The 2007 Willow Awards
Shining Willow Nominee
Abby's Birds
By Ellen Schwartz, Illustrated by Sima Elizabeth Shefrin.
Abby's family has moved to a new house and a new neighbourhood. She meets Mrs. Naka who is her elderly Japanese neighbor. Together they watch the robins who build a nest in the maple tree. The provide some of their hair for the nest and they eagerly watch the new, hungry babies. Mrs. Naka teaches Abby to make birds out of paper, Tori. When Mrs. Naka falls and breaks her hip, Abby decides to plan a surprise and covers the tree with origami for Mrs. Naka's return. The back of the dust jacket shows plans for making paper cranes.
About the Author
Ellen Schwartz is from Burnaby, BC
Eight Facts about Ellen Schwartz:
- I was born in Washington, DC, grew up in New Jersey, and moved to British Columbia in the 1970s as a hippie back-to-the-lander.
- I’ve published 12 books for children and one book for adults.
- I love to write because it’s so much fun. I hate to write because it’s so hard. I avoid writing until a story forces me to write it.
- In addition to writing books, I write material for companies and government agencies.
- I’ve published about 100 magazine articles.
- I teach creative writing classes at Simon Fraser University and Douglas College.
- I love to dance, bake bread and hike.
- I have two grown daughters and live with my husband in Burnaby, BC.
About the Illustrator
Sima Elizabeth Shefrin is from Vancouver, BC
Sima Elizabeth Shefrin played as a toddler in the galleries of Italy, and has been creating art ever since. She is particularly interested in the ways artwork brings together people of different cultures. Her Middle East Peace Quilt is an international community art project that has been touring North America since 1999. Elizabeth commutes between Vancouver and Gabriola Island, British Columbia. Abby's Birds is her first book.
Book Reviews
Suggested Activities
- Research birds. Draw pictures of birds in their habitat or create a mobile with birds as the theme.
- Create origami animals.
- Discuss empathy. Draw pictures or make posters of kind acts that students have done or seen.
Teacher Resources
- Comprehending the Willows website.
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