An Eagle's Feather: Based on a story by the Philippine Eagle Foundation

by Minfong Ho, Frances Alvarez (Illustrator)

Green Earth Book Award short-list! An Eagle's Feather is based on a story of hope written by the Philippine Eagle Foundation to raise awareness and care for the critically endangered, majestic Philippine Eagle?the national bird of the Philippines. A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Philippine Eagle Foundation, this book was written by award-winning author Minfong Ho . Illustrator Frances Alvarez beautifully captures rural Philippine culture and the spirit of the Philippine Eagle with powerful, evocative art in this very special book designed to capture attention for the plight of this incredible creature both in the Philippines and on the world stage. 100% of the first $10,000 in net proceeds from the sale of An Eagle's Feather (and 50% thereafter) goes to the Philippine Eagle Foundation to help with its efforts to save this bird from extinction. The book includes special back matter that will inspire bird lovers and educators around the world with ways to help the Philippine Eagle's cause. Listen to and watch the Philippine eagle with free Bird QR app on iTunes and Android!

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Birds, Nonfiction, Asia, Environment

36 pages, Hardcover

Published August 27, 2018

About the author

Minfong Ho is an award-winning Chinese-American writer. Her works frequently deal with the lives of people living in poverty in Southeast Asian countries.

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn about the national bird of the Philippines, discovering an island that has some of the rarest birds in the world.

Unlike many characters in today's picture books, here's something sweet about the bird who's the hero in this narrative. He has a name. It's Kalayaan.

To make the children (and adult readers?) care, this rare bird is described with extreme anthropomorphism. Would a real bird have an interior experience like this one, quoted here?

Kalayaan feels the gentle
touch of small hands, and big,
strong arms wrapping him
in a cloth, and carrying him.
Then everything turns dark.

Another bird, Pinpin, later says, "... it is so good to fly free."

FIVE STARS for a good cause.

[Jane(Janelba) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kalayaan and Pinpin are two rescued birds. Malayan was rescued by villagers after he was shot by a hunter. He was taken to the Philippine rehabilitation centre where he met Pinpin and they were released back into the wild together. A lovely conservation story about The Great Philippine Eagle. At the end of the book is information about the Great Philippine Eagle, their habitat and conservation work to protect them.
A charming book with beautiful illustrations.
I received this free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Etain · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Eagle's Feather is an exceptional children's book. It is the sweet story of 2 eagles, one born in captivity and one in a forested freedom. They share their stories with each other, and face the future with hope of freedom together. The illustration is marvelous, bright, and true to the story. This is an excellent book to teach children about the importance of our connection to all earthly creatures and our environment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great little book about Philippine Eagle. This story teaches children about these beautiful birds, the risks to them, and efforts to save them. A good addition to the family library as it teaches little ones about an eagle they most likely were not familiar with, and opens the door to speaking with them about endangered animals and the necessity and responsibility that we all share in protecting them.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story about conservation efforts to save the critically endangered Great Philippine Eagle as told by Kalayaan and Pinpin, two birds rescued by compassionate villagers, rehabilitated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation, and returned to the wild. The appendix presents a kid-friendly introduction to the species, their habitat, and the organization dedicated to the study, appreciation, and conservation of both.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC from a reading group that I belong to, this story was fabulous. Written for children, but not only.
The shooting scene and captivity might upset a young person, but it's true life.

I had never heard of a Philippine eagle before, so this book is appropriate for all ages, even grown up children like myself!

The art work is lovely, and calming. I highly recommend this book.

[Edward ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful but sad story beautifully illustrated. The resources at the back of the book make it a must for those concerned about preserving these majestic birds.