Book Review: “The Bird Feeder” by Andrew Larsen

Recommended reading age: 3 to 7 (though kids of all ages can enjoy reading this with their families)

What Makes This One of the Best Children’s Books

Chatting with kids about human mortality definitely isn’t easy.

But it is inevitable — especially as many kids seem to pelt their families with such questions soon after learning to speak. My own son, a preschooler, regularly volleys me with questions about what awaits us all. And this often comes out of the blue, like in the midst of snacks and trips to the park.

Fortunately, Andrew Larsen’s quiet-yet-heartening book “The Bird Feeder” offers a helpful compass in addressing this topic. Surprisingly uplifting, it focuses on enjoying every moment of life until the very end.

The story’s nameless narrator becomes close pals with his grandma when her illness requires her to live with his family. Their bond grows through their mutual obsession with watching and drawing birds.

The boy feels disappointed when his grandma abruptly moves into a hospice. But instead of sinking into despair, the book paints a positive outlook on her final days.

The boy devotedly visits his grandma every day. He fills her hospice stay with joy, as they continue to bird watch and wallpaper her room with drawings.

Even while bedbound, the boy’s grandma delights in every minute, thanks to her loved ones’ support and comforting presence. She even gets a therapy dog, fulfilling her lifelong wish to own a furry pet.

Through all of these simple exchanges, this book emphasizes that even with death close at hand, we can appreciate every final moment we have. Especially by making the most of time with our family.

The book reveals the grandmother’s passing so subtly that it didn’t upset my son (though I admit I choked up on tears). Yet this moment is powerful in its nuance, a whispered reminder that the end can come swiftly and before loved ones might be ready.

Positive to the last word, the book ends with the boy keeping his grandmother’s memory alive by hanging their birdfeeder outside his window.

It leaves readers with the message that losing someone doesn’t mean letting them go entirely.

How My Child Reacted to This Book

With my son in preschool, I worry about how he will respond to books that touch on death. I mean, he’s terrified of spiders. Fortunately, this book’s positive framing of the topic didn’t bother him at all.

But boy, were there questions.

He wanted to know all about hospices — who goes there and why, and what occurs there. And he asked about the exact predicted lifespans for all of our family members, and what various factors would contribute to who goes first.

I believe he would have eventually asked most of these questions, anyway. At least the book gave us a thoughtful foundation to build upon.

Potential Conversations to Pair with This Book

“The Bird Feeder” can prove very helpful in tackling the difficult subject of death with children, especially with the positive perspective it offers.

When my son peppered me with questions, I invoked the book’s theme and explained that we don’t know how long we have, but it’s important to try and enjoy every day as much as we can. I also spoke with my son about loved ones who have passed, as well as various family members’ health and what to expect for them.

I’m sure more of these conversations are in store, and I’ll be sure to think back to this book when those occasions arise.

More Children’s Books Like This

‘A Place to Stay’ Gives Kids a Heartening Look at a Homeless Shelter