Benjamin Birdie’s first flight did not go as planned but he still continued to dream of his first real flight in the sky in the story Benjamin Birdie and the Tree Dwellers by Michael Dotsikas. Though he counted the days and weeks and kept staring at the valleys, broad brooks, and tall peaks, Benjamin Birdie was still not ready to fly. One day Mama Birdie told him that the day had come for him to fly as his wings had become strong. Suddenly Benjamin Birdie was flying, darting and dashing through the trees, soaring high with the sparrows, and flying low with the finches. The tree dwellers were impressed with Benjamin’s success and the story shows how he inspired them to do things which they once thought they could not do.

I like the way the author knitted a very relevant and important message through the story of Benjamin Birdie. Many a time, children hold back from doing things they want to do and like to do because they lack confidence and encouragement. Reading this book can change all that. Benjamin Birdie will show you how to get rid of your inhibitions and fear and soar to new heights, just like the jaguar, flying squirrel, snake, sloth, and the rest of the tree dwellers. The illustrations are wonderful and they give good pace and movement to the story. Stories like this will motivate children to strive hard and achieve the impossible. It is a good storybook for read aloud and storytelling sessions in classrooms and school libraries.

“If at first, you don’t succeed, try again.” Benjamin Birdie and the Tree Dwellers is a children’s picture book by Michael Dotsikas. Benjamin Birdie yearns to fly like the other birds and was sad when his first attempt failed. At least the other animals didn’t laugh when he almost fell to the ground. Mama Birdie said he was too young, so Benjamin waited impatiently to grow stronger. The day finally arrived. Benjamin was so nervous but managed to flap his wings and lift off. He almost fell again until he heard his friends cheering. That made the little bird feel confident and he started flying. The animals were inspired by Benjamin’s perseverance. Elephant attempted flying, the gibbons styled animals’ hair, giraffe painted, while porcupine wanted to become a nurse. Everyone felt happy and confident about trying new things.

Benjamin Birdie and the Tree Dwellers is a lovely picture book for young readers. It’s an encouraging story that lets children know that they should always work at solving their problems, and believe they can make their dreams become realities. Having the support of friends is very important too. The author’s picture book is a wonderful teaching aid to boost a child’s confidence. He has included some animals I’m unfamiliar with, like the couscous and kinkajou, in a humorous, rhyming theme. The artwork is fantastic. This is the sequel to Benjamin’s Birdie’s First Flight by Michael Dotsikas. Benjamin Birdie and the Tree Dwellers will make story time a fun, learning experience for small children.