Opal's Springtime Birdhouse

by Emily Matheis, Albert Arrayás (Illustrator)

Overview

A charming picture book tale that showcases how the rewards of our efforts can come from the most unexpected of places.

Bang! Whack! Whirr!

It’s time for a birdhouse-building contest!

Opal’s friends all have endless ideas on how to make their constructions stand out. There are bells, pom-poms, basketballs, and many more materials to use—and yet Opal still feels stuck.

Maybe a simple, sturdy piece wood…a few nails and screws will be just right. But when the judges don’t pick Opal’s birdhouse, she may still discover that her humble home is just right for someone else.

In this charming picture book tale, creators Emily Matheis and Albert Arrayásor showcase how the rewards of our efforts can come from the most unexpected of places.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781953458520
Publisher:	Yeehoo Press
Publication date:	03/28/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	16 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Emily Matheis' books offer the windows and mirrors we long for in our literary escapes. From her first page to the last, each book retains the reader within its captivating setting and enthralling characters. She is a two-time award-winning writer through the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators organization.

Albert Arrayás was born in Barcelona, Spain. His work reflects a delicacy, beauty, and above all a dream world accompanied by great details and textures. You can wander through or enjoy the blank space that can be filled by your imagination.

Editorial Reviews

Opal is devastated when her house is not deemed “fun and creative” enough for first place but learns there are more important prizes to be won. –Foreword Reviews

This encouraging exploration of perseverance reveals that we all have plenty of imagination—and much to offer... Onomatopoeia relentlessly pursues some industrious campers as they strive to create the most imaginative birdhouse—ever...Matheis’ short, readable paragraphs follow Opal from the highs of expectation to the lows of defeat—and back up again to the satisfaction of having created a working birdhouse...Arrayás’ perky illustrations populate the story with a diverse cast of energetic characters. A short appendix features some bird habitats from around the world. —Kirkus Reviews

An excellent example of a picture book that is not only entertaining but also socially responsible and beautifully considered. –Children's Book Review

From the Publisher

2022-11-16
Onomatopoeia relentlessly pursues some industrious campers as they strive to create the most imaginative birdhouse—ever.

From the “pitter-patter” of Damien’s roof to the “cling-clang-jingle jangle” of Simon’s bells, noise trails the diverse crew as birdhouses spring up everywhere. Everywhere except in Opal’s workspace. No matter how hard she tries to come up with an innovative design, the light-skinned young girl ends up giving up on one idea after another until she decides to page through the books the counselors have left on the table for inspiration. She excitedly discovers that different birds inhabit different kinds of nests, but which bird will be attracted to her plain but functional abode? Anticipating the announcement of the winner, she is sorely disappointed to learn that she is not selected. Who wants a ribbon for “Good Effort”? She installs her birdhouse in a tree but feels frustrated, tossing the ribbon out her cabin window. Hey, wait—is that a bluebird in Opal’s birdhouse? Matheis’ short, readable paragraphs follow Opal from the highs of expectation to the lows of defeat—and back up again to the satisfaction of having created a working birdhouse. Arrayás’ perky illustrations populate the story with a diverse cast of energetic characters. A short appendix features some bird habitats from around the world.

This encouraging exploration of perseverance reveals that we all have plenty of imagination—and much to offer. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews