10: April 9, 2013

10 years after Staake's inspirational stroll among the birds of Central Park, Bluebird was published by Schwartz & Wade and Random House. However, children, parents, reviewers and librarians may all have different interpretations of what actually occurs after the story's unexpected and "shocking" climax. "There are many ways to interpret the ending of the book", says Staake, "and that is completely intentional. It was always important to me to allow every reader of Bluebird to decide on his or her own what is really happening on those emotional final pages. If this wordless story provides an opportunity for kids and their parents to reflect on a variety of themes and discuss what they believe is the fate of both the bird and the boy, then I hope that Bluebird might ultimately be embraced as an uncommon book that attests to the power of imagery in children's literature - and the importance of a reader's role in bringing a story to life."

Return To Beginning