A little boy dreams of being many things but ultimately just wants to be himself.

Spirited little George wants to be many things: a bird with wings, a whale with a wide tail, a monkey with long and strong arms, and a lion with a golden mane. But at the end of the day, George just wants to be a little boy, to be cuddled tightly in his mother’s arms, and to listen to stories. Paired with quirky and imaginative illustrations, Little Boy George Wants to be a Bird is intended to nurture an adventurous spirit and highlight the importance of a loving childhood.

“Walker pens repetitive prose ideal for readalouds in this simple tale following little boy George, a light-skinned child in a blue onesie who wishes to become an array of animals in turn. … Whimsical line drawings reminiscent of Dr. Seuss’s art portray the child walking along sinuous paths, accompanied by each animal against light gradient backgrounds.” —Publishers Weekly(U.S.)

• The repetitive prose storyline, along with its lively and dynamic illustrations, make it easy to follow and simple to remember.
• It appeals to parents who want their children to be free-spirited and adventurous and, at the same time, to be themselves.
• Birds, whales, monkeys, and lions are some of children’s favorite animals. Imitating animals, rather than just watching them, gives a child a unique experience, stimulates their imagination, and develops their empathy toward animals and the natural world.

Coral Walker—who now resides in a picturesque village near the River Taff in Cardiff, Wales—was raised in southern China. Writing and drawing have been two constant loves in her life. For many years, she juggled being a mother, a full-time academic teaching computer science, and an artist. She first ventured into children’s illustration to keep her own children entertained. Once she started, she couldn’t stop. Throughout the years, she has tried various mediums, including watercolour, acrylic, and oil painting.

Fountas & Pinnell Guided Reading Levels

Guided Reading Level: H

Grade Level Equivalent: 1

Educational Descriptions

Picture book, Story elements: setting, plot and character development, main character, Little Boy George, Illustrations enhance meaning and tone, Comprehension strategies: Make text to self connections, identify cause and effect relationships and changes from beginning to end of the story. Themes: creative imagination, it’s good to be you!

Interest Age: 4 to 7 years

Reading Age: 6 to 7 years

RRP: $24.99

ISBN: 978-1-76036-072-6

Format: Hardback

JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play
JUVENILE FICTION / Bedtime & Dreams

World rights available, except for Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, the UK and the US.