Wednesday, February 1, 2017

LOTUS & FEATHER by Ji-li Jiang / Book Review


By: Ji-li Jiang
Illustrated by: Julie Downing
Published by: Disney Hyperion
Released on: December 13th, 2016
Ages: 3 & up
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

A winter illness left Lotus, a little girl, without a voice and without friends. A hunter's bullet left Feather, a crane, injured and unable to fly. As Lotus nurses Feather back to health, their bond grows. Soon Feather is following Lotus everywhere, even to school! The bird dances to the girl's reed whistle, much to the delight of the other children. One day, when the village floods, Feather helps raise the alarm as Lotus and her grandfather urge their neighbors to get to high ground. Feather is a true friend to Lotus, but the time comes when Lotus must be a true friend to him--by encouraging him to migrate with the rest of the cranes. The next spring, Feather miraculously returns, and that's not all . . . he has brought new life to the nearby lake.

Inspired by the true story of a crane that rescued a Chinese village, and graced with sensitive watercolor illustrations, this lovely book about respecting nature offers deep emotion and delightful surprises.


This is a visually stunning picture book. It's a book that is both beautiful in picture and word. Sometimes when it comes to picture books, it's worth picking up the book for the illustration alone. In this case, this book is worth picking up for both the story, and it's richly detailed illustrations.


 Jiang tells a wonderful, heartfelt story of young Lotus, who lives with her grandfather. It's the winter months, a time when Lotus feels more vulnerable and alone. It's during this time that she rescues and cares for an injured crane. 
In the process of caring for Feather, young Lotus not only learns more about the importance of respecting the crane's environment, she and Feather form a strong bond. A bond that proves to be something special, and unbreakable. It's one that tests the depths of their bond. Especially when Lotus has to make a hard decision when it comes to Feather. Thankfully their bond is a truly special one. With richly detailed storytelling, and illustrations, readers see, and understand the ripple effect both Lotus, and her Grandfather's actions have, in nursing Feather back to health. 

We absolutely loved this book. It's a beautiful told story that melts your heart. It's a story that makes you realize that sometimes it's the simple things in life that bring that most joy. Like the bond with an animal, and the friendships you can have with them. We loved the author's message. It's not only one that expresses the
 importance of caring for the crane's environment, it's also one that shows us that what we do, no matter how big or little it may be, has an impact with rippling effects that can last a long time. Both of these message were well written, and fit perfectly within the story.

This is a book is worth picking up. It's one that kids will be able to relate to. Especially those who have ever helped rescue/save an animal before. * While this book may not make the best classroom read aloud for young kids, there's definitely a lot of things that can be discussed in a classroom setting. 

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~