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Feathers
As a lone sandpiper's feathers drift down from the sky during its long flight, they shine a powerful light on the importance of kindness, hope and security for the children below. It is time for the sandpiper journey to its winter home, half a world away. Along the arduous journey, it loses a feather which floats down and provides a glimmer of softness and beauty for a young boy whose home has been reduced to rubble. Another lost feather provides a playful, loving moment for a girl and her little brother, migrants on a long dusty road to a better life. Yet another feather falls, giving a family a moment of hope in their flooded out village. Finally arriving at its winter home, the bird loses one more feather, grasped out of the air by a little girl. Both bird and child are safe and sound in their cozy home by the water . . . and realize how lucky they are.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published January 30, 2018
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Phil Cummings
65 books20 followersPhil Cummings had his first book published by Omnibus/Penguin in 1989 and has
since written over sixty books for children.
since written over sixty books for children.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 31, 2018
Loved this book. Beautifully illustrated and very touching story of a sandpiper and its journey across the world. How it encounters different people in troubled situations and its feather spares them grief for a minute. You'll see the wonders of mother nature by floating with it across the skies, oceans, mountaintops .It'll make you look at the world in a different way.
It's a book kids and adults will both love
It's a book kids and adults will both love
September 3, 2017
A reminder about how lucky we are to live in a country that is so safe and peaceful. The sandpiper flies on its migration across the land and sea, observing the hardship faced by people in different lands. some battle natural disasters, or flee their homes. This is a beautifully illustrated wake-up call.
December 26, 2017
The sun rose on a crisp, cloudy day. The sandpiper stretched its wings in the chilling breeze. It knew it was time to leave so it took flight.
Feathers by Phil Cummings and Phil Lesnie is a calming yet thought provoking picture book that takes the reader on a journey over lands filled with hope, fear, sadness and joy. As we follow the yearly migratory flight of the sandpiper we see the countries that play an important role in its survival. We watch the bird as it soars over snowy landscapes, lands near flood waters and finds safety amongst reeds in the water.
Feathers raises many issues but a big one is the time to reflect on how lucky we are to live in Australia. The countries that the sandpiper flies over on it’s yearly flight have been hit hard by earthquake (China) Civil unrest (Myanmar) Flooding (Cambodia) but its final resting place is in Australia – safe and disaster free.
Feathers has so much to offer – it is a worrying yet heart warming read and one which should trigger some deep conversations about how we can help those who are less fortunate than us.
It is a story about annual bird migration – which may not seem so important but it is. The numbers of many of these migratory birds are dropping drastically because of loss of habitat.
These birds need to land in different places all over the world – see the East Asian-Australasian Flyway map – and if they dont, eggs will not hatch or if they do hatch, the chick may not be fully developed, chicks may get eaten by feral animals or not have enough food to eat to survive the long flight back to Australia.
Phil Lesnie’s illustrations bring so much emotion to the story through the ever changing light in the sky – we can feel the pain of the people escaping war, the worry of the people surrounded by flood and the fear of those whose houses have fallen down. We can see the strength of the sandpiper as it flies on it’s pathway seeking out food, shelter and then home.
Feathers is a poignant read that focuses on human destruction of the world we live in. Read this story with your class or children at home. Take the time to think about how you can make a difference in the world we live in – so that war is eliminated and habitat is saved.
Feathers by Phil Cummings and Phil Lesnie is a calming yet thought provoking picture book that takes the reader on a journey over lands filled with hope, fear, sadness and joy. As we follow the yearly migratory flight of the sandpiper we see the countries that play an important role in its survival. We watch the bird as it soars over snowy landscapes, lands near flood waters and finds safety amongst reeds in the water.
Feathers raises many issues but a big one is the time to reflect on how lucky we are to live in Australia. The countries that the sandpiper flies over on it’s yearly flight have been hit hard by earthquake (China) Civil unrest (Myanmar) Flooding (Cambodia) but its final resting place is in Australia – safe and disaster free.
Feathers has so much to offer – it is a worrying yet heart warming read and one which should trigger some deep conversations about how we can help those who are less fortunate than us.
It is a story about annual bird migration – which may not seem so important but it is. The numbers of many of these migratory birds are dropping drastically because of loss of habitat.
These birds need to land in different places all over the world – see the East Asian-Australasian Flyway map – and if they dont, eggs will not hatch or if they do hatch, the chick may not be fully developed, chicks may get eaten by feral animals or not have enough food to eat to survive the long flight back to Australia.
Phil Lesnie’s illustrations bring so much emotion to the story through the ever changing light in the sky – we can feel the pain of the people escaping war, the worry of the people surrounded by flood and the fear of those whose houses have fallen down. We can see the strength of the sandpiper as it flies on it’s pathway seeking out food, shelter and then home.
Feathers is a poignant read that focuses on human destruction of the world we live in. Read this story with your class or children at home. Take the time to think about how you can make a difference in the world we live in – so that war is eliminated and habitat is saved.
September 4, 2024
Fell in love with Phil Cummings after reading his gorgeous book Crumbs. Feathers does not disappoint. The same beautiful style and similarly deep and poignant story follows a a sandpiper's migration through its falling feathers. The bird journeys across different countries and its feathers are caught by people in vastly different circumstances. Through this journey we witness a young boy in a crumbled village, fleeing families, a flooded land. In each different place, someone catches one of the bird's falling feathers which they use to create softness, ticklish giggles, and a small boat of hope.
The last person to catch a feather is Mia, on her calm, quiet country property. She shows her dad who says she's lucky. "Yes, I am" she says. Although they were clearly referring to the luck of catching a beautiful feather, the rest of the story provides a much deeper context.
I loved Crumbs because it offered a ray of hope and a small degree of power, even to children, to make a positive change. Feathers is different. At first I was upset that it didn't offer a solution at the end. However, gratitude for small pleasures and a safe simple life is often the only way to bear knowing of the immense struggle of others around the world. Each person, even in the worst situation, was able to create joy with the feather they caught. And teaching children to bear witness to uncomfortable realities, even when they may not have the power to solve them, is an important lesson - for us all.
The last person to catch a feather is Mia, on her calm, quiet country property. She shows her dad who says she's lucky. "Yes, I am" she says. Although they were clearly referring to the luck of catching a beautiful feather, the rest of the story provides a much deeper context.
I loved Crumbs because it offered a ray of hope and a small degree of power, even to children, to make a positive change. Feathers is different. At first I was upset that it didn't offer a solution at the end. However, gratitude for small pleasures and a safe simple life is often the only way to bear knowing of the immense struggle of others around the world. Each person, even in the worst situation, was able to create joy with the feather they caught. And teaching children to bear witness to uncomfortable realities, even when they may not have the power to solve them, is an important lesson - for us all.
September 10, 2024
Fell in love with Phil Cummings after reading his gorgeous book Crumbs. Feathers does not disappoint.
The same beautiful style and poignant story follows a a sandpiper's migration through its falling feathers. The bird journeys across different countries and its feathers are caught by people in vastly different circumstances. Through this journey we witness a young boy in a crumbled village, fleeing families, a flooded land. In each different place, someone catches one of the bird's falling feathers which they use to create softness, ticklish giggles, and a small boat of hope.
The last person to catch a feather is Mia, on her calm, quiet country property. She shows her dad who says she's lucky. "Yes, I am" she says. Although they were clearly referring to the luck of catching a beautiful feather, the rest of the story provides a much deeper context.
I loved Crumbs because it offered a ray of hope and a small degree of power, even to children, to make a positive change. Feathers is different. At first I was upset that it didn't offer a solution at the end. However, gratitude for small pleasures and a safe simple life is often the only way to bear knowing of the immense struggle of others around the world. Each person, even in the worst situation, was able to create joy with the feather they caught. And teaching children to bear witness to uncomfortable realities, even when they may not have the power to solve them, is an important lesson - for us all.
The same beautiful style and poignant story follows a a sandpiper's migration through its falling feathers. The bird journeys across different countries and its feathers are caught by people in vastly different circumstances. Through this journey we witness a young boy in a crumbled village, fleeing families, a flooded land. In each different place, someone catches one of the bird's falling feathers which they use to create softness, ticklish giggles, and a small boat of hope.
The last person to catch a feather is Mia, on her calm, quiet country property. She shows her dad who says she's lucky. "Yes, I am" she says. Although they were clearly referring to the luck of catching a beautiful feather, the rest of the story provides a much deeper context.
I loved Crumbs because it offered a ray of hope and a small degree of power, even to children, to make a positive change. Feathers is different. At first I was upset that it didn't offer a solution at the end. However, gratitude for small pleasures and a safe simple life is often the only way to bear knowing of the immense struggle of others around the world. Each person, even in the worst situation, was able to create joy with the feather they caught. And teaching children to bear witness to uncomfortable realities, even when they may not have the power to solve them, is an important lesson - for us all.
May 14, 2018
This book just gobsmacked me. I didn't plan on picking up more than one book while at the book store, but I fell deeply madly in love with this.
It is visually and lyrically stunning. It begins with a sandpiper taking off from the beach. Its journey takes it across the earth where it flies over all kinds of horrific scenes. Along the way it looses a few feathers that bring comfort to those who find them. Eventually the bird arrives at it's winter nesting grounds thankful to be safe.
It is visually and lyrically stunning. It begins with a sandpiper taking off from the beach. Its journey takes it across the earth where it flies over all kinds of horrific scenes. Along the way it looses a few feathers that bring comfort to those who find them. Eventually the bird arrives at it's winter nesting grounds thankful to be safe.
November 7, 2022
Along with its beautiful illustrations, "Feathers" includes charming imagery that makes the reader feel a variety of emotions. Throughout the book, readers witness families experiencing different issues. This book would be meaningful for students to discuss in class their personal hardships and overcoming difficult situations. The book also has a happy ending with a child appreciating what they have with their family. This is a lovely book to incorporate into the classroom!
December 3, 2017
This book grabbed me as soon as I opened the cover and saw the first endpaper—so beautiful in its simplicity. The illustrations held my attention as I turned the pages, following the Sandpiper on its migration from northern Asia to Australia.
A story about birds and the people in their flightpath.
A story about birds and the people in their flightpath.
May 21, 2018
'Feathers' is a beautiful book, and not just for children. Charting the journey of a sandpiper, it makes its way across many locations and encounters many different people dealing with issues of conflict, and how its feathers comfort them in moments of need. It is a timely reminder of how lucky we are. The illustrations are superb. They had a calming effect and complimented the words perfectly.
Read
December 7, 2020This book uses watercolours to depict the migrational flight of a Sandpiper. As it travels it drops feathers to be collected by children along the way. The story shows different landscapes across the world and many natural disasters.
Geography, birds, migration, natural disasters, animal habitat.
Geography, birds, migration, natural disasters, animal habitat.
January 10, 2018
4.5/5 stars
What a powerful story!
What a powerful story!
September 7, 2020
A hopeful message was conveyed to be in this book. Reminder to keep my eyes open when in times of struggle.
November 1, 2022
This is a story of a child finding a feather and making a wish.
December 22, 2022
Beautiful illustrations about a bird that flies to safety. The bird drops feathers along the way giving hope to those in difficult situations until it finds safety at Mia's home.
January 16, 2022
The summary of the children’s story picture book ‘Feathers,’ written on its back cover, perfectly represents resilience, determination and hope for its readers. ‘Follow the feathers as they fall along this exquisite journey of heartache, hope and home.’
I never knew about sandpiper birds before reading this book. Phil Cummings tells this story from the sandpiper’s perspective as if the sandpiper is writing, typing or telling this noteworthy story.
During the long journey of the sandpiper, four of his feathers fall in the sky which are kept by four people. These desperate people are struggling and find hope amidst heartache and homelessness. Four priceless feathers brighten the despair of these people. A homeless boy from an earthquake; a girl fleeing with others from this earthquake; a mother in a flooded river; and another girl near her home, all appreciated their natural feather gifts.
Illustrations by Phil Lesnie are colourful using pencil, watercolours and a tiny bit of gouache which adds beauty to this memorable story.
I never knew about sandpiper birds before reading this book. Phil Cummings tells this story from the sandpiper’s perspective as if the sandpiper is writing, typing or telling this noteworthy story.
During the long journey of the sandpiper, four of his feathers fall in the sky which are kept by four people. These desperate people are struggling and find hope amidst heartache and homelessness. Four priceless feathers brighten the despair of these people. A homeless boy from an earthquake; a girl fleeing with others from this earthquake; a mother in a flooded river; and another girl near her home, all appreciated their natural feather gifts.
Illustrations by Phil Lesnie are colourful using pencil, watercolours and a tiny bit of gouache which adds beauty to this memorable story.
Read
January 28, 2019Beautiful story within a story, a sandpiper’s travels, and how lucky we are to have a safe home.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews