Gina Rae Mitchell

Children’s Book Review: When the Red Bird Flies by Courtney Reames Haydell | #KidsDealingWith Death #KidsCoping #RedBirds | @Bookgal @therealbookgal 

Book Details

When the Red Bird Flies by Courtney Reames Haydell
Published by Palmetto Publishing on November 30, 2023
Genres: Children's Picture Book
Format: Hardcover, Paperback
Pages: 38

George and Murphy are two brothers who share everything - toys, secrets, and especially the love for their sweet grandmother. But one day, she goes to Heaven, and the brothers miss her a lot.

Then, something amazing happens. Bright red birds start showing up wherever they go. These aren't just any birds; they seem special. Following these birds, George and Murphy go on a big adventure. Along the way, they learn that these birds have messages from their grandmother!

The story of When the Red Bird Flies is like a big, warm hug. It tells us that even when someone we love goes away, they're still with us in different ways. Sometimes, they might send signs to let us know they're watching over us. All we have to do is pay attention and believe.

So, join George and Murphy as they learn about love, memories, and the magical ways the world tells us that we're never truly alone. With every chirp and flutter of the red bird's wings, they find a little more happiness and remember all the fun times they had with their grandmother.

Source: Received from the author or publisher for review.

Categories:

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Purchase Links for When the Red Bird Flies

BookShop/IndieBound

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Excerpt

On a cold night in November, a loving grandmother had gained her heavenly wings—this left all her family in tears but especially George. George said “How will we go on without her? I will miss her so terribly much, Mommy.” His parents told him that he would never be alone, that his grandmother may have left but she is still here—right here. “You can feel her, but you can’t see her. If we believe enough and ask her to send us signs to let us know she is watching over us, she will do just that—always look for the signs when you need them most.”

Shortly after his grandmother’s passing, George celebrated his seventh birthday. His parents tucked him into bed on the evening of his birthday. As his mom closed his door, she whispered: “Close your eyes and make a wish.” So, he did—he wished for his grandmother to send him a sign to let him know she is still with him.

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My thoughts on When the Red Bird Flies

Dealing with the death of a loved one is always difficult, but especially so for children. “When the Red Bird Flies” offers a lovely solution to cope with bereavement. 

Red Birds, particularly cardinals, have long been associated with hope and peace. Teaching children to look for red birds as a sign that their loved ones are looking out for them is a perfect solution. Redbird sightings are rare enough to be special yet happen often enough to be comforting.

The text of this book is perfect for the recommended reading ages, and the illustrations bring the tale to life.

The author includes journaling pages written by her son at the end of the book. This lovely touch not only makes the story perfect for children to work out their feelings but also gives them a start to journaling that will serve them well throughout their lives.

I may have received a copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company. Otherwise, it is from my personal library or Kindle Unlimited.

This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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I love to read books through my  Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription. 

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Guest Post

Hi, I am Courtney Reames Haydell, author of When the Red Bird Flies. I wrote my book through personal experience. I lost my beautiful parents, my two boys’ grandparents within four years. This took a huge hit on myself as a new mother and on my two sons as we are learning to navigate life without them. When the Red Bird Flies takes place anywhere there is the grieving heart of a child missing someone they love. I take great joy in being able to help other parents help their children cope with great loss.

This is my first book. It has had many vulnerable moments to say the least. It’s like putting your personal diary out into the world for everyone to read and judge. It can also be very liberating as well. The smiles and hugs from friends and strangers make me happy and so fulfilled when they tell you how much your story has helped them, their children, and their grandchildren, and they cannot recommend your book enough to all they know.

A little behind the scenes of When the Red Bird Flies:  My son, Maxwell (11 years old) wrote the journaling questions in the back of the book. He wanted other kids to be able to write their feelings and by doing so, it would help them stay close to the person or people they are missing. This was a proud moment for me as a mother and for Maxwell. Getting to see how much his questions are helping other kids has brought him tremendous joy.

This book really is a big warm hug. I am just so proud of it. When the Red Bird Flies has brought my family many smiles and loads of comfort.

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Purchase When the Red Bird Flies online from your local bookstore.

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Easy Amazon Link

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Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share. 

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I have a special love for children’s books. You can find more like When the Red Bird Flies by clicking HERE.

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Giveaway

The giveaway is a signed copy of When the Red Bird Flies for THREE US-based winners.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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