Book review: "The Swan Song"

This month's Inkberry Books pick is "The Swan Song" by Kaye Graham, and illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger. It's a beautiful children's book with a lovely, poetic afterward by Nikki Giovanni.

"The Swan Song" is part creation narrative and part love story. The reader begins in a world where most birds look the same, and then a magical being comes in the picture. She is cloaked in the rainbow and begins granting birds different wishes. Most wish to be certain colors-that's why the jay is blue and the flamingo is pink-while others wish for abilities-like the eagle, who wishes to be able to soar high in the sky. Then there's the swan, who makes an incredibly unique wish: to have a life partner.

The "wishgiver" grants the swan's request and tells the swan, "And I will give you an unasked gift as well: to sing one song, that you will sing but once. When you sing, the world will stop to listen."

This book is a tale of love and loss. It's an emotional story and the poem at the end is extremely moving as well. I also loved the artwork. Hehenberger uses acrylic on paper combined with digital collage to make a vibrant backdrop for Graham's evocative prose.

It's one that will likely appeal to many readers and will stick with you after the last page. I highly recommend it, especially for storytime with your loved ones.

Happy Reading!