Bye-Bye Magpie

by S. Lynn Helton, Lynn Helton, Vickie K. Wright (illustrator)

* Readers' Favorite 5-Star Seal *

(Previously published as Bye-Bye Magpie by S. Lynn Helton.)

Kids play in the sun.
Meeting creatures that live near.
Won’t you join the fun?

Come along with the neighborhood kids to play and discover some typical creatures that share their world. Haiku-style verse and appealing, original illustrations introduce several native animals common to the western U.S.

Genres: Childrens

28 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2019

About the author

I'm Lynn, an author who lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, U.S.A., with my family and a couple of crazy cats. I write fantasy books. ( I also write as Lynn Helton. )

I enjoy the mountains, playing games, learning new things, and crafting. I'm also an avid reader (various genres, but fantasy and science fiction are favorites). And I enjoy writing, of course!

THE DELIBERIA CHRONICLES


WILD HERITANCE
_

My limited time needs to be directed toward my writing, so I don't chat/socialize via messaging/emails. I also don't accept inquiries about reading/reviewing others' books - I review only through the specific reviewing mechanisms in some groups here on GR.

Visit me
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SLynnHeltonAuthor
on AllAuthor at allauthor.com/author/slynnhelton/

Reviews

[Rebecca Crunden]

A cute picture book that introduces kids to different types of birds and critters. The illustrations were quite colourful and had good rep. Great for young kids!

[Gita Reddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many lessons in this small book! Children playing outdoors and enjoying nature. Diversity and inclusiveness with different ethnicities and differently-abled children playing together.

Lots of birds and small animals for children, especially those growing up in cites, to discover. We have the ‘Bold Magpie, Noisy Black and White Strutter’, ‘Shy Field Mouse, Tiny Scampering, Speedy’, and a host of other delightful creatures that children will love.

Recommended as an early learning book and a conversation starter with kids about diversity.

[Kris Ruhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful picture book for young readers, showing diverse characters and one with a disability. Each illustration is well done with calm colors. It’s an ideal bedtime story to read to young ones.

I especially liked the alliteration: ‘crested, cunning,’ ‘scurrying, striped,’ ‘sleek squirrel.’ It adds to the rhythm, and children love to hear sing-song of the words.

I recommend it to 4+ year-olds who enjoy learning about the outside with birds and small animals.

I received a copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[David MacNamera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent short storybook for young children presented in a lesson-like format. The illustration is fun from a child's perspective and is inclusive in the way it represents many different children of various backgrounds and experiences with disabilities as they play in the grass outside.

The book playfully names and welcomes a new kind of animal native to the author's Rocky Mountain region with each page, then offers some vocabulary in the form of a short welcome and an invitation to play with the group. As each page turns, the most recent welcomed animal is added to the scene, and in a fun way, this fills the page up more and more with all the animals and the kids playing together.

Then, as the big wind-down for the book, each animal is wished a happy goodbye as it is the end of the day so the children must all go home. Each animal makes an exit on progressive pages until just the kids going to each of their homes is all that's left at the end.

As a former teacher, I can say this is a nicely designed lesson format that will draw the readers in, keep their attention with the addition and subtraction of the animals through the story, and offers a rich pallet of vocabulary words with each animal introduction which the readers can practice, learn, and discuss with their parent or teacher, whoever may be reading the book with them.

I think many children and parents will enjoy this wholesome foray into nature, vocabulary, and playing together with friends.

[Ellie_Hearts_Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this to my six year old nephew who’s my go-to critic for all children’s books. As with most kid’s picture books, a lot is down to the pace of reading and voice and my nephew definitely enjoyed this with me flapping around the room like a bird as I read. The text does lend itself to a kind of sing-song reading which most kids respond well to. Personally, I love the concept, anything that aims to introduce children to the variety of wildlife that shares the world with us is something to be applauded and I especially like reading something written by an author who lives in this lush landscape. The writer is from the Rocky Mountains, USA, where I imagine it’s abundant with beautiful creatures. For my nephew, who lives in inner city London, and other children in city centres, this kind of story is all the more valuable. What I do wish, however, is that the illustrations were more varied. For a picture book like this, with a repetitive kind of text, it’s vital that the illustrations pull the reader forward. It would be worth the author exploring how the text could be better supported with more varied and relevant illustrations.

[Bethany Salway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rating above was awarded solely by my six year old. My taste in literature has yet to overlap much with his, so for this kind of age-based content, I feel he's the better judge.

Bye-bye Magpie is a simple repetitive story with colorful art. Animals are greeted, described, and then dismissed in reverse order. I've seen other children's books perform this routine as well. I think the symmetry appeals to a young mind. My son enjoyed finding patterns in the artwork, as characters disappeared and reappeared on later pages. He needed nudging on a few of the bigger words, but for the most part he read it to me himself.

I ordered a paper copy because I think that's better for children than reading from a screen. We'll be adding this to his shelf for nighttime reading rotation.

[Chester Sing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and simple story that introduces different types of animals that come out to play with a wonderfully diverse group of children. I love how the book makes an effort to include different ethnicities, and children with disabilities. I also like how the different animals all come out to play until there's a menagarie of kids and wildlife running all over the page!

I found myself wishing that the illustrations of the children would better match the style of the animal illustrations. Both have their unique style but are too different from each other. I also wish the title would have depicted the contents better, as I it would make one think that the story revolves around a magpie. Other than these, it's a fun read!

[Nico Genes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book, beautifully illustrated for young readers.

The illustrations in this book and the words are elegantly intertwined. One without the other wouldn’t be that impactful. The short lines are full of many messages. Besides welcoming different animals and birds, the reader may learn how to love and accept every living creature on this planet. Birds, rabbits, you name it, are all beautiful, and we should welcome them in our lives and admire their beauty and uniqueness. Also, the children portrayed in the fantastic illustrations are different yet all alike. There is a place for everyone to breathe the fresh air we need without causing any harm. We are all made to live on this planet in harmony.

I enjoyed the simple yet powerful message of this little illustrated book.

[K.T. Munson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall

This is an instance where the art work really does make a difference. I thought the book quant and informative. When I tried to read it to my daughter, she lost interest a little over halfway through. I tried more than once on different days, but the repetitive images couldn't hold her attention. I did like the inclusion of the children in the pictures and thought the concept educational; but my three year old (the age range was baby - 8 per Amazon) did not agree. The only part she perked up at was 'chickadee' since that's what her grandmother calls her, but we couldn't make it past where everyone is going to bed; she kept thinking that was the end of the book.

Rating

3 Stars

A cute children's book that could use more captivating art for children.

[Gene Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bye-Bye Magpie is a children's book written in haiku, introducing kids to animals found in the American west. The gimmick of each animal remaining on the scene after a new one is introduced is cute. I will advise any creator against using Comic Sans font; even if you view the ongoing gags about it to be overdone, there are numerous fonts available online that more accurately mimic handwriting and prevent you from the inevitable criticism you'll receive for selecting such a derided font. The book's art is simplistic, evoking something a child would render, and each page exhibits bright, eye-catching colors. Younger kids will likely enjoy.

[Marcel Eschauzier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bedtime story in vivid colors. In a magical rainbow world, a cheerful group of happy friends are having fun playing together. Meanwhile, they learn some new words of birds and other animals. A lovely bedtime story to tell your kids, to share a special tender moment until they fall asleep with likely some warm and colorful dreams.
I received an author copy for this honest review—these are my opinions only.

[Henryan Arkson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning about birds and other critters just became more fun for kids!

This is a nice picture book for younger readers who are willing to become acquainted with some cute birds and their animal friends. Join a diverse group of jolly children as they sing and dance while interacting with their colorful nature neighbors.

The story's message of respect and love among all beings is clear and can be appreciated by everyone!

[E.K. Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bye-Bye Magpie is a sweet book, that introduces kids to different animals. I would consider the audience to be pre-schoolers; there is lots of repetition which is great for this age group. Some of the language is a little complex but fine if read to a child. There is a diverse set of characters in the illustrations which is good to see; it might have been better if the new animals were little more prominent in the pictures.

I recommend Bye-Bye Magpie as a nice bedtime story.

[Juliette Godot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bye-Bye Magpie is a lovely children's book with brightly colored drawings of children and animals.

I loved the little rhythmic poems introducing children to birds and small mammals. The diversity is apparent including a child in a wheelchair. The repetition in the book also makes it a good choice for teaching a child to read.

Amazon states it is geared to children up to the age of 8, I would say no more than 4-5, though.

[J.R. Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing poem introduces kids to various kinds of animals found in North America, from birds to mammals. It also encourages children to respect diversity and inclusiveness by featuring children from various different backgrounds. The illustrations were also really beautiful, and helped bring the poem to life. It would definitely be a good story to introduce children to nature, especially those who don’t live in the countryside.

[Amber Daulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute children’s book would be great for bedtime. The illustrations are beautiful and depict children of various ethnicities and physical abilities. The kinds of birds pictured and written about are from the Rocky Mountains in the United States, so it’s especially great for young readers to learn about animals from that area if they don’t live there themselves. The story is quite informative, but it’s told in a sing-songy way, which I’m sure kids will enjoy.
4 Stars

[Eric Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bye-bye Magpie is a good bedtime reader for young children, easy to follow, with bright artwork, and a symmetrical format. Each page's illustration grows as animals are added one by one then taken away, and includes animals that kids have a good chance of seeing in the US. Ditto the illustrations of children. There is a vibrant blend of skin-tones and a few examples of differently-abled. I would set the age range a little lower, maybe up to kindergarten.

[Janet Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my son, and we loved it. He loved seeing the animals playing with the kids and he wouldn't turn a page until he located each new animal introduced. This captures the imagination of everyone who wishes they could play with animals. The art was stunning, we especially enjoyed the drawings with the setting sun.

[Scott Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet picture book is filled with various birds and a wonderful diversity of children. The story is simple and plays into a child’s love of repetition at this age. It allows them to grasp simple concepts and guess what is coming next. The illustrations are artistic and attractive, with calming colors. A good bedtime picture book.

[Leam Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! It's nice to see a fun and engaging way to show young readers that we can be different and still enjoy life together. The diversity is apolitical, pleasant, and valuable. A parent could read this to their child and open the door to many needed conversations. Slightly older readers could easily work through the story on their own, and let their imagination soar.

[Beenish Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nature-focused children book

This story gently encourages children to appreciate and explore nature. It follows a group of neighborhood children playing outdoors and encountering creatures like magpie and butterfly. However, its gentle and poetic style might not fully engage young readers who prefer more exciting and action-packed books.

[Jeff Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful picture book about coming out to play and then going home. The pictures depict children of various races and includes disabled children. The poetry about the animals is very evocative. A wonderful fusion of images and text that small children will want to experience again and again.

[Melanie J. J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet children’s poem

This is a sweet, innocent poem about children and animals playing together. Children will enjoy the way the words flow for each animal being called to come out and play.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book for children

The book is about children playing outside and appreciating nature. The mouse, the stutter, the magpie all come in it. The haikus were sweet too. Simple eye catching illustrations and cute read for children.

[Audrey Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful Children's Book Full of Different Animals

This colorful book for young children introduces various animals, birds, and insects.

I really liked that a child in a wheelchair participated with the other children.

It probably would make a good book to read before bed.

[Chelsea Kong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book

An enjoyable book to read for younger children about getting animals and saying goodbye to them. This book is good for schools too. The design is very well done too.

[Cindy Marie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful children's book!

The author has created a colourful, engaging story for young children. The illustrations are beautiful and appear childlike, and I loved how the story connected the children with nature and the different animals. A very delightful book, thank you for this cheerful story.

[Carolyn Cutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outside

This book is about children playing outside and saying hi to all the little creatures. Then they say bye. A great way to show children all the fun living things are outside.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Bye-Bye Magpie’ by S. Lynn Helton is a cute story of children who are enjoying outdoor play and invite various birds and animals to join them. The illustrations add a colorful charm to this book, suitable for the age group - 2-5 years. Each page introduces children to a new bird, insect or animal, telling them about their features like “bold magpie,” “shy field mouse,” “dancing butterfly” and many more interesting aspects of creatures around them. This book can be read again and again, as it is enlightening as well as fascinating. It conveys a subtle message: welcome all living beings with love and treat them with respect. A lovely book!

[Jenny Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book to read to a small child, which welcomes animal friends to come and play and then says goodbye to them afterwards. It introduces a range of North American animals, giving it an educational angle too. Not all of them were familiar to me in Australia.

I was so glad that I viewed this on my iPad with the Kindle app or I wouldn't have appreciated the fabulous drawings, as my Kindle is ancient and doesn't show colour. What I liked most was the fact that the drawings made the book so inclusive. The children have a range of skin colours and there is one on crutches and one in a wheelchair.

I was left wishing that I had a suitable child/grandchild for whom to buy this in paperback.