The Language of Birds

by Rafe Martin, Susan Gaber (Illustrator)

When Ivan saves a little baby bird, he is rewarded with a wish from its mother, so using his powers, he warns his brother, Vasilli, of pending dangers, but Vasilli ignores him and ends up in a dungeon, leaving Ivan to rescue him from his terrible fate.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Russia, Childrens, Folk Tales

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Rafe Martin is an award-winning author and storyteller, as well as a lay Zen teacher in the Harada-Yasutani koan line. He is founding teacher of Endless Path Zendo, Rochester, NY.

He is the recipient of the prestigious Empire State Award for the body of his work, as well as multiple American Library Association Notable Book Awards and Parent's Choice Gold Awards. He has been featured at such storytelling events as the Joseph Campbell Festival of Myth and Story, The Sierra Storytelling Festival, and the National Storytelling Festival. He is the father of two grown children and lives with his wife, Rose, in Rochester, NY.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a Russian fairy tale, Rafe Martin's retelling offers up two brothers - one chooses an easy fortune, the other opts for learning the language of birds. In true fairy tale fashion, only one will end up with the money, AND the princess . . . who do you think it will be?

A beautiful, and timeless tale.

[T Crockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never been a fan of parables and other morality stories, but this one manages to add enough unexpected twists that I read it through. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. It's worth finding a copy of the book for the illustrations alone.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better fairytale/folktale stories we've read!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale of two very different brothers who set out on a journey of finding their place in the world. The older brother, Vasilii, spent the coins his father gave him for his own personal pleasure while Ivan ends up not spending his coins at all. Instead he saves a baby bird that fell from its nest and it's mother gifts him the ability to understand the language of birds. This gift helps him throughout his life while Vasilii continues on a journey of selfishness. Of course in the end, kindness always prevails and Ivan ends up becoming a prince while Vasilii and his dad serve under him. The illustrations are beautiful and the Russian tale is an interesting read!

[Kest Schwartzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a classic, and a fine telling. The illustrator is better at birds than people.

[Jaide · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice retelling of a Russian fairytale. Personally, I loved the illustrations—simple yet detailed, all at once, from interesting angles.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a fondness for this book right now because I translated it into American Sign Language and performed it for my ASL class! The pictures are really cool also.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book. The 5th graders did as well. It was the perfect ending to the lessons on folktales, nursery rhymes, fairy tales and fables!

[Claire Binkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favourite of the books I blacked for the school library today. I liked the characterisations of both Ivan and - oh, his exact name slipped my mind, his more wicked brother - was it Vitalii? Something like that.

Anyway, I really liked the idea of speaking to birds which was what Ivan wanted most with his riches. I, too, think that the best use of money is to put it towards learning how to better communicate.

So, this is a darling picture book.

[Benjamin Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

After their earlier collaboration, "The Brave Little Parrot", earned much praise, Rafe Martin and Susan Gaber got together again to bring us this inspired retelling of this classic Russian fairy tale with is perfectly paired with magical, glowing artwork that is absolutely gorgeous. A tale about a wealthy merchant's younger son who proves his worth in an unusual way.

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A little bird told me," is one of the oldest idioms ever used. Why? This wonderful old tale seems to be older than many more well known favorites. It ties common fairy tale elements together in a satisfying and unexpected way.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful.