Beautiful Blackbird

Bibliography

Bryan, A. (2003). Beautiful blackbird. Coretta Scott King Award - Ill.

Plot Summary

Blackbird is deemed the most beautiful bird by the other birds. The other birds do not have any black on their feathers, they are various other colors like red, blue, green, and yellow. They want to be like Blackbird with black on their feathers. They ask Blackbird to paint them with black so they can be just as beautiful as he. Blackbird reminds the other birds that while they may now contain black on their feathers, they are still, on the inside, who they were before, they are not him but a different version of themselves.

Critical Analysis

Bryan’s retelling of a Zambian folktale will grab young readers’ attention. The cut paper silhouettes are bold and colorful. The many colors of the other birds provides a stark difference to blackbird’s bold color. Bryan includes pictures of the scissors used to create his art which might be inspiring for young authors. The words throughout the book are rhythmic and the sing song nature draws readers in. The chants as the birds dance will inspire young readers to sing and dance along, “Beak to beak, peck, peck, peck, spread your wings, stretch your neck. Black is beautiful, uh-huh! Black is beautiful, uh-huh!” While Blackbird eventually gives in and shares his blackness, he does so with the disclaimer, “Just remember, whatever I do, I’ll be me and you’ll be you.” This tale will resonate with readers young and old about the importance of appreciating one’s beauty and uniqueness.

Review Excerpts

From Publishers’ Weekly:

“Scenes of the rainbow of wings are outdone only by a lakeside view of their colors intricately "mirrored in the waters." And Bryan's lilting and magical language is infectious.”

From Kirkus Reviews:

“Blackbird talks of the difference a little black can make, but he also emphasizes that external appearances do not reflect the inner self. Which of the two is more important is never clarified. Still, the rolling language and appealing illustrations make this a must.”

From Common Sense Media:

“Ashley Bryan's cut-paper collage artwork is in an array of interesting muted colors -- from maroon and pink to green, blue, orange, gold, and, of course, black. The figures are lively and incredibly expressive. Young children will enjoy the colors, the spirited pictures, and the fun of the lilting text.”

Awards and Honors

• Coretta Scott King Award (ALA)

• Texas 2x2 Reading List

Connections

This title can be used when speaking about individuality and equality. The Blackbird expressees to the other birds, “Color on the outside is not what’s on the inside. You don’t act like me. You don’t eat like me.” and  “We’ll see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I’ll be me and you’ll be you.” 

Classes can discuss sharing as well, as Blackbird shared his blackness with the other birds.