The Storybarn Selects… From The Reader Bookshelf

As we continue to explore The Reader Bookshelf we've asked members of our Children & Young People Team to talk about their favourite children's books from the collection.

This month, our Reading Heroes Coordinator and CYP Training Coordinator, Hope McGarry talks to us about Found You by Devon Holzwarth. 

On picking up Found You by Devon Holzwarth, you’re met with a colourful, luscious cover; bright leaves surround a little boy (or girl), cradling, and lovingly looking down at a smiling bird.

We learn that the little boy, Sami, has just moved here. Whilst Sami wonders about his old home, Sami’s mum worries he is not making any new friends. As Sami puts on a brave face (“I don’t need friends to juggle!”) he also observes a lady on the bus scowling at him; the baker not understanding what his mum is saying; and the girl at kindergarten who laughs at him.

But one day, Sami and his family go to the park. And a bird…notices him! Not only that… it crashes into him!

“I’m lost, can you help me find my friends?” chirps the bird. “I’ll do my best,” says Sami. So off they go.

As Sami and Little Bird wander through the park, they encounter groups of birds – sadly, not the birds Little Bird is looking for – but also, would you believe…

The lady from the bus. But she’s not scowling this time…she’s smiling! And she even hands seeds to Sami to feed to the birds!

Next… they bump into the baker! This time he hands Sami a roll, with another big smile!

But uh oh…next, as Sami is scurrying towards the cherry trees (where he is SURE he will be able to find Little Bird’s friends) Sami sees the girl at kindergarten who laughed at him. Before the girl can say anything, Sami runs right past her…Little Bird doesn’t look too sure about this!

And then… Little Bird finds her friends!

I won’t spoil the ending here, but I will say it turns out Little Bird had a plan (which maybe involves the girl from kindergarten!) – and make sure you have a tissue ready!

Found You is about friendship, trust, opening your heart and giving humans (and birds!) a chance. It's worth a read just for the illustrations: beautiful, crayon-style strokes sweep across the pages. They could keep you for hours!

Words by Hope McGarry