I REALLY WANT TO BE FIRST!
A Really Bird Story
By: Harriet Ziefert
Illustrated by: Travis Foster
Published: April 12, 2022
Publisher: Red Comet Press
Fiction
Really Bird has his name because when he is happy, he is REALLY happy or when he is thirsty, he is REALLY thirsty. Really Bird has two best friends, Cat and Pup. They like to hang out together in the city park. Sometimes, when they are together, Really Bird likes to express his feelings.
Really Bird is frustrated because usually when they do something together, Really Bird is always last. So, he decides to suggest that he gets to be the leader. When Cat and Pup agree, they realize Really Bird may not be the best leader.
Really Bird doesn’t quite understand why her idea of being the leader was such a problem and is just focused on the fact that she got to be first for once. Even though, Cat and Pup know that maybe there is a reason why Really Bird isn’t usually the leader. Everything works out and Really Bird is happy, so the friends decide it was okay that Really Bird got to be the leader for once.
The end of the story features a Think About/Talk About feature with questions to talk about with your child or storytime or classroom. Some of the discussion questions include:
- Do you like to be first?
- Have you had an argument about who was first?
- How many firsts can you think of?
Overall, I think this book offers an opportunity for a great discussion. In the classroom setting, being first seems to be a popular choice. Many teachers fix it by having rotating jobs with line leader or caboose being options so the same person isn’t always the leader or the last one. This might be a great story to read at the beginning of a school year.
I REALLY WANT A BIGGER PIECE!
A Really Bird Story
By: Harriet Ziefert
Illustrated by: Travis Foster
Published: April 12, 2022
Publisher: Red Comet Press
Fiction
In the second book in the series, Really Bird, Cat, and Pup are about to have a picnic in the park. They plan to share a homemade blueberry pie. Really Bird is really hungry and Cat isn’t sure that Pup can serve all three pieces and make them the same size. Pup doesn’t think they need to be the same size because the three of them are not the same size. Since Really Bird is the smallest, he will get the smallest piece.
Really Bird is not happy with that idea and insists that he is REALLY hungry and can eat a bigger piece. After much discussion and arguing, Pup has an idea to make everyone happy.
The end of the story includes a Think About/Talk About section with questions to discuss the story. I’m sure many kids, especially those with siblings, have felt like their brother or sister has gotten a bigger piece of cake or more mashed potatoes at dinner than them. I’m sure this story will be relatable and encourage discussion. Some of the questions for discussion include:
- Have you ever asked for a bigger piece?
- Did you ever have an argument about whose piece of pie, or cake, is better?
If your family seems to have difficulties with siblings arguing over food, toys, or games to play, this might be a good book to read and discuss how to solve their problems.
To purchase a copy of I REALLY WANT TO BE FIRST or I REALLY WANT A BIGGER PIECE, click the photos below:
Coming this September, Book 3, I REALLY WANT TO FLY TO THE MOON!
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under birds, Book Review, Children's books, fiction, Friendship, Harriet Ziefert, series, Travis Foster