The Bluebird is easy to find is each panel as one of the only pops of color within the dreary world and the other birds at the end (dressed in every color of the rainbow) are like a breath of fresh life. It’s easy to follow in the clean crisp illustrations that are mostly devoid of color, save blues that are sprinkled among the grays, whites, and blacks. The comic book style of the illustrations leaves little guess work in how the story is progressing. At least that’s how I interpret the story, for there is no text. They fly him and his friend into to sky, where the Bluebird awakens and flies even higher into the clouds, disappearing from sight. The boy is heartbroken but soon he’s surrounded by birds of every color. In an effort to save him, the bird is killed. Just as their friendship is not only blossoming but also helping the boy become more friendly and trusting of others, a group of bullies attack the boy. The Bluebird befriends him even though it seems that at first the boy doesn’t want a friend. The beginning of the story follows the Bluebird as he observes a sad looking boy who is often left out, bullied, teased, and alone. The art work is simple and beautiful in a way that the story isn’t, a perfect juxtaposition. It’s heart warming and tragic, and the type of story that results in questions with answers that are never simple.

Some fall into a different category entirely. Some are sweet and warm the cockles of our soul. There are some stories that we read and Bug loves because they’re silly and fun. Synopsis: A bluebird befriends a lonely boy and they share a magical day together but when a tragic accident takes the bluebird’s life the boy learns that true friends never die.

Bluebird by bob staake