Module 3: Beautiful Blackbird

Bryan, Ashley. 2003. Beautiful Blackbird. Illus. by the author. Atheneum Books for Young Readers: New York. ISBN 0-689-84731-9.

Coretta Scott King Award Winner

All of the birds gather together to fly, dance, and sing together. In the midst of the revelry, Ringdove asks which bird is the most beautiful. In unanimous outcry, Blackbird is declared the most beautiful. Blackbird tries to convince Ringdove that it is not the appearance that makes one who s/he is but Ringdove insists on having black rings added to his neck. Blackbird obliges Ringdove’s request. This results in Blackbird adding black to every bird’s coloring scheme. Readers will float through this enjoyable story. The rhythm and cadence of the text is fanciful and fun. The simplistic illustrations are outrageously colorful cut-paper artwork. They entice the reader and match the simple nature of the text and the plot. The simple message of self acceptance and appreciation is not overshadowed by the text or the illustration. The text, illustration, and message melt together to form a magnificent addition to any library.