Introducing Sai the Peacock: The Unique Beak

by Estani Frizzell, Sophia Frizzell (Illustrator)

Overview

Will Sai follow his dreams?

​Sai is a kind young peacock who lives with his royal family. He has brilliant blue tail feathers that any regal peacock would be proud of—and Sai LOVES to sing!

But his family laughs at that idea, AND at him! They say his beak is too big while making fun of his singing voice.

Saddened by their ridicule, Sai finally vows never to sing in front of anyone again! He hides himself away and doubts his dreams. Will he take their criticism to heart? Will he give up?

Estani Frizzell’s spirited and unique story shows children how just one special friend’s support can make a difference in carrying us where our talents are meant to take us.

Author Estani Frizzell, multi-faceted singer/songwriter known for an array of musical styles, has wanted to write children’s books since the birth of her daughter. With Sai Peacock—and rhythm and rhyme—she has now found the perfect way to deliver catchy hooks and melodies in a variety of sonic and lyrical tastes for children!

Illustrator LA native Sophia Frizzell creates a singular style through her work by blending elements of surrealism and the macabre. By the age of 16, she had achieved local recognition around Los Angeles with her graphite sketches and acrylic and oil paintings. Embarking on a new venture, she’s now diving into the world of children's books.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626349469
Publisher:	Greenleaf Book Group Press
Publication date:	09/13/2022
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

About the Author

Estani Frizzell, multi-faceted singer/songwriter known for an array of musical styles has wanted to write children’s books since the birth of her daughter. With Sai Peacock—and rhythm and rhyme—she has now found the perfect way to deliver catchy hooks and melodies in a variety of sonic and lyrical tastes for children!

After performing and working in production, songwriting, and coaching in LA for 24 years, Estani earned three nominations from the Hollywood Music and Media Awards and her first nomination for best music video in 2021 from the Montreal Independent Film Festival and the Toronto Independent Film Festival.

Her latest album, Droughts in the Ocean, and a new adventure with Sai Peacock and Cricket mark a happy return to her home state of Texas, where she makes Austin her home. The icing on the cake is working with her daughter, illustrator Sophia Frizzell, and witnessing her words come to life through Sophia’s eyes.


About the Illustrator

LA native Sophia Frizzell creates a singular style through her work by blending elements of surrealism and the macabre. By the age of 16, she had achieved local recognition around Los Angeles with her graphite sketches, and acrylic and oil paintings. Embarking on a new venture, she’s diving into the world of children's books. Working with her mother on this project has been a true labor of love, and learning how to illustrate from a child's point of view has opened up a new set of eyes and a new skillset. She is delighted seeing her illustrations come to life through Sai Peacock and Cricket and is excited to see where they go next!
Sophia attends University of Texas at Austin, majoring in communications with a minor in Studio Art.

Editorial Reviews

08/29/2022

Feeling judged by taunts and insults from the other peacocks, Sai Peacock decides that his beak is too big and his singing voice is not good enough to share with the world. But then he meets Cricket, an unlikely friend who loves his unique sound and wants a front-row seat to watch Sai perform. With Cricket’s confidence, Sai is free to follow his dream, and the two embark on a worldwide journey of performances—billed with the message “beakonfident” as an homage to Sai’s newfound courage. Brimming with heart, The Unique Beak will uplift young readers and show how even one friend can make a difference.

Sophia Frizzell’s textured and layered illustrations, boasting a striking indigo and emerald color palette, render a lush and regal world that especially suits Sai once he ascends to international fame. Though the distinctive illustration style lends itself well to animal stars in the story, the one human figure portrayed when Sai visits London comes across as two-dimensional by comparison, creating the intriguing impression that he is out of place in Sai’s world. Author Frizzell’s clever rhyming text (the book’s impressive first rhyme: ginormous and warned us) pairs nicely with Sai’s musical nature, though readers only get one line that he actually sings: “There’s no day like today!”

Sai’s path to self-confidence (and eventual fame) feels honest, in the sense that it doesn’t happen overnight, and even after he reaches stardom his best friend Cricket stays by his side and is credited with Sai’s successes—or at least plays a major role in them. Most importantly, Cricket treasures those qualities that set Sai apart, and adult readers will value the lesson of friendship over celebrity status, while younger readers-particularly those who are shy-will delight in Sai’s uniqueness and eventual victory over self-doubt.

Takeaway: A peacock and cricket show the power of friendship in this tribute to self-confidence.

Great for fans of: Giles Andreae’s Giraffes Can’t Dance, David Cunliffe’s Whoever Heard of a Flying Bird?.

Production grades Cover: A- Design and typography: A- Illustrations: A Editing: A Marketing copy: A-

BookLife Reviews