Birds of the Air, by S.E.M. Ishida and illustrated by Wendy Tan, is a beautiful story of how God values even the seemingly insignificant. The pages are filled with neon greens, reds, and yellows, and even the blacks and browns have a vibrant pop. Wendy adds highlights to the berries, making them look juicy, and the full foliage of the trees gives the birds a lush, fresh atmosphere.

The story starts with the sparrow making an announcement to the other birds. Wendy does a wonderful job of showing the birds’ excitement in how they open their beaks, widen their eyes, or even stare at the sparrow. The sparrow says that Jesus is going to be baptized, and the Holy Spirit will come in the form of a bird. The bird will then be forever remembered as a symbol of God.

The birds argue about why they should be the symbol of God. “‘God loves music,” the canary said. ‘If I am chosen, I can express His delight in song.’” The eagle believes he represents God’s might. The parrot thinks he represents God’s wisdom. The peacock, the most arrogant of the birds, is certain he’ll be God’s symbol, as he thinks he represents God’s beauty. The colors of the peacock flash out of the pages, displaying his beauty and pride.

The dove thinks he may be chosen, but the birds laugh. After all, the dove isn’t known for beauty, smarts, or strength. The raven even tells him that poor people offer doves to God when they can’t afford better. The dove flies off and perches on a branch, his scrunched body and upturned brows hinting at his insecurity.

When God arrives, the pictures display His arrival as giant beams of light streaming through the treetops. The birds show off their singing, strength, smarts, and colorful feathers. The peacock tells God to pick him, but God says, “You are My creatures, and I care for all of you. But My ways are not your ways.” The peacock lowers his head and tail and responds with, “Forgive me. Your will be done.” It’s amazing how God at times rebukes so gently, yet it strikes the heart.

To the dove’s surprise, God chooses him. The dove at first doubts, but God calls him, and the dove basks in God’s light, his beak open in a giant smile. God says, “My Son has come for all people, including the poor. The dove is a fitting symbol.” The dove later watches Jesus be baptized, and as God said, another dove comes down⁠—the Holy Spirt. And we forever remember the dove as a symbol of God.

B&H Kids, the book’s publisher, makes it clear that this is a make-believe story. However, its Parent Connection section on the last pages shares the Bible story of Jesus’ baptism and even a gospel message. The gospel message says the sacrifice of doves can never cover our sins and Jesus is the perfect sacrifice. It further states that all who confess their sins and trust in Jesus will be saved. I would note here that we need to not only trust Jesus to save us from our sins, but we also must follow Him as we trust Him to guide our lives.

Children grades Preschool and over will love the birds’ story, and the Parent Connection offers great discussion topics you can discuss with any child, such as comparing ourselves to others, where our focus should be when we worship, and God giving us gifts we don’t deserve. This book is something to be read during Resurrection Week or any day that allows us to worship God, which is every day.

Click to tweet: Friday Fiction. Birds of the Air, by S.E.M. Ishida and illustrated by Wendy Tan, is a beautiful story of how God values even the seemingly insignificant. #FridayReads #kidsbooks