Review: Birdie Lights Up The World
Not every one of us wants to be the centre of attention however nearly all of us craves the necessity of inclusiveness no matter how slight. To feel special and needed; purposeful is a common want even in the very young. It can therefore come as a shock when we discover our perception of self is not quite what the universe deigns to be true. This is the simple but striking premise of Alison McLennan’s latest picture book, Birdie Lights Up The World . Birdie is a cuter than cute penguin who resides in the local zoo, which the very astute reader will deduce from clues on the half title page. The rest of us will be too busy soaking in the gorgeous ochre and pink highlights of Birdie’s introduction as the chosen one . You see, it’s Birdie’s job to light up the world, which she does with enthusiastic dulcet tones each evening as the sun goes down. Her sunset serenades, literally seem to light up the evening skies. Fellow zoo mates gather to listen and watch in awe as one by one the sta