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Two Nests
This is a gentle story about family separation with a happy ending. Betty and Paul are two little birds who build a nest together in a cherry tree. Betty lays an egg and out pops Baby Bird. Everyone is happy and all the other animals come to see the baby. But the nest is small, Betty and Paul squabble, and they decide that Paul should live in a different nest across the other side of the tree… Now there are two nests in the cherry tree. But Betty and Paul both love Baby Bird, and soon he is able to fly over the cherry tree, visiting his Two Nests.
32 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
1 person is currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Laurence Anholt
243 books88 followersIn a career spanning three decades, Laurence Anholt has produced over 200 children's books, which are published in more than 30 languages. Titles like the self-illustrated Anholt's Artists series have sold many millions of copies around the world. Laurence has also collaborated on numerous picture books with his wife, the artist, Catherine Anholt.
Laurence's first YA / Crossover novel THE HYPNOTIST was published by Penguin Random House on 6th October 2016.
The Hypnotist was described by The Bookseller as 'gripping, powerful storytelling with a powerful anti-racist message.' The book has been officially endorsed by Amnesty International, it was the winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award, shortlisted for the Southern Schools Book Award and four major book awards. It is currently longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2018.
Born in 1959, Laurence Anholt was brought up mainly in Holland where he developed a lasting love of Art. He went on to study Painting for 8 years, culminating in a Master's Degree from the Royal Academy of Art in London. Catherine and Laurence live and work in a house on a hill with studios and wild flower meadows, overlooking the sea in Devon, southwest England.
Laurence's books have won many awards, including the UK's prestigious Nestlé Smarties Gold Award on two occasions. For more than a decade, Laurence has been amongst the top 200 Most Borrowed Authors from UK libraries across all genres. He was included in the Independent on Sunday's Top 10 Children's Authors in the UK and was described by William Watt as "one of the most versatile authors writing for children today".
Catherine and Laurence have been closely involved with a number of literacy schemes such as the UK Government funded Bookstart scheme. Their publication Babies Love Books (also a much-loved picture book) encourages parents to share books with babies from the earliest possible age. Their work has taken them inside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street on several occasions.
Laurence's self‐illustrated Anholt's Artists series, is an introduction to great artists for young children. These beautiful books are used as part of the national school curriculum in many countries and are sold in galleries and museums all over the world. The books, which include Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, Camille and the Sunflowers, Degas and the Little Dancer and The Magical Garden of Claude Monet have taken Laurence on many fascinating journeys of discovery. Each scrupulously researched story is based on an actual encounter between a real child and a great artist. In several instances, Laurence has been assisted by relatives of the artists or by the protagonists themselves - for example, Laurence developed a long-standing friendship with Sylvette David, Picasso's Girl With a Ponytail. This series currently includes 10 titles and it has been adapted in many forms, including Apps for iPads, stage and TV productions and a full scale van Gogh musical which Laurence launched in Korea. The Anholt's Artists books are renowned not only for their educational value, but also for their life-affirming themes of aspiration, tolerance and acceptance of those who are different.
Laurence Anholt is a much sought after public speaker, talking about literature and his own zany view of life at conferences all over the world.
The Anholts have three grown up children, Claire and twins, Tom and Maddy. Claire is an anthropologist who works for the UN in Geneva, Maddy is an actor living in London and Tom is a successful artist based in Berlin. They also have twin grandchildren, Felix and Nina.
Laurence Anholt's interests include art, literature, adventure travel and Buddhist meditation.
For further information visit the Anholts' website: http://www.anholt.co.uk
Laurence's first YA / Crossover novel THE HYPNOTIST was published by Penguin Random House on 6th October 2016.
The Hypnotist was described by The Bookseller as 'gripping, powerful storytelling with a powerful anti-racist message.' The book has been officially endorsed by Amnesty International, it was the winner of the Historical Association Young Quills Award, shortlisted for the Southern Schools Book Award and four major book awards. It is currently longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2018.
Born in 1959, Laurence Anholt was brought up mainly in Holland where he developed a lasting love of Art. He went on to study Painting for 8 years, culminating in a Master's Degree from the Royal Academy of Art in London. Catherine and Laurence live and work in a house on a hill with studios and wild flower meadows, overlooking the sea in Devon, southwest England.
Laurence's books have won many awards, including the UK's prestigious Nestlé Smarties Gold Award on two occasions. For more than a decade, Laurence has been amongst the top 200 Most Borrowed Authors from UK libraries across all genres. He was included in the Independent on Sunday's Top 10 Children's Authors in the UK and was described by William Watt as "one of the most versatile authors writing for children today".
Catherine and Laurence have been closely involved with a number of literacy schemes such as the UK Government funded Bookstart scheme. Their publication Babies Love Books (also a much-loved picture book) encourages parents to share books with babies from the earliest possible age. Their work has taken them inside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street on several occasions.
Laurence's self‐illustrated Anholt's Artists series, is an introduction to great artists for young children. These beautiful books are used as part of the national school curriculum in many countries and are sold in galleries and museums all over the world. The books, which include Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, Camille and the Sunflowers, Degas and the Little Dancer and The Magical Garden of Claude Monet have taken Laurence on many fascinating journeys of discovery. Each scrupulously researched story is based on an actual encounter between a real child and a great artist. In several instances, Laurence has been assisted by relatives of the artists or by the protagonists themselves - for example, Laurence developed a long-standing friendship with Sylvette David, Picasso's Girl With a Ponytail. This series currently includes 10 titles and it has been adapted in many forms, including Apps for iPads, stage and TV productions and a full scale van Gogh musical which Laurence launched in Korea. The Anholt's Artists books are renowned not only for their educational value, but also for their life-affirming themes of aspiration, tolerance and acceptance of those who are different.
Laurence Anholt is a much sought after public speaker, talking about literature and his own zany view of life at conferences all over the world.
The Anholts have three grown up children, Claire and twins, Tom and Maddy. Claire is an anthropologist who works for the UN in Geneva, Maddy is an actor living in London and Tom is a successful artist based in Berlin. They also have twin grandchildren, Felix and Nina.
Laurence Anholt's interests include art, literature, adventure travel and Buddhist meditation.
For further information visit the Anholts' website: http://www.anholt.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 2, 2014
Really simplified explanation of divorce or family seperation. I think this book would be a good choice paired with A LOT of discussion (I can see a child coming to the conclusion that their parents are getting a divorce because their house is too small and wondering why they just don't build a bigger house?!)
April 8, 2021
Good for young children experiencing their parents divorce or separation. Nicely reinforces the love both parents have for the child and celebrates the child's maturity and accomplishment during a time when so many children feel neglected and overlooked🌷
July 26, 2017
A simple picture book that would help explain divorce or separation to an elementary-school-age child, depicted in terms that the child would understand and be able to follow. When the bird parents are "grumpy" and "squabble," they end up building another nest for Dad; when baby bird develops wings and is able to fly from nest to nest, everyone ends up happier. Despite the sobering concept, the illustrations are sweet and appealing for young children.
May 5, 2019
Hmm... between two and three stars. I appreciate what the author was trying to do, but it all felt a little forced.
April 19, 2018
This is a bit of a transparent attempt to make a warm lovely story out of a family separating. It does that okay, but the story overall is not great. The rhyme and the song are a bit annoying and trying too hard. Not for me.
December 7, 2024
I generally don't enjoy rhyming books. Also, animals don't get divorced. This isn't something that should be normalized in society. Marriage is hard, but that doesn't mean you quit. In general, you should work out your problems.
September 27, 2017
A very sweet and simple story with lovely pictures and wonderful rhymes. Great!
June 4, 2018
The story of two birds who have a baby and then separate (divorce?) and have 2 nests.
The baby flies between the nests.
The baby flies between the nests.
November 14, 2019
This book was cute, but I didn't know it was going to discuss separation.
Read
June 1, 2016From my History of Children's Literature class:
This one was especially interesting to me, as it exhibits some traditional family traits, and other non-traditional traits, and deals with divorce. In terms of power, there is mostly an even balance between the parents, as the mother and father birds (Betty and Paul), often use “we” to speak about decisions being made in the story. However, there does seem to be a slight tilt in favor of Betty, as power goes, as it is Betty who orders Paul to build her a nest during their courtship, Betty who lays the egg and sings to Baby Bird (with Paul even missing from some illustrations), and then Paul who has to move out of the nest when the parents fight. Compared to The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby, however, the child in this story—Baby Bird—has great agency, as it is Baby Bird who discovers that he or she (gender is ambiguous) has wings and has the power to fly between the two nests, to be with both parents, leading to the happy ending.
Despite the power that Betty wields, she still assumes fairly traditional gender roles, as she is the one who sings to Baby Bird, and does not labor to build either nest. She keeps the home—and most of the family’s possessions—after the divorce, with Paul leaving for his new nest with only his drooping kite in hand, and also keeps Baby Bird with her, until Baby Bird learns to fly.
To deviate a bit from gender roles per se, and express a few personal opinions about this story, I have to note that despite the happy ending, I found myself still thinking this story was a sad one. I also felt a bit concerned at the message that the book inadvertently (I believe) gives, in terms of fault in the divorce situation. I believe the author was probably trying to create a situation in which divorce was no one’s fault, just a natural development. To do this, the author describes the nest as being too small for the family, leading to bad moods and arguments for Paul and Betty, who decide that the solution is for Paul to build a new nest for himself. The trouble I see is that the nest is not too crowded until Baby Bird is born. I fear that children identifying with Baby Bird in this situation, might see this as a reason to blame themselves for their parents’ divorce—already a common reaction in children with separating parents. I think the author was reaching for a reason for divorce that was no one’s fault (they just needed more room), but the way that the story is constructed makes me think that the nest was only crowded because there were now three birds in it instead of two, making it seem a bit like if Baby Bird wasn’t in the picture, Paul and Betty might have lived happily ever after. I applaud this book for dealing with non-traditional family structures, but I do worry that it might be implying a fault with the child in the story that it didn’t intend.
This one was especially interesting to me, as it exhibits some traditional family traits, and other non-traditional traits, and deals with divorce. In terms of power, there is mostly an even balance between the parents, as the mother and father birds (Betty and Paul), often use “we” to speak about decisions being made in the story. However, there does seem to be a slight tilt in favor of Betty, as power goes, as it is Betty who orders Paul to build her a nest during their courtship, Betty who lays the egg and sings to Baby Bird (with Paul even missing from some illustrations), and then Paul who has to move out of the nest when the parents fight. Compared to The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby, however, the child in this story—Baby Bird—has great agency, as it is Baby Bird who discovers that he or she (gender is ambiguous) has wings and has the power to fly between the two nests, to be with both parents, leading to the happy ending.
Despite the power that Betty wields, she still assumes fairly traditional gender roles, as she is the one who sings to Baby Bird, and does not labor to build either nest. She keeps the home—and most of the family’s possessions—after the divorce, with Paul leaving for his new nest with only his drooping kite in hand, and also keeps Baby Bird with her, until Baby Bird learns to fly.
To deviate a bit from gender roles per se, and express a few personal opinions about this story, I have to note that despite the happy ending, I found myself still thinking this story was a sad one. I also felt a bit concerned at the message that the book inadvertently (I believe) gives, in terms of fault in the divorce situation. I believe the author was probably trying to create a situation in which divorce was no one’s fault, just a natural development. To do this, the author describes the nest as being too small for the family, leading to bad moods and arguments for Paul and Betty, who decide that the solution is for Paul to build a new nest for himself. The trouble I see is that the nest is not too crowded until Baby Bird is born. I fear that children identifying with Baby Bird in this situation, might see this as a reason to blame themselves for their parents’ divorce—already a common reaction in children with separating parents. I think the author was reaching for a reason for divorce that was no one’s fault (they just needed more room), but the way that the story is constructed makes me think that the nest was only crowded because there were now three birds in it instead of two, making it seem a bit like if Baby Bird wasn’t in the picture, Paul and Betty might have lived happily ever after. I applaud this book for dealing with non-traditional family structures, but I do worry that it might be implying a fault with the child in the story that it didn’t intend.
February 24, 2017
For really young kids. Very briefly touches at the end on mom and dad getting separate houses and now the baby has two homes. Doesn't touch on negative emotions at all.
March 27, 2014
Age: Toddler-Preschool
Anholt really hits her audience on the nose with a pleasant and readable rhyme scheme, bright illustrations, and a simplified discussion about divorce for a young age. However, due to the simplicity, Anholt presents the adult birds' separation as a result of being in a cramped nest, and "it might be best if we build Daddy another nest." Little ones might wonder why everyone can't just live in a bigger house together. Also, the ending was a little weird when the baby bird learns to fly--only then can he visit his dad.
Anholt really hits her audience on the nose with a pleasant and readable rhyme scheme, bright illustrations, and a simplified discussion about divorce for a young age. However, due to the simplicity, Anholt presents the adult birds' separation as a result of being in a cramped nest, and "it might be best if we build Daddy another nest." Little ones might wonder why everyone can't just live in a bigger house together. Also, the ending was a little weird when the baby bird learns to fly--only then can he visit his dad.
March 1, 2014
A really basic introduction to family and divorce. I didn’t care much for the illustrations or the fact that the story was told in verse. It gives it a sing-song quality that I feel is counter-intuitive to the message. I do think a simple style can be good for broaching the subject of divorce with very young children and I like that the book didn’t shy away from the fact that it’s sad for everyone involved.
June 3, 2014
A not-so-subtle story about family separation and shared custody of the child. True, it's birds, not humans, but my 7-year-old son made the connection immediately. I can see the need for this book, especially for young children. However, the way it is told it pretty much blames the birth of the baby for the parents disagreements and eventual split. That, I feel, is giving the wrong message.
February 18, 2020
We stumbled upon this book by accident because of my son’s love of birds. However, I am so glad we did! It became an awesome tool for sharing with our kids about some loved ones who had separated and were facing divorce. This book so beautifully and poetically communicates the most important message for kids facing the separation of loved ones - that no matter what, they are loved!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2014
This was way too simplified and really gives the wrong idea about divorce. This MIGHT be ok with a lot of discussion, but I really had higher hopes for this book when I heard about it. I was disappointed.
March 14, 2014
Olipas herttainen kuvakirja pikkulinnun vanhempien erosta, runomuodossa vielä!
May 24, 2014
Subject headings:
Children of separated parents
Nests
Birds
Family
Baby birds
Children of separated parents
Nests
Birds
Family
Baby birds
May 30, 2014
We just grabbed this bookat the library. iIt started out great...then ended with a silly reason for the mommy and daddy to divorce. We were all pretty disappointed in storytime tonite.
June 28, 2014
A good recommendation for parents looking for a very upbeat (downright cutesy), simple take on parents living separately.
October 30, 2014
I would not read this book to my class, but may suggest it to parents who are looking for away to discuss divorce with their children. It definitely has an interesting take!
May 9, 2014
An oversimplified story about divorce/separation. Cute illustrations.
May 12, 2014
good for a very young audience about divorce/separation.
August 18, 2014
A story about a family separating.
April 11, 2017
Whoops! When it comes to children's books I judge a book by it's cover not realizing what this was truly about until I started reading it to my daughter. Luckily she's only one!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews