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Beautiful Blackbird
Black is beautiful, uh-huh!
Long ago, Blackbird was voted the most beautiful bird in the forest. The other birds, who were colored red, yellow, blue, and green, were so envious that they begged Blackbird to paint their feathers with a touch of black so they could be beautiful too. Although Blackbird warns them that true beauty comes from within, the other birds persist and soon each is given a ring of black around their neck or a dot of black on their wings -- markings that detail birds to this very day.
Coretta Scott King Award-winner Ashley Bryan's adaptation of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia resonates both with rhythm and the tale's universal meanings -- appreciating one's heritage and discovering the beauty within. His cut-paper artwork is a joy.
Long ago, Blackbird was voted the most beautiful bird in the forest. The other birds, who were colored red, yellow, blue, and green, were so envious that they begged Blackbird to paint their feathers with a touch of black so they could be beautiful too. Although Blackbird warns them that true beauty comes from within, the other birds persist and soon each is given a ring of black around their neck or a dot of black on their wings -- markings that detail birds to this very day.
Coretta Scott King Award-winner Ashley Bryan's adaptation of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia resonates both with rhythm and the tale's universal meanings -- appreciating one's heritage and discovering the beauty within. His cut-paper artwork is a joy.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Ashley Bryan
111 books60 followersAshley Bryan was an illustrator, children's author, and poet.
Ashley Bryan (1923–2022) grew up to the sound of his mother singing from morning to night, and he shared the joy of song with children. A beloved illustrator, he was named a Newbery Honoree for his picture book, Freedom Over Me. He also received the Coretta Scott King—Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, was a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer, a Coretta Scott King Award winner, and the recipient of countless other awards and recognitions. His books include Freedom Over Me; Sail Away; Beautiful Blackbird; Beat the Story-Drum, Pum Pum; Let It Shine; Ashley Bryan’s Book of Puppets; and What a Wonderful World. He lived in Islesford, one of the Cranberry Isles off the coast of Maine.
Ashley Bryan (1923–2022) grew up to the sound of his mother singing from morning to night, and he shared the joy of song with children. A beloved illustrator, he was named a Newbery Honoree for his picture book, Freedom Over Me. He also received the Coretta Scott King—Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, was a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer, a Coretta Scott King Award winner, and the recipient of countless other awards and recognitions. His books include Freedom Over Me; Sail Away; Beautiful Blackbird; Beat the Story-Drum, Pum Pum; Let It Shine; Ashley Bryan’s Book of Puppets; and What a Wonderful World. He lived in Islesford, one of the Cranberry Isles off the coast of Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
May 20, 2019
With over thirty children's books to his name, many of them award-winning explorations of the African-American experience, Ashley Bryan is an author whose work I have long wanted to read. His many folktale adaptations, in particular, have been tempting me of late, so I am especially disappointed that Beautiful Blackbird - supposedly a retelling of a traditional tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia - didn't impress me more.
First though, the good news: this is a beautiful book, visually speaking. The artwork is just gorgeous, and fully deserved the Coretta Scott King Illustrator's Award that it received. Created using a cut-paper collage technique, it is colorful and immediate, with a sense of motion that suits the rhythmic narrative. The inclusion of images of the artist's scissors - which once belonged to his mother - on the decorated endpapers, is a particularly nice touch.
Unfortunately, the narrative of Beautiful Blackbird wasn't as appealing as the illustrations. I understand that Bryan took some liberties with the original tale, which was more of a condemnation of vanity - the other birds being more concerned with how they look, than how they behave - than an affirmation of self esteem. It's easy to see why he would be tempted to do so: for many years, black was rarely depicted as a "good" color, rarely described as beautiful, or associated with the positive, making a story with a different viewpoint very appealing. But the end result, in which the other birds only consider themselves beautiful after Blackbird shares some of his blackness with them, is hardly the universal story of "appreciating one's heritage and discovering the beauty within," as claimed by the dust-jacket blurb.
Black Is Beautiful! But I don't think I'd be comfortable handing a child a book whose implicit message is that it is the only kind of beautiful. Not recommended.
First though, the good news: this is a beautiful book, visually speaking. The artwork is just gorgeous, and fully deserved the Coretta Scott King Illustrator's Award that it received. Created using a cut-paper collage technique, it is colorful and immediate, with a sense of motion that suits the rhythmic narrative. The inclusion of images of the artist's scissors - which once belonged to his mother - on the decorated endpapers, is a particularly nice touch.
Unfortunately, the narrative of Beautiful Blackbird wasn't as appealing as the illustrations. I understand that Bryan took some liberties with the original tale, which was more of a condemnation of vanity - the other birds being more concerned with how they look, than how they behave - than an affirmation of self esteem. It's easy to see why he would be tempted to do so: for many years, black was rarely depicted as a "good" color, rarely described as beautiful, or associated with the positive, making a story with a different viewpoint very appealing. But the end result, in which the other birds only consider themselves beautiful after Blackbird shares some of his blackness with them, is hardly the universal story of "appreciating one's heritage and discovering the beauty within," as claimed by the dust-jacket blurb.
Black Is Beautiful! But I don't think I'd be comfortable handing a child a book whose implicit message is that it is the only kind of beautiful. Not recommended.
February 7, 2012
Coretta Scott King award-winner, Beautiful Blackbird, is a book to add to your collection for its message, its rhythm as well as its simple artistic beauty. This is a story adapted from a tale of the people of Zambia and it often reads like a poem or a song with its rhyme and alliteration. All the birds in the story are of one color and they long to be as beautiful as the black bird. They beg him for a little black color in their feathers and he is kind enough to share what he has with all of them. The illustrations are made from cut-paper collage and they are bold and bright.
The lessons here are simple and quite sophisticated, depending on the grade level being taught. The book is recommended for K-2. It facilitates a great discussion about sharing, about being beautiful on the inside, about the color of our skin and what it says or does not say about us. It tells children of color to be proud of who they are and that black is beautiful!
The lessons here are simple and quite sophisticated, depending on the grade level being taught. The book is recommended for K-2. It facilitates a great discussion about sharing, about being beautiful on the inside, about the color of our skin and what it says or does not say about us. It tells children of color to be proud of who they are and that black is beautiful!
August 6, 2017
3.5 out of 5
Beautiful Blackbird is a rhythmic, swaggy retelling of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia with a reaffirming messages ("Black is beautiful, uh-huh!" or "Color on the outside is not what's on the inside.") and bold, vibrant cut-paper collage illustrations:
Beautiful Blackbird is a rhythmic, swaggy retelling of a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia with a reaffirming messages ("Black is beautiful, uh-huh!" or "Color on the outside is not what's on the inside.") and bold, vibrant cut-paper collage illustrations:
November 27, 2018
Text to text connection : This book reminds me of rainbow fish. It was a story of giving and sharing with others. Blackbird was more than happy to share his gifts with the others but he made sure to tell them to still be themselves. Just like in rainbow fish the other fish wanted sparkle scales and rainbow fish shared with the others. Both stories have an underlying tone that says to be comfortable in your own skin. Also, for the ones who has gifts or can be considered leaders, it shows how you should treat others who want what you have. Both stories had a positive outcome and aspiring message.
September 12, 2017
I picked this book up for my 5-year old because I saw it had won a few awards, so I was curious. I quickly realized it was written by an African author with lots of African imagery and theme. Perhaps this is part of the reason for the attention it has been receiving, but I did not base my review on this at all. A good book is a good book, regardless of the author. And, this is quite simply a good book. Visual, colorful, perfectly-paced, and filled with symbolism, I really enjoyed "Beautiful Blackbird."
February 26, 2022
Who is the most beautiful bird? Blackbird, of course. All the other birds, all colors of the rainbow, envy Blackbird his beauty, and they beg Blackbird to share a bit of his beautiful black color with them. And so he does, painting black on the neck of a dove, and adding black spots here on this bird, and putting black lines there on another bird.
A celebration of the color black based on a folktale from Zambia.
A celebration of the color black based on a folktale from Zambia.
April 20, 2024
Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan shows that there is beauty in being unique and different from those that are around you. In this book, it describes how in the past, the birds were all different colors and there was only one blackbird. Then one day, Ringdove had called all of the birds to meet by the lake. All of the birds were vibrant colors, but I love how everyone had loved blackbird the most – finding him to be the most beautiful bird. The Ringdove had even asked the blackbird to paint him black, and blackbird said he would paint a black ring around his neck; he would do it as long as the Ringdove would keep in mind that they are still different, saying “Color on the outside is not what’s on the inside.” Other birds saw the black ring painted around Ringdove’s neck, and they wanted it done as well. Blackbird then prepared more paint and gave everyone unique designs of black. In the end, everyone was so happy to have some black on them, and they said “Black is beautiful.” A major theme in this book is that being unique is a good and beautiful thing. The blackbird looked completely different from everyone else, and he used that as a confidence booster. The others also found him to be the most beautiful bird, wanting to look like him. This can apply to real life because just cause you look different doesn’t mean that you are an outcast, it just means that you are unique and still beautiful. Another major theme in this book is that true beauty is from within. This can be seen when the blackbird said “Color on the outside is not what’s on the inside.” Blackbird shows that appearances don’t matter, what matters is what someone’s personality and character is like. The main genre of this book is traditional literature. Children reading this book could learn to be happy with what they have. Blackbird was different, and he took pride in that. Children who feel like they are different from their peers can learn that being different can be a good thing. There is beauty in being different. Additionally, children reading this book could start to learn more about the African culture because that is where this folklore originated from. Another lesson of this book is that “black is beautiful”, and children with darker skin will be able to feel represented through reading this book. This book was a WOW book for me because I would have loved reading this as a kid. In my culture, having darker skin was looked down on. Children with darker skin that read this will be able to learn to appreciate their skin color. I also love the main message that beauty lies on the inside. That is the best message of the book and is very true. People nowadays should focus on being a better person, rather than just focusing on improving their appearances.
A literary device that the author used to enhance the writing in this book is repetition. Examples of this includes “coo, coo, coo”, “I’ve painted plenty, plenty, plenty”, and “black, black brew.” These helped to enhance the quality of the writing because the repetition made it feel like how a bird would actually talk. This also made the book more fun to read and helped me to stay invested in the book. Another literary device that the author used to enhance the writing in this book is rhyme. An example of this includes the line “Our colors sport a brand-new look. A touch of black was all it took.” Rhyme helped enhance the quality of the writing because it helped the lines to flow more easily, and it also shows how much thought went into each word when the author was writing the story. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it was written by Ashley Bryan, who is African American; therefore, he has the credibility and validity to write about this African folklore story. He also would not write with any bias or stereotypes against his own culture. Additionally, a main message of this story is that black is beautiful. This can help people with darker skin colors to feel loved and represented.
A literary device that the author used to enhance the writing in this book is repetition. Examples of this includes “coo, coo, coo”, “I’ve painted plenty, plenty, plenty”, and “black, black brew.” These helped to enhance the quality of the writing because the repetition made it feel like how a bird would actually talk. This also made the book more fun to read and helped me to stay invested in the book. Another literary device that the author used to enhance the writing in this book is rhyme. An example of this includes the line “Our colors sport a brand-new look. A touch of black was all it took.” Rhyme helped enhance the quality of the writing because it helped the lines to flow more easily, and it also shows how much thought went into each word when the author was writing the story. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it was written by Ashley Bryan, who is African American; therefore, he has the credibility and validity to write about this African folklore story. He also would not write with any bias or stereotypes against his own culture. Additionally, a main message of this story is that black is beautiful. This can help people with darker skin colors to feel loved and represented.
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October 9, 2017I really like that this story starts off with unanimity that "Black is beautiful." (I was actually expecting the book to be from the 1960s or 70s, but it's actually 2003.)
I also appreciate that although Blackbird acquiesces to the other birds' request for some of his beautiful color, he points out that, "Color on the outside is not what's on the inside. You don't act like me. You don't eat like me. You don't get down in the groove and move your feet like me," and, "We'll see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I'll be me and you'll be you."
The inside front cover says it's adapted from a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia, which I can definitely believe, but the rhythm of the narrative feels very sort of jivey African-American to me (which may just be my ignorance of a lot of indigenous African rhythmic styles, and isn't a criticism of the book either way).
I also appreciate that although Blackbird acquiesces to the other birds' request for some of his beautiful color, he points out that, "Color on the outside is not what's on the inside. You don't act like me. You don't eat like me. You don't get down in the groove and move your feet like me," and, "We'll see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I'll be me and you'll be you."
The inside front cover says it's adapted from a tale from the Ila-speaking people of Zambia, which I can definitely believe, but the rhythm of the narrative feels very sort of jivey African-American to me (which may just be my ignorance of a lot of indigenous African rhythmic styles, and isn't a criticism of the book either way).
December 9, 2024
Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan is about a blackbird in Africa that gets voted as the most beautiful bird out of all the many colored birds in the area. As the other birds get envious for his look, he shares a piece of his beauty with everyone, however reminding them that his true beauty came from within. The themes of this story are the importance of one's heritage and being able to share parts of each other to improve community. Regardless of all the birds trying to get spots of black on them, blackbird complies since he knows how much it meant to them. Blackbird always emphasized that no matter how much black was painted on them, however, they still wouldn't be blackbird. His rhythmic personality is what made him him, furthering the theme of heritage of oneself. This story is a folklore, and it reminds us to love ourselves and that it's ok to share your culture with others as long as it's respected. Beautiful Blackbird is a WOW book for me, because I loved the illustrations, colors, and themes of the book, as they represent African culture appropriately.
The use of symbolism, personification, and unique word choice by Ashley Bryan is what propelled this story to notoriety for me. Blackbird being the most beautiful and all-encompassing bird of the flock makes sense, considering black is a mix of all the colors in the rainbow. Also, I'm sure it goes without saying but the birds are personified to represent humans, and blackbird represents African culture. The word choice used for blackbird's dialect is also what set him apart culturally from the other birds, since his use of rhyme and onomatopoeia is one of the main factors for his pride. This story stays away from bias by providing positive insight on reflecting and sharing one's identity with others, through the use of non-human entities to convey the message.
The use of symbolism, personification, and unique word choice by Ashley Bryan is what propelled this story to notoriety for me. Blackbird being the most beautiful and all-encompassing bird of the flock makes sense, considering black is a mix of all the colors in the rainbow. Also, I'm sure it goes without saying but the birds are personified to represent humans, and blackbird represents African culture. The word choice used for blackbird's dialect is also what set him apart culturally from the other birds, since his use of rhyme and onomatopoeia is one of the main factors for his pride. This story stays away from bias by providing positive insight on reflecting and sharing one's identity with others, through the use of non-human entities to convey the message.
December 7, 2020
Gorgeous paper-cut illustrations and a great retelling of a Zambian folk tale with a wonderful message of joy in diversity and a refrain of "Black is beautiful". The rhythm of the text felt a little off at times.
October 4, 2020
Loved the cut paper illustrations and the refrain, over and over: "Black is beautiful!"
August 13, 2019
Beautiful book. Blackbird shares his black color to give other birds stripes and spots and rings.
I read this book as part of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards 50th anniversary challenge promoted through the LA Public Libraries.
I read this book as part of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards 50th anniversary challenge promoted through the LA Public Libraries.
February 10, 2021
So many great lines in this book. Holden asked a lot of questions while we read it together. ❤️
March 6, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! I loved everything about it. The pictures were very bold and colorful. It had such a beautiful message. No matter how we look like its not important. What matters is what are from inside. Beautiful Blackbird was such a touching book. All the colorful birds wanted to be like the black bird because it was the most beautiful bird. However, they figured out their color doesn't define them.
I recommend this book for all ages. The message is so deep and heart warming that sometimes us adults need to be reminded of this. Its very important for children at a young age to know this. They should be happy with who they are because we are special and beautiful in our own way. This book and also go with many other topics like ethnicity and race.
I recommend this book for all ages. The message is so deep and heart warming that sometimes us adults need to be reminded of this. Its very important for children at a young age to know this. They should be happy with who they are because we are special and beautiful in our own way. This book and also go with many other topics like ethnicity and race.
October 21, 2025
The vibrant illustrations and vivid storytelling establish the colorful setting of the African forest and it’s rainbow colored birds. The bright colored birds adore the beautiful blackbird, who they agree is the most beautiful of all. The birds ask the blackbird to share his black color with them, but he explains that his identity is unique to him and the other birds should stay true to themselves. He obliges their request and creates a blackening brew to share is color with the other birds. The birds happily chant “black is beautiful!” and that a touch of black was all they needed to make their own colors pop. Bryan’s lyrical repetition of “black is beautiful” is an amazing affirmation that young Black children can use to establish confidence and self-love within themselves. Teachers can and should use this book in their classrooms as an educative and inspiring substitute to Rainbow Fish, which follows a similar story and theme but is often criticized for its message as some believe it shows children to give into social pressure at the expense of themselves. Beautiful Blackbird, however, shows appreciation of African culture whilst building confidence in children to be proud of their skin color. Bryan reminds readers that sharing Black culture can be wonderful but uses specific language such as “Color on the outside is not what’s on the inside. You don’t act like me. You don’t eat like me. You don’t get down in the groove and move your feet like me” to possibly establish a warning about cultural appreciation vs. appropriation. There are many educative and inspiring facets that children can learn through Bryan’s story.
January 28, 2022
Text to World
In today's society many people aspire to be like someone else solely based off what they see on the outside. People want to take on someone else's appearance in hopes that they would also gain from those same benefits of what someone else considers "beautiful". What truly matters is what you have on the inside and how you present yourself. Beautiful Blackbird explains that you can change everything about you to be like me, but you will still only be an imitation.
In today's society many people aspire to be like someone else solely based off what they see on the outside. People want to take on someone else's appearance in hopes that they would also gain from those same benefits of what someone else considers "beautiful". What truly matters is what you have on the inside and how you present yourself. Beautiful Blackbird explains that you can change everything about you to be like me, but you will still only be an imitation.
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December 10, 2012By: Ashley Bryan
When you were younger did you ever notice a moral of a picture book, chapter book, etc. when you were reading them? I definitely didn’t until reading the Beautiful Blackbird and realizing the hidden message behind the words. The Beautiful Blackbird was written with a narrator as the point of view and some dialogues from the other characters at times. This book took place in Africa and it talks about a group of birds of all the colors on a rainbow that have never seen a black feathered bird. It first starts off with the birds in Africa and the narrator mentions that the birds have never seen a black feathered bird. One day, they decided to have a meeting and then they saw this blackbird at the meeting. Being amazed by seeing a black feathered bird, the colorful birds said that the blackbird was the prettiest out of them all. Since blackbird was the prettiest of them all, one approached blackbird and said that they wanted to look like blackbird. So, blackbird gets paint for the bird so that blackbird would be able to draw on his feathers with black paint. After painting one bird, all the birds came up to blackbird and said that they wanted to be like blackbird so, blackbird ended up painting their feathers with a little black design on them and that is how the story ends.
I thought this was a good book because the storyline said so much to me even though I’m not a child reading this book. What I got as the moral of the book was that we shouldn’t be scared to be who we are no matter what race or ethnicity. It would be great for teachers to know about this book because it would help encourage students to be who they are and not be afraid of expressing themselves. The illustration in the book is amazing at the storytelling as well because it shows a great image of a community and true friendships with one another. All the birds are different colors but they are able to come together as one body and put all the differences aside and still be friends with one another. Also, the words that are used in the book is very interesting to the point where it is very catchy like “Coo-coo-roo” or “uh-huh! uh-huh! uh-huh!” were some of the words. The Beautiful Blackbird is truly an amazing book to read, the words, the pictures, and even the moral behind the book is wonderful. The beauty of this book is hard to explain with words, but all I know is that once you read it I guarantee that you will understand what I was trying to say and you too will fall in love with this book.
When you were younger did you ever notice a moral of a picture book, chapter book, etc. when you were reading them? I definitely didn’t until reading the Beautiful Blackbird and realizing the hidden message behind the words. The Beautiful Blackbird was written with a narrator as the point of view and some dialogues from the other characters at times. This book took place in Africa and it talks about a group of birds of all the colors on a rainbow that have never seen a black feathered bird. It first starts off with the birds in Africa and the narrator mentions that the birds have never seen a black feathered bird. One day, they decided to have a meeting and then they saw this blackbird at the meeting. Being amazed by seeing a black feathered bird, the colorful birds said that the blackbird was the prettiest out of them all. Since blackbird was the prettiest of them all, one approached blackbird and said that they wanted to look like blackbird. So, blackbird gets paint for the bird so that blackbird would be able to draw on his feathers with black paint. After painting one bird, all the birds came up to blackbird and said that they wanted to be like blackbird so, blackbird ended up painting their feathers with a little black design on them and that is how the story ends.
I thought this was a good book because the storyline said so much to me even though I’m not a child reading this book. What I got as the moral of the book was that we shouldn’t be scared to be who we are no matter what race or ethnicity. It would be great for teachers to know about this book because it would help encourage students to be who they are and not be afraid of expressing themselves. The illustration in the book is amazing at the storytelling as well because it shows a great image of a community and true friendships with one another. All the birds are different colors but they are able to come together as one body and put all the differences aside and still be friends with one another. Also, the words that are used in the book is very interesting to the point where it is very catchy like “Coo-coo-roo” or “uh-huh! uh-huh! uh-huh!” were some of the words. The Beautiful Blackbird is truly an amazing book to read, the words, the pictures, and even the moral behind the book is wonderful. The beauty of this book is hard to explain with words, but all I know is that once you read it I guarantee that you will understand what I was trying to say and you too will fall in love with this book.
December 5, 2016
• Book summary
-This story tells the tale of a black bird who lived among birds of various color in Africa. All the colorful birds think the black bird is the most beautiful. One bird, Ringdove, comes to the black bird and asks him to make him a black bird. So a paste is made up and Ringdove becomes a black bird. The other birds see this and want some black on them as well. So everyone has some black paste markings and everyone feels beautiful.
• Coretta Scott King Award
• Grade level, interest level, Lexile
-Pre-K through 3rd grade
• Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
-Teach about diversity and that you do not have to change yourself.
• Individual students who might benefit from reading
-Students that are multicultural and feel different.
• Small group use (literature circles)
-After reading, have students analyze why the blackbird made the decision it did and if it was necessary.
• Whole class use (read aloud)
-After reading, have students analyze what the blackbird did to fit in.
• Related books in genre/subject or content area
-“Brothers of the Knight” by Debbie Allen is a good follow up book that teaches multiculturalism.
• Multimedia connections
-Available on Kindle or as a hardcover copy.
-This story tells the tale of a black bird who lived among birds of various color in Africa. All the colorful birds think the black bird is the most beautiful. One bird, Ringdove, comes to the black bird and asks him to make him a black bird. So a paste is made up and Ringdove becomes a black bird. The other birds see this and want some black on them as well. So everyone has some black paste markings and everyone feels beautiful.
• Coretta Scott King Award
• Grade level, interest level, Lexile
-Pre-K through 3rd grade
• Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
-Teach about diversity and that you do not have to change yourself.
• Individual students who might benefit from reading
-Students that are multicultural and feel different.
• Small group use (literature circles)
-After reading, have students analyze why the blackbird made the decision it did and if it was necessary.
• Whole class use (read aloud)
-After reading, have students analyze what the blackbird did to fit in.
• Related books in genre/subject or content area
-“Brothers of the Knight” by Debbie Allen is a good follow up book that teaches multiculturalism.
• Multimedia connections
-Available on Kindle or as a hardcover copy.
January 25, 2017
This Coretta Scott King Award winning book is based on a tale originally told in Zambia. The story is told in a rhythmic way and the sing song nature of the writing style really draws the reader into the pros. The story is about birds of all colors that see the blackbird as the most beautiful of all birds. The birds want to be like him, but he can see that beauty comes from within. Rather than changing all the birds to black, despite their wishes, he paints a different pattern with a black feather on each bird. Rather than homogenizing the world, they embrace each other's differences. I love the message! The artwork is made of bright paper cutouts, a unique medium for illustration and I believe it adds to the overall character of the story.
Coretta Scott King Award Winner.
Coretta Scott King Award Winner.
January 18, 2013
Beautiful Blackbird is a book that teaches children that true beauty comes from within. The book is about how all of the birds in Africa were colorful expect for one blackbird. Black represented beauty and the other birds, wanting to be beautiful too, begged the blackbird to paint some of their feather black so that they would be beautiful too. The Blackbird agrees to paint them black, but wants them to know that the black paint will not make them beautiful because beauty comes from within.
This is such an important life lesson that most adults still struggle and that is the idea that true beauty is not how you look on the outside rather who you are on the inside.
This is such an important life lesson that most adults still struggle and that is the idea that true beauty is not how you look on the outside rather who you are on the inside.
July 12, 2013
Audience: Primary
Genre: Folk tale
Quote : "We'll see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I'll be me and you be you."
Rational: I chose this quote because in the book, all of the birds think back is the most beautiful color and want to be like black bird. This quote describes that color only changes what you look like, not who you are. This quote provides a mental image because it leaves you wondering how he is going to add a touch of black. And what the character looks like before and after.
Genre: Folk tale
Quote : "We'll see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I'll be me and you be you."
Rational: I chose this quote because in the book, all of the birds think back is the most beautiful color and want to be like black bird. This quote describes that color only changes what you look like, not who you are. This quote provides a mental image because it leaves you wondering how he is going to add a touch of black. And what the character looks like before and after.
October 27, 2021
This book is certainly special in the sense that it can be read on the surface as a story of a bird who shares his colors, but also from a modern racial perspective. I enjoyed the celebration of black being beautiful, instead of typical ostracism of differences that can be seen in stories. This symbolically celebrates sharing black culture with others, but remaining true to oneself:
"Well see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I'll be me and you'll be you"
"Well see the difference a touch of black can make. Just remember, whatever I do, I'll be me and you'll be you"
January 21, 2013
Beautiful Blackbird is a wonderful by Ashley Bryan. Several colored birds want to be black like blackbird. They ask blackbird to paint their feathers with a black marking so they can be beautiful like blackbird. Blackburn reminds that that their beauty inside of them and not on the outside. A great book for children ages six to nine. A powerful message about how beauty is what's inside of us and that we are all beautiful and unique
August 8, 2015
Traditional African literature that explains the coloring of birds. Repetitive theme that it is not what is on the outside that matters.
February 16, 2020
Beautiful Blackbird is an African folklore tale from the Ila People. It is retold with beautiful illustrations in Ashley Bryan’s adaptation “Beautiful Blackbird.” The story begins by exploring the many beautifully colored birds of the African lands. Birds of all colors lived in these lands, but there was only a single, lone blackbird. The birds are called by the Ringdove to gather for a festival and the birds come to a consensus that the Blackbird is the most beautiful bird of all. The birds continue to sing, dance, and celebrate. At the end of the festivities, Ringdove speaks with Blackbird and asks him to color him black. Blackbird replies, “color on the outside is not what’s on the inside,” but then agrees to bring some blackening that he can paint on Ringdove’s fathers. Once the other birds see that Ringdove has now been decorated with blackening, they all become excited and request blackening for themselves. Blackbird agrees, but before painting any of the birds reminds them, “Just remember, whatever I do, I’ll be me, and you’ll be you.” Blackbird paints all of the birds until each and everyone is dressed in black. The birds rejoice and are now all connected by a common trait.
The overall themes of this book are pride and belonging. The Blackbird understands that he is different, but he is not ashamed of this and instead embraces it and uses his differences to bring joy to others. The theme of belonging is present as the other colorful birds welcome and admire Blackbird despite his unique appearance.
I love this book because it brings a traditional story into a form that young students can understand and connect with. African folklore is not something I would expect a young child to grasp, but Ashley Bryan stages the tale in a way that is approachable by students. The brightness of the images highlights the diversity of the birds and emphasizes the contrast Blackbird creates.
I would recommend this picture book because it can relate to a large majority of students within a classroom. Every child feels like an outsider at some point and by reading about Blackbird, they can understand that being unique is special. Although feeling different is hard, Blackbird is adored by everyone around him for what makes him different and begins to spread his unique traits to those around him. From reading this, I believe students will feel empowered to embrace their quirks and use them to positively influence the people around them. It is also phenomenal at teaching students that beauty comes from within, a lesson I believe everyone needs to learn.
The overall themes of this book are pride and belonging. The Blackbird understands that he is different, but he is not ashamed of this and instead embraces it and uses his differences to bring joy to others. The theme of belonging is present as the other colorful birds welcome and admire Blackbird despite his unique appearance.
I love this book because it brings a traditional story into a form that young students can understand and connect with. African folklore is not something I would expect a young child to grasp, but Ashley Bryan stages the tale in a way that is approachable by students. The brightness of the images highlights the diversity of the birds and emphasizes the contrast Blackbird creates.
I would recommend this picture book because it can relate to a large majority of students within a classroom. Every child feels like an outsider at some point and by reading about Blackbird, they can understand that being unique is special. Although feeling different is hard, Blackbird is adored by everyone around him for what makes him different and begins to spread his unique traits to those around him. From reading this, I believe students will feel empowered to embrace their quirks and use them to positively influence the people around them. It is also phenomenal at teaching students that beauty comes from within, a lesson I believe everyone needs to learn.
March 31, 2019
Beautiful Blackbird
Author: Ashley Bryan
Genre: (Folklore)
Beautiful Blackbird is a story that setting is in Africa around all of the colorful birds, except for Blackbird. Blackbird is solid in color and does not have any of the colorful patterns that the other birds have, so due to the uniqueness of Blackbird they agree that Blackbird is the most beautiful. The other birds in Africa want to be as beautiful as Blackbird, so Blackbird decides to help the other birds. What will Blackbird do to help the other birds feel beautiful? Why do the colorful birds not see themselves as beautiful? This book is targeted for students in grades 1-3 and would serve as a great read aloud to stimulate for further discussion. This book’s central message is that although people look different on the outside, we are all beautiful and unique in our own ways.
This book could be used in a variety of subject areas within the classroom, for example students could create an art project using Blackbird as inspiration. Students could use different colors of construction paper to create Blackbird and have them displayed in the classroom as a reminder that although all of the birds look different they are all beautiful. Another activity that could be incorporated based on this reading is to have students complete a journal entry in response to the question, What did you learn from the story, Beautiful Blackbird? Write about your feelings and what you thought about the reading, including any key takeaways.
Beautiful Blackbird is a tale about the importance of inner beauty rather than outer beauty. This book central message is important to share with students of all ages and can be taught through this descriptive and cultural book. I would recommend that all elementary level teachers have this book in their library and take the time to discuss the importance of the self-acceptance and inner beauty.
Author: Ashley Bryan
Genre: (Folklore)
Beautiful Blackbird is a story that setting is in Africa around all of the colorful birds, except for Blackbird. Blackbird is solid in color and does not have any of the colorful patterns that the other birds have, so due to the uniqueness of Blackbird they agree that Blackbird is the most beautiful. The other birds in Africa want to be as beautiful as Blackbird, so Blackbird decides to help the other birds. What will Blackbird do to help the other birds feel beautiful? Why do the colorful birds not see themselves as beautiful? This book is targeted for students in grades 1-3 and would serve as a great read aloud to stimulate for further discussion. This book’s central message is that although people look different on the outside, we are all beautiful and unique in our own ways.
This book could be used in a variety of subject areas within the classroom, for example students could create an art project using Blackbird as inspiration. Students could use different colors of construction paper to create Blackbird and have them displayed in the classroom as a reminder that although all of the birds look different they are all beautiful. Another activity that could be incorporated based on this reading is to have students complete a journal entry in response to the question, What did you learn from the story, Beautiful Blackbird? Write about your feelings and what you thought about the reading, including any key takeaways.
Beautiful Blackbird is a tale about the importance of inner beauty rather than outer beauty. This book central message is important to share with students of all ages and can be taught through this descriptive and cultural book. I would recommend that all elementary level teachers have this book in their library and take the time to discuss the importance of the self-acceptance and inner beauty.
April 28, 2025
The picture book Beautiful Blackbird is a book that you will want to read because it brings peace and happiness to the challenges that many face in the real world. In this book, there was one bird in Africa that was the color black, and every other bird was a color from the rainbow. One bird asked who the most beautiful bird was, and every bird there picked the Blackbird. All the birds loved Blackbird and wanted to celebrate that he was different, so he made this black brew to paint patterns all over the birds. Blackbird said that even if you look like me, I will still be me, and you will still be you on the inside. The major themes in the book were identity and love. The whole book was centered on identity and how Blackbird was fine with being a different color from all of the other birds. This means that no matter what you look like it is okay. You should express what you look like, and other people will do the same. Love is also a key theme in this book because Blackbird says that even if I put patterns on you with the color black, that is on the outside of your body. The inside of the body is what truly matters because everyone is amazing and different on the inside. This helps us readers to be confident in ourselves. The main genre of this book is traditional literature because it was read aloud first then it was passed down many generations and lastly written down. Children reading this book could learn that it is okay to be black. We are all different and that is fine. We are perfect the way that we are. Children can also learn from reading this book that they should not make fun of other people who are different from them. You should be kind and respect everyone no matter how they act, talk, or look. This book was a WOW book for me because it showed that no matter how different I am from people we are all the same because we are humans. It also helped me realize that I love my inner self because it is very beautiful and strong.
Two of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were repetition and alliteration. The repetition that was being used was with the word beautiful. The author always referred to the Blackbird as beautiful even though all of the other birds were colors of the rainbow. This enhanced the quality of the book because it explains the meaning of the book clearly. It shows that everyone is beautiful, you just need to believe in yourself. Alliteration was the other literacy device that was used. The words that were used were C ooo Caroo and beak to beak, peck, peck, peck. This enhances the quality of the book because it keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. It also highlights the importance of how Blackbird is very beautiful by using happy words. Children will remember the alliteration within the book since it is upbeat and rememberable. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it promotes diversity. There are no stereotypes towards anyone throughout the book. Overall, this book can cheer someone up if they are being made fun of since they are different.
