Aren't You a Strange Bird!

In the spirit of Amelia Bedelia, a story of miscommunication and literal thinking that sets a curious young boy on a journey towards self-acceptance.

Carrasco is a curious boy. So when his neighbor, Mrs. Manolita, says “Aren’t you a strange bird!” he wonders what she meant by that. Is he a bird? Does he look like one? Does that mean he can fly?

So Carrasco embarks on an exploration. He climbs trees and pores through books in the library, but doesn’t find a bird that looks like him. He tries to eat birdseed, but it doesn’t taste very good. It seems like he’s not a bird. But, being as curious as he is, Carrasco has one final test to be sure: trying to fly.

Translated to English for the first time, this hilarious children’s book by esteemed author and illustrator Rocio Bonilla is being brought to a new audience.

A publisher’s note highlights connections between the story and Jewish teachings about identity.

Author Biography

Rocio Bonilla received a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Barcelona and is now one of the most prominent author-illustrators in Spain. She has worked as a designer, painter, and teacher, and now spends most of her time illustrating books and painting children’s murals. Her books are available in more than 20 languages around the world. She lives in Barcelona, Spain.