BIRD HOUSE by Blanca Gomez.  New York: Abrams Books, 2021.  32p. ISBN 978-141974408-2 hc. $17.99     PreS - Gr. 1     E PIC

Solid geometric figures and patterned backgrounds enhance the sparse text of a thoughtful story about a young girl and her abuela.  On a winter's day walk in the park, they found an injured bird and took it home to heal.  The young girl, who adored her grandmother anyway, loved the adventure of restoring the bird to good health.  They set the bird free and life went back to normal.  Months later, the bird returned and the girl asked to keep it, but her abuela said, "No darling, the bird doesn't belong to us."  Readers will experience a tug to their heartstrings and a reminder that wildlife needs to be wild.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI