Birdie is a little penguin with a very big job. She sings the night sky in every evening as the sun goes down. The other animals at the zoo listen to her as the stars come out above, one by one.

Birdie knows this is a huge responsibility, but she loves to sing and enjoys every dusk singing up at the sky while the animals watch on.

One day, Birdie wakes up feeling unwell. She shivers and her throat is sore. Her friends try to help with warm scarves, honey and kindness, but soon Birdie can’t even speak.

As the end of the day comes closer, the animals began to panic. Without Birdie’s song, will they all be cloaked in complete darkness?

No-one is more shocked than Birdie when the stars begin to shine – without her song. Does this mean the sky doesn’t need her after all?

Suddenly Birdie feels she has no purpose. She tries to find another, but to no avail.

It’s her friends around her who make her realise that she is still incredibly important to them. Her song is a huge part of their lives.

A beautiful story about expectations, purpose, and achievements. Many children find something they are good at, are praised for it and feel they must continue with it for approval from those around them.

Birdie Lights up the World shows young readers that you can be good at something without pressure of being even better, or being the only one who can do so well. Enjoyment of a skill or pastime can be for your enjoyment alone or shared with others – for fun.

Parental expectations can often be high, but kids doing something they enjoy just for fun is incredibly important too. Adorable exotic zoo animals are just the ticket to share this concept with little readers.

Author – Alison McLennan

Illustrator – Lauren Mullinder

Picture Book

(2023, Exisle Books, EK Books, Animals, Penguin, Singing, Song, Music, Mornings, Purpose, Self Esteem, Confidence, Love, Family, Zoo, Expectation, Just for Fun, Sick, Illness, Unwell)