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Feathers Together: A Picture Book
From author Caron Levis and artist Charles Santoso, the award-winning team behind Ida, Always and This Way, Charlie , comes Feathers Together, an uplifting picture book story of animal friendship, inspired by a real-life pair of storks whose bond overcame great distance.
Best friends Malena and Klepetan always adventure together! The two excitedly prepare to fly thousands of miles for the flock’s annual migration to a warm winter. But when Malena is injured, she stays in Croatia while Klepetan goes to South Africa—and the pair must navigate the turbulent winds of separation for the first time.
Being apart is hard. Malena and Klepetan miss each other achingly, and they have big feelings about adventuring on their own. But even over the vast distance, the two brave explorers discover ways to enjoy their separate seasons while keeping their hearts connected—and their hopes aloft that spring will bring them back together.
Best friends Malena and Klepetan always adventure together! The two excitedly prepare to fly thousands of miles for the flock’s annual migration to a warm winter. But when Malena is injured, she stays in Croatia while Klepetan goes to South Africa—and the pair must navigate the turbulent winds of separation for the first time.
Being apart is hard. Malena and Klepetan miss each other achingly, and they have big feelings about adventuring on their own. But even over the vast distance, the two brave explorers discover ways to enjoy their separate seasons while keeping their hearts connected—and their hopes aloft that spring will bring them back together.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2022
About the author
Caron Levis
14 books52 followersCaron Levis is the author of the picture books, May I Have A Word? (FSG) Stuck with the Blooz (HMH) and Ida, Always (Atheneum) which the New York Times Book Review calls, "an example of children's books at their best." Forthcoming titles include Stop That Yawn! (Atheneum, 2018) and Mama's Shoes (Abrams 2019) Caron is an adjunct professor and the coordinator for The New School's Writing for Children/YA MFA program, where she earned her degree. She has an LMSW from Hunter College; after many years as an arts educator, Caron now loves using acting and writing to teach social, emotional, and literacy skills to students of all ages through her author workshops. Having trained in acting and dabbled in playwriting, Caron enjoys turning theatre techniques into writing tools through her workshop Act-Like-A-Writer. Visit her at www.caronlevis.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 29, 2022
If you are looking for a picture book that will make you go “Awwwww”, this is the book you want!
Malena and Klepetan are two storks who are best friends and always together. However, one year, Malena injures herself and is unable to make the long flight to a warmer place. She convinces Klepetan to fly without her and she stays back with her human caretaker. As the winter turns to spring, Malena waits eagerly – will her Klepetan return to her?
The story is absolutely adorable. Within a few pages, it conveys the behaviour of storks, the impact of human activities on storks and migratory patterns of birds. It also shows how humans can help other creatures in their time of need. What is even more amazing is that the story is inspired by a real pair of storks who lived in the village of Brodski Varos, Croatia, and reunited after the migration each spring for nineteen years. How fabulous is that!!!
A special word of appreciation for the correlation the author established between the storks’ separation and the forced separation imposed on families through the extended lockdown in various countries during the covid-19 pandemic.
The illustrations are breath-taking and would make this book a delight to read in physical form. The brush strokes are wonderful. While I loved all the characters and scenes, Klepetan and Malena were my special favourites for the amazing way their bond shines through the sketches.
The book is written in simple words, making it very easy for little humans to appreciate the magic of the story. The vocabulary level is perfect for ages 4-8.
Heartily recommended.
5 feathery stars.
My thanks to Abrams Books and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Feathers Together”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Malena and Klepetan are two storks who are best friends and always together. However, one year, Malena injures herself and is unable to make the long flight to a warmer place. She convinces Klepetan to fly without her and she stays back with her human caretaker. As the winter turns to spring, Malena waits eagerly – will her Klepetan return to her?
The story is absolutely adorable. Within a few pages, it conveys the behaviour of storks, the impact of human activities on storks and migratory patterns of birds. It also shows how humans can help other creatures in their time of need. What is even more amazing is that the story is inspired by a real pair of storks who lived in the village of Brodski Varos, Croatia, and reunited after the migration each spring for nineteen years. How fabulous is that!!!
A special word of appreciation for the correlation the author established between the storks’ separation and the forced separation imposed on families through the extended lockdown in various countries during the covid-19 pandemic.
The illustrations are breath-taking and would make this book a delight to read in physical form. The brush strokes are wonderful. While I loved all the characters and scenes, Klepetan and Malena were my special favourites for the amazing way their bond shines through the sketches.
The book is written in simple words, making it very easy for little humans to appreciate the magic of the story. The vocabulary level is perfect for ages 4-8.
Heartily recommended.
5 feathery stars.
My thanks to Abrams Books and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Feathers Together”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
August 6, 2022
Klepetan & Marlena are storks that found themselves enjoying every moment they spent together, sleeping or awake. They shared adventures, jokes, & sweet bedtime stories in the company of one another; leading them to feel comfort & safety particular to their friendship. One day, after being injured, Marlena cannot make the migration journey from Croatia to South Africa & the pair is faced with the difficult decision; to remain together or accept that time apart can still be considered time with each other.
The illustrations by Charles Santoso encompassed the environment in resplendent colours & scenery, all of which allowed me to smoothly feel that I was peeking into the lives of Klepetan & Marlena. The story that Caron Levis tells is beautiful & leaves me feeling very moved by the subject matter & their approach made towards broaching the topic for young audiences.
A great many adults will admit, whether to themselves or to others, that spending time apart from someone you love is no easy feat. In adulthood, we are presented with many forks in our roads that lead us every which way & the difficulty in maintaining intimate relationships as well as friendships is something we must come to terms with, often with little comfort or hope that things might work out. Levis has introduced the young reader to this experience without intertwining adult fears. Suffice it to say that anyone can miss another, yet even with the distance, we can remain loving & hope for the best both for ourselves & the other person.
When Marlena is forced to say goodbye to Klepetan as he flies to South Africa, I recognized in myself the feeling of dread that she experienced. There have been many a time that, though I would have wanted the parting note to simply be a transition until we met again; I knew that goodbye meant forever. We never truly know what the future holds but, I appreciated how Levis lead the reader through some of the worries that both birds felt. Is it ok to feel happy when the person we usually shared our joy with wasn’t present? Is it wrong to feel sad about circumstances that we cannot change?
This is an important story to tell, to everyone, but, especially to young readers. As I said, much of adulthood sees people presented with circumstances that lead them in different directions to the ones they love & one has to learn, often on their toes, how to manoeuvre these changes. It’s important to broach the topic of distance in a way that sees us able to feel glad that we had moments of comfort, safety, joy & pleasure with another person & to keep those feelings in mind when life leads us down different paths. Many children will see their parents &/or guardians need to be away for work, take holidays, go see friends or simply need space for themselves.
It is important & valuable to explain to young readers that space & distance do not equate to negative things. When we approach these topics in such a way as Levis has done we allow children to feel safe. Reminding them that even if their guardian wants to watch a movie alone, this does not mean that they are not loved. Just because someone needs to go on a work trip does not mean that they are never coming back. Lest we forget that family immigrate, they move house; some people are separated by those they love because of horrific events & sometimes death. It is always OK to encourage someone to hold on to love. Life can be very overwhelming & we do well to remember how grand the world does seem to those who are still growing.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Abrams Books for Young Readers & Caron Levis for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The illustrations by Charles Santoso encompassed the environment in resplendent colours & scenery, all of which allowed me to smoothly feel that I was peeking into the lives of Klepetan & Marlena. The story that Caron Levis tells is beautiful & leaves me feeling very moved by the subject matter & their approach made towards broaching the topic for young audiences.
A great many adults will admit, whether to themselves or to others, that spending time apart from someone you love is no easy feat. In adulthood, we are presented with many forks in our roads that lead us every which way & the difficulty in maintaining intimate relationships as well as friendships is something we must come to terms with, often with little comfort or hope that things might work out. Levis has introduced the young reader to this experience without intertwining adult fears. Suffice it to say that anyone can miss another, yet even with the distance, we can remain loving & hope for the best both for ourselves & the other person.
When Marlena is forced to say goodbye to Klepetan as he flies to South Africa, I recognized in myself the feeling of dread that she experienced. There have been many a time that, though I would have wanted the parting note to simply be a transition until we met again; I knew that goodbye meant forever. We never truly know what the future holds but, I appreciated how Levis lead the reader through some of the worries that both birds felt. Is it ok to feel happy when the person we usually shared our joy with wasn’t present? Is it wrong to feel sad about circumstances that we cannot change?
This is an important story to tell, to everyone, but, especially to young readers. As I said, much of adulthood sees people presented with circumstances that lead them in different directions to the ones they love & one has to learn, often on their toes, how to manoeuvre these changes. It’s important to broach the topic of distance in a way that sees us able to feel glad that we had moments of comfort, safety, joy & pleasure with another person & to keep those feelings in mind when life leads us down different paths. Many children will see their parents &/or guardians need to be away for work, take holidays, go see friends or simply need space for themselves.
It is important & valuable to explain to young readers that space & distance do not equate to negative things. When we approach these topics in such a way as Levis has done we allow children to feel safe. Reminding them that even if their guardian wants to watch a movie alone, this does not mean that they are not loved. Just because someone needs to go on a work trip does not mean that they are never coming back. Lest we forget that family immigrate, they move house; some people are separated by those they love because of horrific events & sometimes death. It is always OK to encourage someone to hold on to love. Life can be very overwhelming & we do well to remember how grand the world does seem to those who are still growing.
Thank you to Edelweiss+, Abrams Books for Young Readers & Caron Levis for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 8, 2023
This children's book is based on a true story about two storks. The female stork Malena was injured by a poacher, and no longer able to fly. Through the aide of a family there in Croatia where they spent the warmer months, Malena survived but could no longer make the annual migration to South Africa with the rest of the flock. But for the remaining lives of the storks the male, Klepatan, made the migration, returning to Croatia and Malena every spring. This was a beautiful and inspiring story, with gorgeous illustrations.
September 2, 2022
Here I am shedding happy tears over this delightful story of two storks who remain friends (mates?) over years and through long separations. The illustrations just had me in all kinds of emotions (the grandpa looking guy driving the car with the stork in the back seat...PERFECT). As is my rule for books that move me to happy tissue fetching: five stars. (I'm getting too soft in my middle age). Delightful. DELIGHTFUL!
January 20, 2023
A truly sweet and moving story based on two real birds and the man who helped care for them. I felt the author/illustrator did a wonderful job crafting a story inspired by two bonded/paired birds. I teared up with happy tears towards the end. :)
I perhaps especially loved this story because a few years ago I lived in a small village in Ukraine and they had some well-loved storks who would also return year after year. I got to see them nesting while I was there.
This would probably be a bit too wordy for preschoolers and younger but it could be good for use in an elementary school storytime, perhaps about conservation/need for animal protection. I would include a note that it is best to take wounded animals to professional animal rescues/sanctuaries but that likely was not an option given the time and place the true story took place.
I perhaps especially loved this story because a few years ago I lived in a small village in Ukraine and they had some well-loved storks who would also return year after year. I got to see them nesting while I was there.
This would probably be a bit too wordy for preschoolers and younger but it could be good for use in an elementary school storytime, perhaps about conservation/need for animal protection. I would include a note that it is best to take wounded animals to professional animal rescues/sanctuaries but that likely was not an option given the time and place the true story took place.
January 9, 2026
This is a fan favorite over four years with my kiddo.
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original review
Had to talk a LOT with the toddler about why one of the bird's wings wasn't getting better but a very special tale based on real life.
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original review
Had to talk a LOT with the toddler about why one of the bird's wings wasn't getting better but a very special tale based on real life.
September 4, 2023
That author's note got me. 🥹
December 28, 2022
Based on a true story, this picture book--3.5 for me--is touching on several levels. Not only is it easy to feel relief that the white storks are reunited but also to feel gratitude for the "featherheaded man" (unpaged) in Croatia who befriended them. The two birds, Malena and Klepetan, enjoy many pastimes in the balmy air while anticipating their coming migration to South Africa as winter comes. But after Malena is injured and can no longer fly, Klepetan has to leave her behind. Both birds worry about the future as Malena wonders if Klepetan will return, and Klepetan feels guilty for having adventures without her. Malena is having some adventures of her home as the man who has offered her a home on his roof and then fashioned one indoors as well includes her as part of his family. The text effectively describes how the two friends--mates, really-feel each other's absence, sometimes becoming irritable and how "missing each other was like having an itch in a place neither could reach to scratch" (unpaged). Readers will rejoice when they are reunited, and Klepetan returns. What is more, the Author's Note explains how he returns in the spring for nineteen years. This touching story would be a good choice for a collection on empathy, compassion, and true friendship. As another reviewer suggested, readers would be eager to hear the story from the perspective of their human benefactor, Stjepan Vokic, or learn more about him. The story is told elegantly, feelingly, and with touches of humor and philosophical wisdom. The illustrations, created with digital brushes, fill each page with color and movement, and they capture the strong bond between these two storks as well as the kindness of Vokic. The decision to focus on the birds' friendship rather than the fact that they were mates seemed a bit odd, but perhaps that was made to make the story more appealing to children or serve as an example that friendships can survive long distances and time. I'll readily admit to having some mist in my eyes as the story concluded as well as feeling some anxiety as the tension built and Klepetan's return was uncertain.
October 19, 2022
Cute and with very expressive art! The story of a pair of storks (fascinating to see them called friends, when the back matter explains that they raised lots of chicks so kudos to not using anthropogenic language about being married or something) - where one stork gets injured and cannot fly anymore but the other eventually continues migrating south. There were parts of the story that we’re kind of strange, that it took quite a few pages for the storks to talk, and nothing had set it up as an animal talking book. Also, the people that did the helping were treated almost like background material in the book. I did like how even though one of the storks had a permanent disability, the relationship it had with its partner didn’t change, while the partner still went out and did its migration. I enjoyed the back better piece where the author compares this to families that may deploy or work abroad or possibly being in jail or any other instance and when you cannot be with three people who you love. Certainly loved this story, just those two things were so jarring!
March 26, 2023
Based on a true story about the rescue and rehabilitation of an injured stork and its mate, this fictional account is misleading because it projects human-like thoughts and feelings onto the birds. Anthropomorphism is a danger to humans and animals because it “can lead to an inaccurate understanding of biological processes in the natural world,” according to psychologist Patricia Ganea. “It can also lead to inappropriate behaviors towards wild animals, such as trying to adopt a wild animal as a 'pet' or misinterpreting the actions of a wild animal,” Ganea says, which a licensed social worker like Levis should know. The Author’s Note tells a much more compelling and truthful story about the man who rescued the stork, which is downplayed in this fictional account. Better to let him tell us how the birds stir his own emotions of love, loss, and absence—and how his rescue and rehabilitation of the stork and dedicated, long-term work with the pair inspired him to advocate for protection of the species. Lovely illustrations of these beautiful birds earn a third star.
January 23, 2023
This is a beautiful story and I like that it is based on a true one. The illustrations also are super. I also appreciate the author’s note at the book’s end. .
One criticism is that I think the medical problem with the bird’s wing could have been made clearer so that it was confirmed better early in the story that the bird would no longer be able to ever fly again. We kept having a hope that this would change for her, but was never explained.
One criticism is that I think the medical problem with the bird’s wing could have been made clearer so that it was confirmed better early in the story that the bird would no longer be able to ever fly again. We kept having a hope that this would change for her, but was never explained.
