BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Bryan, A. (2011). Beautiful blackbird. (A. Bryan, Illus.). Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 978-0689847318 

PLOT SUMMARY 

Long ago, Blackbird was voted the most beautiful bird in the forest. The other birds, who were colored red, yellow, blue, and green, were so envious that they begged Blackbird to paint their feathers with a touch of black so they could be beautiful too. Although Black-bird warns them that true beauty comes from within, the other birds persist and soon each is given a ring of black around their neck or a dot of black on their wings—markings that detail birds to this very day. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS 

Beautiful Blackbird is a Zambian tale set around a lake surrounded by trees with birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Ringdove sees the beauty of Blackbird and asks for some of his black coloring. The other birds who have gathered also ask Blackbird for some blackening which he freely gives until the gourd runs empty. As Blackbird puts the blackening on first Ringdove and then the other birds, he reminds them that “outside is not what is on the inside” and “I’ll be me and you be you.” This book celebrates each of our diversity, our unique characteristics and the various qualities that we all have. Bryan shows this diversity by making each of the birds bright, beautiful colors.  

The African culture is rich in many areas one of which is dance. This is shown in Beautiful Blackbird with the many dances that the birds do as they are given the blackening: the Beak and Wing Dance, the Show Claws Dance, the Sun-Up Dance, and the Sun-Down Dance. As these dances are shown in the picture book a rhythmic chant is read which serves as the “music” to which the birds dance.  

This is a wonderful story that will delight children of all ages. It is a great discussion starter to look at how each of us has unique and wonderful qualities that we can share with others.  

REVIEW EXCERPTS 

2004 Coretta Scott King Book Awards – Illustrator Award Winner 

School Library Journal: “This unusual and little-known pourquoi tale may supplement larger collections and serves as a thoughtful and entertaining addition to units on self-esteem.” 

Publishers Weekly: “Bryan’s lilting and magical language is infectious.” 

Booklist: “Ready-made for participative storytelling.” 

Kirkus Reviews: “This telling, by the master storyteller, just aches to be read aloud; the lively rhythms keep the simple folktale rollicking along […] still, the rolling language and appealing illustrations make this a must.” 

CONNECTIONS 

Gather other books by Ashley Bryan and look at how he portrays the African culture: 

Can’t Scare Me! ISBN 978-1442476578 

Who Built the Stable? A Nativity Poem. ISBN 978-1442409347 

The Night has Ears: African Proverbs. ISBN 978-0689824272 
Art: create some paper birds of all colors and decorate them black paint.  

Art: paint with bring colors on black paper OR use cut paper and glue onto black paper. 

ELA: Research the country of Zambia. 

SEL: What makes each of us unique?