BIRD IS DEAD

A community of birds finds, mourns, and buries one of their own.

Margaret Wise Brown’s The Dead Bird, illustrated by Remy Charlip in 1958 and then by Christian Robinson in a 2016 edition, portrayed children discussing death’s finality and enacting grown-up rituals over a deceased bird. This Dutch import is imbued with a kindred spirit, although here the childlike, direct dialogue comes from within the flock. On an overcast, gray-green day, a bird observes the still creature. This realist assures the shocked newcomers who gather that the prone bird is not sleeping: “On your back + feet up = dead” and “You see, it can all be over in a heartbeat.” As in any group, one member is task oriented (wanting to take care of the burial), while some focus on protocol (what to say, what to sing); many cry. Some are bossy; others are peacekeepers. The creators imbue the tale with humorous and poignant touches. Each bird has a distinct shape, and exquisitely designed, mixed-media, patchwork collages take the place of plumage. Snippets of pink add warmth. Sun rays break through the clouds after the funeral, offering a jumping-off point to a spiritual dimension for those who are so inclined. As tea, worms, and cake are served at nightfall, the bereaved remind each other that although forever is final, Bird will always live on in their heads.

Honest words and arresting characters model the essential elements for one of life’s most difficult conversations.