The Message of the Birds

Illustrated by Feridun Oral
Look inside
This classic holiday book that brings together nature, the nativity, and the celebration of the first Christmas, makes a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for toddlers, boys and girls from 3 to 5 years old, and the young at heart!

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Let there be peace on Earth.” A timeless message of how peace can spread from one person to another, ideal for Christmas time, and throughout the year.

Long ago a special child was born, and the animals heard a song of blessing and good will for all the creatures of the earth. But now the birds wonder why no one sings the song anymore. And so they fly far and wide, singing the song of joy and peace. Here is a beautiful story about the powerful role we all play in passing on the timeless message: “Let there be peace. Peace on Earth.”

A classic and heartwarming Christmas tale of peace and love!
Kate Westerlund is the author of A Cup for Everyone, If You Wish, and Sharing Christmas. View titles by Kate Westerlund
Feridun Oral is a children's book illustrator whose work has been published throughout the world. He has participated in many national and international exhibitions and is the recipient of many awards, including an award from UNESCO in Japan. His books include A Red Apple, and A Warm Winter. View titles by Feridun Oral
★"Told through simple, lyrical words, the story of how the birds fly off to spread a song of peace by singing to children is a touching and profound interpretation of the role of the Christ Child and the meaning of his birth....A lovely, quiet book with something powerful to say." —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“A very special book…a timeless and timely tale not to be missed…. full of the warmth and innocence that parents so often desire for their young children’s lives. The book encompasses a single theme: let there be peace on earth…. The illustrations are spot on…. During what is one of the busiest times of the year for many people, taking a break to enjoy and understand The Message of the Birds is well worth the time. - Good Reads with Ronna 

"The tale itself involves the birds of the world and a song they learned long ago that they want to sing to every child that they find. The real lure is the art, however." —Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal

“Birdsong carrying a message of peace plays a central role in this beautifully illustrated retelling of the Nativity. "Why don't we sing it anymore?" asks the little robin pictured on the cover. While the other birds insist that "people don't listen," the robin suggests, "We should sing it for the children." Pale skies and white landscapes allow the birds' vibrant colors and the children's coats to pop in paintings as serene as a snowfall.” – Shelf Awareness

“Delicate naturalistic illustrations capture the hush of winter and the transformative powers of friendship and love.” — Elissa Gershowitz, Horn Book

About

This classic holiday book that brings together nature, the nativity, and the celebration of the first Christmas, makes a perfect gift or stocking stuffer for toddlers, boys and girls from 3 to 5 years old, and the young at heart!

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Let there be peace on Earth.” A timeless message of how peace can spread from one person to another, ideal for Christmas time, and throughout the year.

Long ago a special child was born, and the animals heard a song of blessing and good will for all the creatures of the earth. But now the birds wonder why no one sings the song anymore. And so they fly far and wide, singing the song of joy and peace. Here is a beautiful story about the powerful role we all play in passing on the timeless message: “Let there be peace. Peace on Earth.”

A classic and heartwarming Christmas tale of peace and love!

Author

Kate Westerlund is the author of A Cup for Everyone, If You Wish, and Sharing Christmas. View titles by Kate Westerlund
Feridun Oral is a children's book illustrator whose work has been published throughout the world. He has participated in many national and international exhibitions and is the recipient of many awards, including an award from UNESCO in Japan. His books include A Red Apple, and A Warm Winter. View titles by Feridun Oral

Praise

★"Told through simple, lyrical words, the story of how the birds fly off to spread a song of peace by singing to children is a touching and profound interpretation of the role of the Christ Child and the meaning of his birth....A lovely, quiet book with something powerful to say." —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“A very special book…a timeless and timely tale not to be missed…. full of the warmth and innocence that parents so often desire for their young children’s lives. The book encompasses a single theme: let there be peace on earth…. The illustrations are spot on…. During what is one of the busiest times of the year for many people, taking a break to enjoy and understand The Message of the Birds is well worth the time. - Good Reads with Ronna 

"The tale itself involves the birds of the world and a song they learned long ago that they want to sing to every child that they find. The real lure is the art, however." —Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal

“Birdsong carrying a message of peace plays a central role in this beautifully illustrated retelling of the Nativity. "Why don't we sing it anymore?" asks the little robin pictured on the cover. While the other birds insist that "people don't listen," the robin suggests, "We should sing it for the children." Pale skies and white landscapes allow the birds' vibrant colors and the children's coats to pop in paintings as serene as a snowfall.” – Shelf Awareness

“Delicate naturalistic illustrations capture the hush of winter and the transformative powers of friendship and love.” — Elissa Gershowitz, Horn Book

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Join us this month and beyond to celebrate the cultures and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we are sure your students will love. Find our collections of titles here: Elementary

Read more

Reading with Purpose Summit Event

On Monday, June 10th, Penguin Random House Education and DK Learning co-hosted a Reading with Purpose Summit Event in collaboration with Molly Ness, PhD. The event took place at Penguin Random House’s NYC headquarters and included sessions featuring leading education experts and a lunchtime author panel. The in-person professional learning event was built to show

Read more

2024 Elementary School Collection

The Penguin Random House Education Elementary School Collection features outstanding fiction, nonfiction, and picture books from Penguin Young Reader’s, Random House Children’s, DK, and Grupo Editorial, as well as children’s publishers distributed by Penguin Random House. Explore online or download this valuable resource to discover great books in specific topic areas such as: Leveled Readers,

Read more

DK Learning Phonic Books Sampler Request

Thank you for your interest in DK Learning | Phonic Books. To download the DK Learning | Phonic Books sampler with four complete readers, please click here and complete the form. Once your information is successfully submitted, a link to download the sampler will be provided on the confirmation screen.   Click here to learn

Read more

PRH Education Translanguaging Collections

Translanguaging is a communicative practice of bilinguals and multilinguals, that is, it is a practice whereby bilinguals and multilinguals use their entire linguistic repertoire to communicate and make meaning (García, 2009; García, Ibarra Johnson, & Seltzer, 2017)   It is through that lens that we have partnered with teacher educators and bilingual education experts, Drs.

Read more