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Little Bird's Bad Word
Little Bird learned a new word! He loves it so much that he's bursting to share it with all of his friends.
BLARK! BLARK! BLARK!
The only problem is, this isn't a very nice word. Little Bird doesn't realize it, but this word might even hurt someone's feelings. What word will Little Bird learn to make things better?
With the help of Papa Bird, maybe Little Bird will learn another new word--one that will make things all better.
BLARK! BLARK! BLARK!
The only problem is, this isn't a very nice word. Little Bird doesn't realize it, but this word might even hurt someone's feelings. What word will Little Bird learn to make things better?
With the help of Papa Bird, maybe Little Bird will learn another new word--one that will make things all better.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 21, 2015
2 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Jacob Grant
19 books64 followersHello! I’m Jacob Grant and I make picture books. Absurd and heartfelt picture books.
Originally from Ohio, I now live in Chicago with my wife and one very busy child. When not wrangling this little force of nature, I can be found in my home studio drawing, painting and writing until something feels story-ish. With a bit of luck, some of this mess gets made into books!
Author and Illustrator of:
BEAR'S SCARE Bloomsbury 2018
THROUGH WITH THE ZOO Feiwel & Friends 2017
CAT KNIT Feiwel & Friends 2016
LITTLE BIRD'S BAD WORD Feiwel & Friends 2015
SCAREDY KATE Barron’s 2014
Illustrator of:
OWLS ARE GOOD AT KEEPING SECRETS Penguin Random House 2018
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or just to say hi.
Originally from Ohio, I now live in Chicago with my wife and one very busy child. When not wrangling this little force of nature, I can be found in my home studio drawing, painting and writing until something feels story-ish. With a bit of luck, some of this mess gets made into books!
Author and Illustrator of:
BEAR'S SCARE Bloomsbury 2018
THROUGH WITH THE ZOO Feiwel & Friends 2017
CAT KNIT Feiwel & Friends 2016
LITTLE BIRD'S BAD WORD Feiwel & Friends 2015
SCAREDY KATE Barron’s 2014
Illustrator of:
OWLS ARE GOOD AT KEEPING SECRETS Penguin Random House 2018
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or just to say hi.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 29, 2015
This is quite possibly the most adorable book I have read regarding foul language.
Absolutely adore Jacob Grant's whimsical illustrations and storytelling.
Absolutely adore Jacob Grant's whimsical illustrations and storytelling.
August 24, 2015
This is cuuuute. A very good way to show that some words shouldn't be used. One-on-one book.
January 16, 2016
An excellent conversation starter for parents and kids on acceptable word use. Adorably funny, too!
January 7, 2016
Rating 4.5
"Little Bird's Bad Word" is about every parent's worst two-part nightmare:
1) getting caught cursing by your little one
2) your little one decides that the new and fun word should be repeated to everyone he or she meets
This book shows that new words that shock people can be fun, but they can also hurt feelings. It's a great conversations starter if your kiddo has picked up on some words they shouldn't have.
Also, the last page is hilarious. For adults. Just read it and see.
"Little Bird's Bad Word" is about every parent's worst two-part nightmare:
1) getting caught cursing by your little one
2) your little one decides that the new and fun word should be repeated to everyone he or she meets
This book shows that new words that shock people can be fun, but they can also hurt feelings. It's a great conversations starter if your kiddo has picked up on some words they shouldn't have.
Also, the last page is hilarious. For adults. Just read it and see.
December 17, 2015
Cute! The illustrations killed me. Dad Bird's face :| and all the other animal's faces when Little Bird starts BLARKing all over the place are great.
The story was nice, nothing amazing. Little Bird learns that words can hurt people and apologizes, Dad Bird learns that his kid will repeat everything that comes out of his mouth.
The story was nice, nothing amazing. Little Bird learns that words can hurt people and apologizes, Dad Bird learns that his kid will repeat everything that comes out of his mouth.
August 28, 2024
Cute, simple story about bad words. The "bad word" in the book is "BLARK" which is silly because it means nothing, but it's also perfect, because it highlights how words only have meaning within a specific context. So even though there is nothing inherently bad about the word, we see that when Little Bird excitedly repeats it to his friends, the cultural understanding of the word as a "bad word" means that they feel bad or offended when Little Bird says it.
Little Bird didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings; he was just having fun with a new word! But by the end he realizes that you have to be careful with some words. Regardless of your intention, we have created culturally agreed upon meanings, and like it or not, that's what you will be communicating.
Careful with those BLARKs!
Little Bird didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings; he was just having fun with a new word! But by the end he realizes that you have to be careful with some words. Regardless of your intention, we have created culturally agreed upon meanings, and like it or not, that's what you will be communicating.
Careful with those BLARKs!
February 21, 2019
Not only are the illustrations top notch, the story itself is equal parts witty and sweet. I love the lesson of learning that some words can hurt and some words can heal, and I love that it's told in such a humorous, lighthearted, and approachable manner.
August 25, 2019
Hilarisch xD
September 22, 2015
Little Bird learned a new word from Papa Bird, one that Papa Bird said was for big birds. But Little Bird thinks that he's a big bird now and is eager to use his expanded vocabulary.
Why I started this book: Walked past this in the library and laughed at the cover, Papa Bird's panic is classic.
Why I finished it: Anyone who has spent time around children, yours or someone else's knows that there is no telling what will come out of their mouths next. Loved the illustrations of the various woodland animals reacting to Little Bird's new word.
Why I started this book: Walked past this in the library and laughed at the cover, Papa Bird's panic is classic.
Why I finished it: Anyone who has spent time around children, yours or someone else's knows that there is no telling what will come out of their mouths next. Loved the illustrations of the various woodland animals reacting to Little Bird's new word.
August 19, 2015
Oh, this one made me laugh! (I love picture books that make me laugh)
Little Bird learns a bad word from Dad and can't wait to share it with all his friends! I wish this book had been availbable to read to my bird when he was little and liked to repeat (or write in books and on walls) the bad words he learned from his Dad. ;-) Blark!
Little Bird learns a bad word from Dad and can't wait to share it with all his friends! I wish this book had been availbable to read to my bird when he was little and liked to repeat (or write in books and on walls) the bad words he learned from his Dad. ;-) Blark!
August 31, 2016
This is like the anthropomorphic version of my dad's wisdom invoked upon us as children, "Do as I say and not as I do." This is a perfect little tale for teaching youngsters about appropriate behaviors and language. The illustrations are adorable. I must say, the worm at the end? My favorite part. ^_^
July 22, 2015
I love those books that make me chuckle out loud.
Great for beginning, middle and end of the year. Because really, this theme can be brought up numerous times throughout the year. Those words that heal and feel good.
Great for beginning, middle and end of the year. Because really, this theme can be brought up numerous times throughout the year. Those words that heal and feel good.
August 19, 2015
Funny tale but the cover illustration is probably the best part. The dad bird hears his child say an inappropriate word and the look of shock in his eyes is priceless. Hard to see here but trust me-it is great. Definitely a repeat read picture book.
January 25, 2016
I liked the illustrations far better than the story. That said, the story is a simple tale about using appropriate words. I almost felt like I, as the parent who occasionally let's a bad word or two slip out, was the one getting the lesson message.
January 14, 2018
Adorable. Who hasn't been there? The turtle's expression is priceless. A great story for little people to show the effects of ugly language. (But repeatedly shouting Blark and giggling may be an unintended consequence.)
October 1, 2020
Read for GPL Storytime Goes Online
Theme: Birds
Read at Storytime on April 17, 2019
Theme: Birds
The kids liked it. The adults liked it. Maybe they learned about not using words that might upset others.
Theme: Birds
Read at Storytime on April 17, 2019
Theme: Birds
The kids liked it. The adults liked it. Maybe they learned about not using words that might upset others.
August 12, 2015
Would have been three stars, but I laughed out loud on the last page. Great ending.
Read
September 15, 2015I thought this books was very clever and a great read aloud.
October 26, 2015
Super adorable! I definitely want to work this into storytime for sure!
Themes: birds, bad words vs. kind words, friends, family
Themes: birds, bad words vs. kind words, friends, family
November 2, 2015
A little too didactic for me.
January 7, 2016
Your little one overheard you cursing and is now using that word?
This book is for you.
This book is for you.
December 17, 2016
I love to swear, so naturally a wee birdie with a potty mouth appealed to me. This was a quick read with a valuable lesson in the end. And "blark" is my new favorite swear word!
June 30, 2018
Cute and funny. I think it could have done a little more with the bad word.
August 6, 2018
This is one of the best books I have read concerning the ever-present "bad words" concern with children. It is handled very well here. Bravo!
August 4, 2016
I blarkin' love bad words
August 1, 2018
BLARK! BLARK! BLARK!
I read this one in Dutch, but will be writing my review in English.
All of us who know kids, know that they are sponges and parrots. They will suck up anything they see and hear and then parrot it back. :P You have to be real careful what you say around them, and also be very good at explaining why something may not be the best to be said if they hear it.
Which is also what happens here. Little bird is out hunting with dad bird and dad bird suddenly says BLARK. A very naughty word, and he tries to salvage the damage, but guess what. Little Bird is off to the world. He needs to tell all those he knows of this word.
I did think Little Bird was a bit dumb. One, he didn't get that no one wanted to hear that word, while we, the readers, can clearly see that their reactions are ones of hiding or getting angry. Either Little Bird is high with his new word or Little Bird is an idiot. Pick an option. He doesn't get, until he hears his dad give excuses, that it was a bad word. Helloooooo, were you looking at people? Did you even listen to your dad before you flew away shouting that word? Hello???? I get that he is a kid, but even kids should get those hints. Even kids will understand that some words aren't meant to be said.
I also thought it was a bit weird that no one else was impressed with the word. Sorry, that is not entirely how it goes in real life. Believe me. There is always another person who thinks it is totally cool (and thus the problem multiplies). However in this one everyone shies away or gets angry.
The art wasn't entirely my favourite, but it was still cute.
The ending was really sweet, I am happy that Little Bird realised (finally) things. And that last page had me in stitches.
So all in all, a pretty OK-ish book. I had a few moments of laughing, but also enough moments of rolling my eyes and shaking my head.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I read this one in Dutch, but will be writing my review in English.
All of us who know kids, know that they are sponges and parrots. They will suck up anything they see and hear and then parrot it back. :P You have to be real careful what you say around them, and also be very good at explaining why something may not be the best to be said if they hear it.
Which is also what happens here. Little bird is out hunting with dad bird and dad bird suddenly says BLARK. A very naughty word, and he tries to salvage the damage, but guess what. Little Bird is off to the world. He needs to tell all those he knows of this word.
I did think Little Bird was a bit dumb. One, he didn't get that no one wanted to hear that word, while we, the readers, can clearly see that their reactions are ones of hiding or getting angry. Either Little Bird is high with his new word or Little Bird is an idiot. Pick an option. He doesn't get, until he hears his dad give excuses, that it was a bad word. Helloooooo, were you looking at people? Did you even listen to your dad before you flew away shouting that word? Hello???? I get that he is a kid, but even kids should get those hints. Even kids will understand that some words aren't meant to be said.
I also thought it was a bit weird that no one else was impressed with the word. Sorry, that is not entirely how it goes in real life. Believe me. There is always another person who thinks it is totally cool (and thus the problem multiplies). However in this one everyone shies away or gets angry.
The art wasn't entirely my favourite, but it was still cute.
The ending was really sweet, I am happy that Little Bird realised (finally) things. And that last page had me in stitches.
So all in all, a pretty OK-ish book. I had a few moments of laughing, but also enough moments of rolling my eyes and shaking my head.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 15, 2018
"Little Bird's Bad Word" is the tale about a father who slips up and yells out a rather ugly word around the listening ears of his curious son. Intrigued to have learned a new "big bird" word, Little Bird just can't wait to go share the new word with all of his friends. As he does so, he doesn't get the response he had hoped for as his friends are appalled by the profanity. This reaction, especially from his friend turtle, are further elaborated on through the appealing illustrations such as when the turtle hid from Little Bird inside his shell. The pictures are also extremely kid friendly as they are cartoon-style and use a variety of vivid, eye-popping colors. The front cover of the book is also simplistic and visually appealing as it features the same style and color scheme. It also incorporates a little humor as Little Bird stands on top of Papa Bird's head shouting a "bad word" loudly and proudly while Papa Bird looks shocked and speechless. This book makes for the perfect read aloud for younger readers along the ages of 5 to 8 years old.
May 12, 2018
Probably really 3.5, but rounded up to 4.
How to make a lesson on foul language adorable! A great book on how words can both hurt and heal, how some words aren't for using with everyone (no matter how exciting and "grown up" they are). Perfect for families where the kids are in the "repeat EVERYTHING we hear" phase. Can open conversation on swear words as well as on insults/mean words - any words that really aren't nice or appropriate to use, especially around people we care about. I loved the illustrations - the faces are priceless! My favorites are Papa Bird's panic after Little Bird picks up the word; Ladybug's face at hearing the word; and the worm on the last page. Made me laugh!
Not really a storytime book, just based on the subject matter - too much personal conversation involved. Really more of a read for parents and their kids.
Also, blark might enter my repertoire of "safe" swear words!
How to make a lesson on foul language adorable! A great book on how words can both hurt and heal, how some words aren't for using with everyone (no matter how exciting and "grown up" they are). Perfect for families where the kids are in the "repeat EVERYTHING we hear" phase. Can open conversation on swear words as well as on insults/mean words - any words that really aren't nice or appropriate to use, especially around people we care about. I loved the illustrations - the faces are priceless! My favorites are Papa Bird's panic after Little Bird picks up the word; Ladybug's face at hearing the word; and the worm on the last page. Made me laugh!
Not really a storytime book, just based on the subject matter - too much personal conversation involved. Really more of a read for parents and their kids.
Also, blark might enter my repertoire of "safe" swear words!
March 31, 2023
Raising children can be embarrassing. Especially, I'm thinking about how, "out of the mouths of babes" can come real-life, grownup-style, swear words.
"Who taught you that naughty word?" asks Mom.
Child answers, "I hear you say it to your friends."
ABOUT TIME THAT A PICTURE BOOK...
SUPPLIED A HUMOROUS STORY ON THAT THEME
Although in this case, that swear word wasn't the parent's fault.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Somehow, Little Bird has started swearing.
* Readers gather, it's perfectly okay if Papa Bird says, "Lunch is extra wriggly today!"
* But it's altogether different if Little Bird starts chirping, "Blark! Blark! Blark!"
OH NO.......................
Learning develops. Followed by a very happy ending, I'm relieved to say. Educational, too.
Thanks for the gentle learning, the growth rather than punishment, Jacob Grant.
And thanks so much, too, for your inspiring words and pictures that bring the world, "Little Bird's Bad Word."
"Who taught you that naughty word?" asks Mom.
Child answers, "I hear you say it to your friends."
ABOUT TIME THAT A PICTURE BOOK...
SUPPLIED A HUMOROUS STORY ON THAT THEME
Although in this case, that swear word wasn't the parent's fault.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Somehow, Little Bird has started swearing.
* Readers gather, it's perfectly okay if Papa Bird says, "Lunch is extra wriggly today!"
* But it's altogether different if Little Bird starts chirping, "Blark! Blark! Blark!"
OH NO.......................
Learning develops. Followed by a very happy ending, I'm relieved to say. Educational, too.
Thanks for the gentle learning, the growth rather than punishment, Jacob Grant.
And thanks so much, too, for your inspiring words and pictures that bring the world, "Little Bird's Bad Word."
August 30, 2024
Cute, simple story about bad words. The "bad word" in the book is "BLARK" which is silly because it means nothing, but it's also perfect, because it highlights how words only have meaning within a specific context. So even though there is nothing inherently bad about the word, we see that when Little Bird excitedly repeats it to his friends, the cultural understanding of the word as a "bad word" means that they feel bad or offended when Little Bird says it.
Little Bird didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings; he was just having fun with a new word! But by the end he realizes that you have to be careful with some words. Regardless of your intention, we have created culturally agreed upon meanings, and like it or not, that's what you will be communicating.
Careful with those BLARKs!
Little Bird didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings; he was just having fun with a new word! But by the end he realizes that you have to be careful with some words. Regardless of your intention, we have created culturally agreed upon meanings, and like it or not, that's what you will be communicating.
Careful with those BLARKs!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews