ll be presenting a program at the Anderson’s Bookstore in Naperville, IL…hope to see lots of Chicagoland area kidlit buddies there…it’s an evening program where I’ll chat about how MAKING THEIR VOICES HEARD came to be.
I hope you all have a beautiful weekend and don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of NUMENIA AND THE HURRICANE. And remember, the best way to show an author you love her book is to buy a copy, review it, tell friends how wonderful it is, and ask your local library to purchase a copy for their collection.
For more wonderful picture book suggestions and reviews, please hop over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post.
Please come back tomorrow when another wonderful author, Laura Renauld, stops by to discuss her writing journey and her new picture book about the famous and much beloved Mr. Rogers in our Will Write for Cookies Q&A.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
This book looks magical. I love the colors and yes I watched the trailer. More than once. Hope your young author’s night was fun.
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I can’t wait to read this book! Thanks so much ladies for this amazing post.
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What a wonderful book. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for showcasing this beautiful story.
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this looks like an amazing book. Looking forward to reading it!
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I had never heard of whimbrels until earlier this week in the first of the posts about this book. It sounds like one for all ages–full of information and conveyed with heart. Congratulations, Fiona! Vivian, best wishes in your Illinois appearances! You will have fun!
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I am so excited for this book! It looks so beautiful. Congratulations Fiona! Vivian, have fun in Chicago. Thanks for highlighting this wonderful book.
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This looks incredible! The art is stunning, and the small bit of text I saw in the trailer completely drew me in. I can’t wait to read it!
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The book sounds awesome, looking forward to reading it!
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What a beautiful book! I look forward to reading it. Congratulations!
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I’m definitely hooked! What an amazing story to capture–can’t wait to read it : )
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Straight away, the front cover illustration carried me away. And I love the name Numenia and am, of course, curious if this name has a special meaning. Your review of this gorgeous book has won my heart. I’m glad every day is library day This book is today’s list.
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This book makes me wish I was still teaching animals in winter. It’s the perfect book for teachers and kids. I’m so glad it’s on a give-away because some lucky person will win it, maybe even me!
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Looks gorgeous! Can’t ait to read it!
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Fiona, you had me with the name Numenia! Thank you and congratulations!
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Whimbrels are a new species to me and I’m excited to read this book after all the features you’ve posted.
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I loved the trailer & can’t wait to read Nemenia’s story. Enjoy your stay in Chicago, Vivian!
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Make that Numenia – hate it when the fingers outpace the brain!
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What a wonderful book — I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for sharing!
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I love lyrical books with gorgeous illustrations. I can’t wait to experience this one. So glad you featured it.
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I LOVE this book! I was thrilled when my copy arrived yesterday. The illustrations are beyond beautiful and the lyrical story full of tension and heart. I highly recommend Fiona’s lovely picture book!
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Lovely cover and I am a fan of bird books :). Congrats, Fiona!
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It looks absolutely beautiful. Can’t wait to read this one!
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I enjoyed the trailer. This really is a gorgeous book. It will certainly teach empathy and kids will be rooting for Numenia!
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Getting lost in the words sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing!
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I can’t wait to see this book in person. The trailer is beautiful.
Have a great trip, Vivian!
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I love the cover illustration! So much movement implied. This sounds like a wonderful and dramatic story, one that kids should enjoy reading. Such a plucky little bird!
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What a beautiful book, and so timely. There are so many stories in the news these days about natural disasters, and families facing separation. Children are able to relate to birds and other creatures so easily and through them work through the difficult realities of this harsh world–and sometimes find happy endings that can encourage and sustain them.
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The trailer was beautiful, and the story is lovely. Looking forward to reading this book.
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