Feathers for Peacock
Long ago, when the world was brand new, all birds were naked. It wasn’t fair. Foxes had fur. Turtles had shells. Birds deserved warm coats, too. Disgruntled, they approach the first full spring moon for advice. Birds of all shapes and sizes attend the meeting. Everyone except Peacock. He arrives on the scene late, to find his friends covered with warm, colorful feathers. “Look at Peacock! He’s still naked!” All the birds stare at poor Peacock trembling in the cold night air. But the unexpected community response gives Peacock the biggest, most colorful coat of all.
Winner of the 2016 USA “Best Books” Award (sponsored by USA Book News) in the “Children’s Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction” category
Silver Medal in the 2016 Midwest Book Awards for “Interior Design”
Reviews
"VERDICT: This
delightful pourquoi tale will be a great addition to storytimes, and the
detailed illustrations invite individual lingering and repeat visits." --
School Library Journal, Picture Books Xpress Reviews, July 2016.
"It's a charming tale of generosity" -- Kirkus Reviews, February 17, 2016.
"This origin story inspired by an Afro-Caribbean
animal folktale emphasizes generosity . . . . Vivid, detailed paintings
enhance this lovely tale . . . ." -- Booklist Online (from the American
Library Association).
"After reading this lovely book, kids may enjoy
writing pourquoi tales of their own." -- Children's Literature.
"A lovely story of a naked dull bird who finds his true
calling makes for an engrossing tale parents and kids will both love." --
Children's Bookwatch, a review publication of Midwest Book Review, May 2016.
"This is a must read for anyone who loves birds and friends." -- Crafty
Moms Share, March 31, 2016.
"This book will
teach the children how powerful kindness can be. This is not only a colorful
book that would entertain young reader's mind but it will also instill core
values of generosity and a community that help each other out." -- Kids
e-Connection, March 30, 2016.
"In addition to
being a fun story to share, the book can be used as inspiration for children
to create their own pourquoi stories." -- Bird Brainz: Birds, Birding, and
Books blog, April 18, 2016.
"Jules' original
tale has many of the qualities of a traditional myth about how things came
to be as they are. Children and adults will recognize its simple and
laudable moral: True friends are generous and kind." -- Spirituality &
Practice, 2016.
"This lovely book will be a
good addition to school and home libraries." -- Chat With Vera, August 11,
2016.
"And I especially love the twist on the
representation of peacocks. Their elaborate display of feathers are
typically known for vanity, but this story recreates a peacock’s feathers to
represent kindness. The illustrations are beautiful and complement this
unique story." -- Jump Into a Book, August 23, 2016.
Listen to song: Koobie Koobie Kind
