Eagle Dreams (Books for Young Readers) - Softcover

Sheryl McFarlane

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1551431254 ISBN 13: 9781551431253

Publisher: Orca Book Publishers, 1998

Synopsis

When Robin stumbles upon an eagle with a broken wing, he sets out--despite his father's doubts--to fulfill his promise to the injured bird that he will nurse it back to full health.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2-4?Flying his kite, a young boy finds a bald eagle with a broken wing. Despite protests from his farmer father, he is determined to care for the bird. The vet makes a splint for it, and over the winter, it gradually heals in the barn. The boy does his chores, his father mellows, and the eagle's mate drops off extra fish to eat. All wait patiently until the day the eagle is strong enough to swoop forth "...with a scream so full of wildness they could only stand in silence." The direct style of the text, although spare in description and emotion, cleverly invites young readers, by examining the illustrations, to create a fuller version. There is a soft dreamlike quality to the artwork, suggestive of the warm memories of the events. Two are in sharp contrast: their terse realism and crisp edges sharpen the immediate action such as the eagle's release. Lightburn's dramatically changing perspectives entice readers to note the many subtle details while reflecting on the mood of each. The strong symbolism of the kite is featured on the cover and in the boy's final evening thoughts.?Ronald Jobe, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Ages 6^-9. Despite his father's doubts, a farmer's son is determined to nurse the injured eagle he's found back to health. As the bird slowly regains its former majesty, the boy is also transformed: children will see him evolve from a dreamer who shirks his responsibilities on the farm to a responsible, self-confident youngster. The advanced vocabulary, complex relationships, and multilayered plot make this a good candidate for use with older children, but the heart of the tale is simple enough for young ones to enjoy, as well. Lightburn's superbly crafted, photo-realistic illustrations, beautifully rendered in subdued earth tones, are a powerful complement to the words. Lauren Peterson

About this edition

• Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 1551431254
• ISBN 13: 9781551431253
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Ron Lightburn