Spreading My Wings

by Nadiya Hussain, Ella Bailey (Illustrator)

Overview

A touching story about being proud of who we are and embracing our differences, written by TV star Nadiya Hussain.

I am a boy, and this is Rayf, my bird.

Rayf is my friend.

On his first day of summer camp, a little boy arrives with his bird best friend perched proudly on his shoulder, but he soon discovers that he is different from everyone else—no one else has a bird. He hides Rayf away to try and fit in but it's hard to pretend to be someone else for long.

A beautiful story about finding the confidence to spread your wings and fly as your true self.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781623716820
Publisher:	Interlink Publishing Group, Incorporated
Publication date:	08/20/2024
Pages:	26
Sales rank:	316,947
Product dimensions:	10.60(w) x 10.60(h) x (d)
Age Range:	3 Months to 5 Years

Editorial Reviews

2024-05-04
Chef and TV personality Hussain and illustrator Bailey team up once more, this time for the story of a boy and his parakeet.

A sky-blue bird named Rayf sits on the shoulder of an unnamed brown-skinned boy who narrates. They go everywhere together: the supermarket, Granny’s house, the top of a mountain. Bailey illustrates their relatively simple world with cheery colors, and everyone has big eyes, including some inanimate objects. Despite the friendly vibes, on the first day of summer camp, the boy worries when he notices that none of the other children have birds. He hangs his coat up, concealing Rayf in the pocket: “As long as Rayf doesn’t fly or sing, I will be okay. No one will know that I am different.” The boy plays with the other children, tamping down his sadness about Rayf until it’s time to go outside. The boy dons his coat, and once all the kids are in the garden, Rayf flies free before alighting on the boy’s hand. The boy reddens, embarrassed to be different. His campmates, however, are bursting with praise and enthusiastic questions. The story ends abruptly, especially considering its leisurely start. While many kids will relate to this straightforward tale—a clear metaphor for learning to embrace one’s differences—others will be left with questions: How do we cultivate self-love if others don’t accept our differences?

Look here for uncomplicated validation. (Picture book. 3-7)

Kirkus Reviews