“Things don’t always work out the way we hope they will. But even on the dark days, birds still sing. So open a window and look outside, for when you open your eyes to birds, the world opens itself in return.” (My Brother Ben)
I love stories about brotherhood or sisterhood. Especially when there is character evolution in the story. But I should say that character development is not only in brotherhood stories. I like to see character development in every story because for me life is about “creating yourself”.
In this book there are two brothers. Luke and his older brother Benjamin. In my last article, The Kite Fighters: A Brotherhood, Father and Son Story I talked about the character differences between siblings and how they get along with each other. This book deals with a similar situation. While Benjamin is an extroverted, brave, protector(especially since their Dad left), high self-confident, and free character, Luke is an introverted, emotional, low self-confident and gifted boy. Luke is our narrator. He’s a quiet kid, a birdwatcher who carries a sketchbook.
These two brothers are preparing for a competition organized in their hometown because the first prize is what they want most: a boat. Probably for many of us, having a boat doesn’t mean much. Because very few of us have a lake or the sea close to our home. But the atmosphere in which this story takes place is amazing. The author, Peter Carnavas, says that it is a slum, and behind the houses there is a long river. But all these kids need is a boat. So winning the competition is their only chance.
This story made me realize that I have been careless about some things. Luke, our narrator, has a very special skill. He knows the sounds of hundreds of birds, and when he closes his eyes and listens to them, he can distinguish their voices and tell which birds are crowing. I realized that I was not listening to the birds correctly, even though his talent was amazing. I wonder what kind of birds live with me where I live. In this respect, the book raises children’s awareness about the environment. And without being didactic and frowny 🙂
If you are an adult, reading this book with your child will open the ways to wonderful activities. You know the Merlin Bird ID App. It is very exciting to observe the birds living in the area, listen to their sounds, and explore their characteristics. Our lives are like a fast-moving river, flowing non-stop, while calm waters soothe us. We all need to slow down a little and enjoy the moment by listening to birds sing. Knowing the names of birds and recognizing their characteristics makes this fun even more meaningful.
I hope this book makes us realize the beauty and colors of life. In rainforests, oceans, and deserts, birds sing, the weeping of the rivers, the wind whistles. Nature sings its own song in praise of Allah, our Creator ❤ (Why I Still Carry a Guitar, Yusuf/Cat Stevens)
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