Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt (review)

As the smallest crow of her flock, Little Bird is often overlooked, but when an animal attacks their nest and steals "Our Luck," the pendant that the crows believe to be their protection and fortune, it's up to Little Bird to find it. A pep talk from a wise goat sets her off on her journey, and along the way she meets a clever squirrel and a welcoming group of young crows, encounters tricky jays and rabid raccoons, and witnesses both the violence and kindness of humans. While not particularly groundbreaking, Voigt's animal story hits all the right notes, from our upstart underdog (bird) heroine, to the colorful cast of characters she meets along her journey, to her returning to her flock wiser, more confident, and readier to fly along with the big birds. The more menacing of aspects of the natural world do make an appearance, but this still falls into the quaint tradition of Charlotte's Web or Babe, and fans of more pastoral takes on the animal world will appreciate Voigt's offering. Reviewed from an unillustrated galley.