author/illustrator: Emma Simpson
ages: 4+
52 pages
23.1 x 25.6 cmhardcover
French
Comme des géants (Canada)
Rights sold: Simplified Chinese, French, Italian, English (world), Korean, German
Clara and the Birds
A shy girl who usually strays from the flock discovers her own inner strength.
For as long as she can remember, Clara has always been fascinated with birds — where they go, how they take flight, and the way they immediately fly away from her when she comes into contact with them. Like the birds she so admires, Clara is considered shy by those around her. She, too, feels the urge to flee the company of others, preferring the comforting bubble of solitude instead.
Convinced that her desire to be alone is a weakness, she fails to find her voice or recognize her own inner strength. That is, until she has a chance encounter with a bird who doesn’t immediately fly away.
- 2024 D-Pictus 100 outstanding Books
IN THE MEDIA
"Clara and the Birds is a sweet tale that children (and adults) of all ages will be able to relate to. At some point, we have all felt shy, awkward, worried, and anxious, and so many of us will connect with little Clara. The illustrations are beautiful and help to move the story along while including the gift of hidden background characters for readers to find. I highly recommend this book as a jumping off point to talk to young children about feelings of not fitting in and even how to make new friends. Being kind to nature is also woven throughout the narrative."— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"A contemplative text for quiet readers, but those who persist may hear the birds sing." — Kirkus Reviews
"This quiet, beautiful book could be just the thing for a child who has yet to break out of their shell - it shows that they will be all right just the way they are, especially if they embrace their passion." - Youth Services Book Review, USA
"Clara and the Birds depicts learning about human contact and its difficulties, with delicacy and pastel colors." - Libération, France
THE AUTHOR
Emma Simpson is a British picture book author-illustrator living in Munich. Before becoming a full time author illustrator, she worked within special education for many years. This time still informs the work she makes today. She is also greatly inspired by nature and she loves to walk in the beautiful Bavarian Alps and swim in the gorgeous lakes surrounding Munich.
She has received several awards: UK winner of the international picture book illustration competition Picture This!, Winner of The Goodship Illustration Picture Book Course 2022.