March 5, 2023
5 stars. Another wonderful animal buddies story from Lewis and Santoso! Stork friends try to migrate with the flock when one is injured and can’t continue the journey. A friendly man takes her in and modifies her nest. An ode to reunited friends from far and wide. Gorgeous illustrations with a touch of whimsy. Love the pic where the birds put a flower on each other’s heads, and the smiley elephants. Don’t forget to look at the case cover art!
December 2, 2022
An inspiring story about 2 storks (based on true story) who are separated and reunited each year. One was injured and could not fly and the other migrated from Croatia to South Africa and back. Lovely illustrations.
September 13, 2023
The Author's Note on the last page tells the real story behind the book, about the bonded white stork couple. I feel the book would have been better if the author told the real story and also included the fact that they are white storks. The main story doesn't identify what type of birds they are! It also changed the story a bit.
I like the overall theme about a friendship/couple who are physically separated and then reunite. The book focused on their 1st time apart and their 1st reunion. But left out the fact they are a breeding couple, bonded for life -- the story says they are friends, not a mating couple. It would have been cute if at the end there was an egg or eggs produced by the couple.
The story is about how the female stork injuries her wing, and can no longer fly. In the true story, the female gets injured by a poacher and is helped by the Croatian man, and then a few years later, the male stork comes along and they become a breeding couple and have 66 offspring in 21 years, all while the man takes care of them. In the story version, the female gets injured after she and the male stork are already a couple, but how she gets injured is left a mystery. The author chose to omit the fact it was a human poacher that injured the female stork. In both versions, the male leaves Croatia to migrate to South Africa, and the female stays behind with the human taking care of her. In both, the male returns. Only the true story continues for 21 years and the human is inspired to advocate for protection of storks. In the story version it tells of the emotions of both storks. But I wonder if this is imagined? Probably so.
I actually read this because of the artist, Charles Santoso. I love his work and he is extremely talented. His artwork illustrations here are really good. I enjoyed his work in Odder, Wishtree and Willodeen the most.
I like the overall theme about a friendship/couple who are physically separated and then reunite. The book focused on their 1st time apart and their 1st reunion. But left out the fact they are a breeding couple, bonded for life -- the story says they are friends, not a mating couple. It would have been cute if at the end there was an egg or eggs produced by the couple.
The story is about how the female stork injuries her wing, and can no longer fly. In the true story, the female gets injured by a poacher and is helped by the Croatian man, and then a few years later, the male stork comes along and they become a breeding couple and have 66 offspring in 21 years, all while the man takes care of them. In the story version, the female gets injured after she and the male stork are already a couple, but how she gets injured is left a mystery. The author chose to omit the fact it was a human poacher that injured the female stork. In both versions, the male leaves Croatia to migrate to South Africa, and the female stays behind with the human taking care of her. In both, the male returns. Only the true story continues for 21 years and the human is inspired to advocate for protection of storks. In the story version it tells of the emotions of both storks. But I wonder if this is imagined? Probably so.
I actually read this because of the artist, Charles Santoso. I love his work and he is extremely talented. His artwork illustrations here are really good. I enjoyed his work in Odder, Wishtree and Willodeen the most.
June 18, 2024
Malena and Klepetan are best friends, and they're always together. Rain, shine, snow. You name it, they're together. But then Malena gets injured, so she can't migrate! Klepetan migrates to South Africa by himself, and the two of them have to deal with the struggles of living apart. Will the spring season bring them back together? Or will they have drifted apart forever?
This is such a heartwarming story and one that you can read over and over again. I'm so happy to have had this book signed by the author at a local book festival!
And can we talk about these illustrations for a minute?! I mean 🤩🤩🤩 They're beautiful!
Caron Levis is an amazing author, and I have read two of her other books, 'Mighty Muddy Us,' and 'Ida, Always,' both illustrated by Charles Santoso, and loved them, too!
I truly hope you love this book as much as I do!
Follow @Bronteandwilder on Instagram for fun book recommendations like this one!
This is such a heartwarming story and one that you can read over and over again. I'm so happy to have had this book signed by the author at a local book festival!
And can we talk about these illustrations for a minute?! I mean 🤩🤩🤩 They're beautiful!
Caron Levis is an amazing author, and I have read two of her other books, 'Mighty Muddy Us,' and 'Ida, Always,' both illustrated by Charles Santoso, and loved them, too!
I truly hope you love this book as much as I do!
Follow @Bronteandwilder on Instagram for fun book recommendations like this one!
August 29, 2025
This story is a wonderful read-aloud, and while based on a real story, the author has made it into a wonderfully moving story by allowing the birds to speak to each other. There is a full range of emotions communicated through this book, from sorrow to joy, and the most wonderful feeling of lasting friendship and love.
This book shows how life can change suddenly, when Malena is hurt, she experiences what can happen with a disability, needing to do things differently and not getting to do all the things you had done before. When Malena and Klepetan have to be apart, they experience loneliness and learning to keep on living without someone you love. And best of all, when they are reunited, they teach us how wonderful faithfulness is and love. We also get to see how hospitality can be so powerful through the human, Stjepan.
The words are powerful, the illustrations are wonderful, this is a great book to pick up for your family reading time.
This book shows how life can change suddenly, when Malena is hurt, she experiences what can happen with a disability, needing to do things differently and not getting to do all the things you had done before. When Malena and Klepetan have to be apart, they experience loneliness and learning to keep on living without someone you love. And best of all, when they are reunited, they teach us how wonderful faithfulness is and love. We also get to see how hospitality can be so powerful through the human, Stjepan.
The words are powerful, the illustrations are wonderful, this is a great book to pick up for your family reading time.
January 2, 2026
Klepetan and Melana were stork friends for life. When Melana is injured and her wing does not allow her to fly, a kindly human befriends her and builds a home and nest for her. While Klepetan flies south, as is the custom for this flock, Melana must remain in the north (Croatia) while Klepetan travels to Africa, 8,000 miles away. At first, when they are separated, they are unsure how to act, so close is their relationship. Should they enjoy life, have fun, feel guilty doing so? Then, when they are reunited, they are shy and and unsure at first. But as all true deep friendships, they reunite and take off from where they left off.
The descriptions are eloquent, describing their time together and apart. The illustrations are lush and befitting the sentimental sweet story.
Back matter explains that this is based on a true story of a 19 year friendship of two storks in Croatia and the man, a custodian (in more ways than one) who took care of Melana.
The descriptions are eloquent, describing their time together and apart. The illustrations are lush and befitting the sentimental sweet story.
Back matter explains that this is based on a true story of a 19 year friendship of two storks in Croatia and the man, a custodian (in more ways than one) who took care of Melana.
February 18, 2025
I've been a long-time fan of Charles Santoso, yet I hadn't read any of his books until this one—and, boy am I glad I picked this one.
If you want a heartwarming and emotional tale based on a true story, this is the book for you. Just because it's a picture book doesn't mean it's not suitable for adults—in fact, I feel like a lot of adults can relate to this book.
Caron Levis did such a great job capturing the emotions of Malena and Klepetan. I swear I could almost shed a tear. Although the story is fairly short, I could connect to the characters so quickly. Charles Santoso's illustrations also do an amazing job at portraying the story every step of the way. His clever use of colours and textures truly evoke warmth and comfort for me. Simply brilliant!
A quick one-sitting read that I would recommend to anyone, especially people experiencing LDRs at the moment.
If you want a heartwarming and emotional tale based on a true story, this is the book for you. Just because it's a picture book doesn't mean it's not suitable for adults—in fact, I feel like a lot of adults can relate to this book.
Caron Levis did such a great job capturing the emotions of Malena and Klepetan. I swear I could almost shed a tear. Although the story is fairly short, I could connect to the characters so quickly. Charles Santoso's illustrations also do an amazing job at portraying the story every step of the way. His clever use of colours and textures truly evoke warmth and comfort for me. Simply brilliant!
A quick one-sitting read that I would recommend to anyone, especially people experiencing LDRs at the moment.
April 25, 2024
When Malena, a female stork living in Croatia in 1993, was injured by a poacher, a school custodian took her in. After several years, she was joined by a male stork, Klepetan. When the weather got cold, Klepetan migrated to South Africa without Malena, since she couldn't fly. However, each spring he returned to her, until she died of old age, 19 years later.
This is their modified story for children to enjoy. The artwork is uplifting and joyous. The author's note fills in missing details.
This is their modified story for children to enjoy. The artwork is uplifting and joyous. The author's note fills in missing details.
September 7, 2022
Feathers Together is a touching story based on two real-life storks who separated and reunited every year for almost two decades! After an injury, Malena must stay grounded in Croatia while her partner Klepetan migrates-- but when he returns, they fit back together like no time has passed at all. Sweet, moving, inspiring.
December 13, 2022
"Whatever the weather, we'll weather it--" "Feathers together!"
An injured bird and her partner must find the patience and strength to be separated during migration. The anthropomorphism of the birds lends itself to a relatable story of separation from the ones you love and the hope for reuniting once again.
An injured bird and her partner must find the patience and strength to be separated during migration. The anthropomorphism of the birds lends itself to a relatable story of separation from the ones you love and the hope for reuniting once again.
December 26, 2022
A part of me wishes this book was grounded less in the point of view of the stork pair and more in the real world, because the true story that inspired this one is remarkable; but the entirely lovely illustrations by Charles Santoso won me over and this is the author's story to tell, not mine. A warm and loving book that children will return to and wonder at again and again.
January 11, 2023
This beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story of two remarkable friends – who happen to be storks– speaks to the human experience of compassion, love, and family. Klepetan and Malena are inseparable despite Malena’s injury; however, migration now means long separations but also brings the hope and happiness of reunions. Reviewer #27
October 15, 2023
Inspired by a pair of real birds with an unbreakable bond.
Spot on description of the awkwardness of leaving a loved one, the ache of missing, and the awkwardness at returning. Both birds have distinct character traits: Melena tells the jokes and jumps all in and Klepetan inspects and tells the bedtime stories. Clever ways they think of each other while apart.
Spot on description of the awkwardness of leaving a loved one, the ache of missing, and the awkwardness at returning. Both birds have distinct character traits: Melena tells the jokes and jumps all in and Klepetan inspects and tells the bedtime stories. Clever ways they think of each other while apart.
December 3, 2022
I love this story of separation and reunion! According to the author, it’s based on a real story of two storks that stayed in relationship this way for 19 years, until one of them died of old age. The artwork is beautiful, too.
December 24, 2022
3 stars (I liked it)
I like that this is a story of friendship, separation and reunion. However, I'm really not a fan of anthropomorphism when it's a story about real animals.
The illustrations were beautiful but I felt like the story was a bit too long.
I like that this is a story of friendship, separation and reunion. However, I'm really not a fan of anthropomorphism when it's a story about real animals.
The illustrations were beautiful but I felt like the story was a bit too long.
January 24, 2023
Based on two real-life storks, Feathers Together shows the close bonds between Malena and Klepetan and what happens to their friendship when Malena is injured and unable to journey south for the winter with Klepetan. Touching story with illustrations that perfectly match the text.
August 16, 2023
Partners Malena and Klepetan are separated after Malena's wing is permanently injured, but they remember each other and reunite when Klepetan returns from migration. Shows the strong bond some animals may have.
December 24, 2023
Injured Malena and Klepetan are two storks who live together with a human for half the year. This is the story of how they find their way back to each other each spring when Klepetan returns from migration.
February 16, 2024
Beautifully written, gorgeous illustrations and so touching. Love the theme and sweet story inspired by a pair of real birds. A great follow-up for teachers would be to have kids write about families or friends in their lives for whom being apart is a part of their together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews