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The Language of Birds

Author Jon-Erik Lappano
Illustrated by Zach Manbeck
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Hardcover
$18.99 US
RH Childrens Books | Random House Studio
8.81"W x 11.56"H x 0.46"D   | 16 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Dec 16, 2025 | 40 Pages | 9780593806654
Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3
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A moving picture book about an anxious girl who can talk to birds but finds it hard to talk to people. When a new boy at school connects with trees the way she does with birds, they begin to form a friendship.

Mira speaks to the birds. As a baby, she napped in the park where starlings gathered. Before she was two, she could mimic the sounds of the doves. Birds have always made sense to Mira, unlike people who are much more confusing. When Mira tries to talk to them, her words remain out of reach. Mostly, people leave her alone.

But when a new boy named Jad comes to school, Mira notices that he understands trees the way she does birds. He's different. And as they draw together, Mira is able, at last, to make a friend.

Here is a beautiful, layered picture book that speaks to the need for connection and the many forms it can take.
"Lush illustrations glow with soft light, inviting readers into a warm world....where it feels safe to follow passions and interact on other terms. A refreshingly quiet story with a lot to say." —Booklist

"The lush illustrations....capture the feelings in the story and extend the poetic text in this lofty examination of art, companionship, and the natural world." —The Horn Book
JON-ERIK LAPPANO is a person who stays up too late working on things, including writing books for children. His debut picture book, Tokyo Digs a Garden, illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka, won the Governor General's Literary Award and was a finalist for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award. His second book, Maggie's Treasure, inspired by his daughters, was an International Youth Library White Raven award winner, and his other books, Song for the Snow and Martin and the River, each received wide critical acclaim. Jon-Erik lives in Stratford, Ontario, with his family and a growing assortment of pets. View titles by Jon-Erik Lappano
ZACH MANBECK is an acclaimed children's book author and illustrator based in Pennsylvania. As an artist, his work is described as modern vintage — nostalgic, yet fresh. As a writer, Zach aims to tell stories from a new perspective — stories that advocate for characters that haven't yet had a chance to live in books, and stories sprinkled with lessons that encourage the forming of healthy minds. Zach made his picture book debut with You Are Here and he is the illustrator of Stanley's Secret and Manolo and the Unicorn. View titles by Zach Manbeck

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About

A moving picture book about an anxious girl who can talk to birds but finds it hard to talk to people. When a new boy at school connects with trees the way she does with birds, they begin to form a friendship.

Mira speaks to the birds. As a baby, she napped in the park where starlings gathered. Before she was two, she could mimic the sounds of the doves. Birds have always made sense to Mira, unlike people who are much more confusing. When Mira tries to talk to them, her words remain out of reach. Mostly, people leave her alone.

But when a new boy named Jad comes to school, Mira notices that he understands trees the way she does birds. He's different. And as they draw together, Mira is able, at last, to make a friend.

Here is a beautiful, layered picture book that speaks to the need for connection and the many forms it can take.

Praise

"Lush illustrations glow with soft light, inviting readers into a warm world....where it feels safe to follow passions and interact on other terms. A refreshingly quiet story with a lot to say." —Booklist

"The lush illustrations....capture the feelings in the story and extend the poetic text in this lofty examination of art, companionship, and the natural world." —The Horn Book

Author

JON-ERIK LAPPANO is a person who stays up too late working on things, including writing books for children. His debut picture book, Tokyo Digs a Garden, illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka, won the Governor General's Literary Award and was a finalist for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award. His second book, Maggie's Treasure, inspired by his daughters, was an International Youth Library White Raven award winner, and his other books, Song for the Snow and Martin and the River, each received wide critical acclaim. Jon-Erik lives in Stratford, Ontario, with his family and a growing assortment of pets. View titles by Jon-Erik Lappano
ZACH MANBECK is an acclaimed children's book author and illustrator based in Pennsylvania. As an artist, his work is described as modern vintage — nostalgic, yet fresh. As a writer, Zach aims to tell stories from a new perspective — stories that advocate for characters that haven't yet had a chance to live in books, and stories sprinkled with lessons that encourage the forming of healthy minds. Zach made his picture book debut with You Are Here and he is the illustrator of Stanley's Secret and Manolo and the Unicorn. View titles by Zach Manbeck

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