Two of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were repetition and alliteration. The repetition that was being used was with the word beautiful. The author always referred to the Blackbird as beautiful even though all of the other birds were colors of the rainbow. This enhanced the quality of the book because it explains the meaning of the book clearly. It shows that everyone is beautiful, you just need to believe in yourself. Alliteration was the other literacy device that was used. The words that were used were C ooo Caroo and beak to beak, peck, peck, peck. This enhances the quality of the book because it keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. It also highlights the importance of how Blackbird is very beautiful by using happy words. Children will remember the alliteration within the book since it is upbeat and rememberable. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it promotes diversity. There are no stereotypes towards anyone throughout the book. Overall, this book can cheer someone up if they are being made fun of since they are different.
October 5, 2017
Award(s): Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, Coretta Scott King Award
Grades: Kindergarten–Grade 3
Summary: Beautiful Blackbird is a picture book written by Ashley Bryan, which explores the idea of diversity in a fun and unique story with bright and vibrant illustrations. The book relates a story about a blackbird that is considered to be the most beautiful of all the birds. The birds recognize it is okay to be different and learn that who you are on the inside is what matters most. The birds are able to look past their outer appearances, all being different colors, and become friends nonetheless.
Review: I loved everything about the book from the beautiful message to the lively and colorful illustrations on every page. The story was entertaining with an underlying theme of tolerance and acceptance. I think it would be wonderful for a beginning of the year read-aloud to get students aware of the diversity that exists in the world and especially within the classroom.
In Class Uses: The book can be used for a mini-lesson during units or lessons regarding Diversity, Tolerance/Acceptance, Birds/Animals. Another use can be for an activity where each student has a picture of themselves, and underneath they describe what they look like physically (what's on the outside), and then they write about their personality and their likes/interests (what's on the inside). Students will share what they wrote and learn that although everyone is different, they all create the same community. Work will be posted in a circle around the classroom to symbolize that they make up the classroom together.
Grades: Kindergarten–Grade 3
Summary: Beautiful Blackbird is a picture book written by Ashley Bryan, which explores the idea of diversity in a fun and unique story with bright and vibrant illustrations. The book relates a story about a blackbird that is considered to be the most beautiful of all the birds. The birds recognize it is okay to be different and learn that who you are on the inside is what matters most. The birds are able to look past their outer appearances, all being different colors, and become friends nonetheless.
Review: I loved everything about the book from the beautiful message to the lively and colorful illustrations on every page. The story was entertaining with an underlying theme of tolerance and acceptance. I think it would be wonderful for a beginning of the year read-aloud to get students aware of the diversity that exists in the world and especially within the classroom.
In Class Uses: The book can be used for a mini-lesson during units or lessons regarding Diversity, Tolerance/Acceptance, Birds/Animals. Another use can be for an activity where each student has a picture of themselves, and underneath they describe what they look like physically (what's on the outside), and then they write about their personality and their likes/interests (what's on the inside). Students will share what they wrote and learn that although everyone is different, they all create the same community. Work will be posted in a circle around the classroom to symbolize that they make up the classroom together.
May 5, 2025
It is a beautiful thing that we live in a world where we can share ourselves with others!
In this book, the beautiful blackbird is admired for the color of their feathers. This leads to the other birds wanting to share in this beauty, which causes the blackbird to paint patterns on the other birds using black. The major themes in the book were how we become better when we share parts of our identity with others, such as the black feathers that reflected every color, and also the beauty of diversity because of how every bird got a different pattern drawn on based on the illustrations.
The main genre of this book is traditional literature. Children reading this book could learn that asking about someone could lead to a better community, and that self expression is important even through what we share. This book was a WOW book for me because I love the messages it send to the readers.
Two literary devices the author used in writing this book were repetition and imagery. These literary devices added to the quality of the writing in this book by making the book flow more like a song causing it to be more fun to read such as when they said "tip tap toe to the left, spin around. tip tap toe to the right stroke the ground" which was a dance they did and sang. also describing the actions of the birds, like when the author wrote "then he dipped his feather brush into the pot," making it easy to imagine the action.
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because the author did a good job of emphasizing that everyone's unique features are important and should be appreciated.
In this book, the beautiful blackbird is admired for the color of their feathers. This leads to the other birds wanting to share in this beauty, which causes the blackbird to paint patterns on the other birds using black. The major themes in the book were how we become better when we share parts of our identity with others, such as the black feathers that reflected every color, and also the beauty of diversity because of how every bird got a different pattern drawn on based on the illustrations.
The main genre of this book is traditional literature. Children reading this book could learn that asking about someone could lead to a better community, and that self expression is important even through what we share. This book was a WOW book for me because I love the messages it send to the readers.
Two literary devices the author used in writing this book were repetition and imagery. These literary devices added to the quality of the writing in this book by making the book flow more like a song causing it to be more fun to read such as when they said "tip tap toe to the left, spin around. tip tap toe to the right stroke the ground" which was a dance they did and sang. also describing the actions of the birds, like when the author wrote "then he dipped his feather brush into the pot," making it easy to imagine the action.
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because the author did a good job of emphasizing that everyone's unique features are important and should be appreciated.
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