Three Cheers for Ostrich!

Poor Ostrich! Why is there always someone older, bigger, faster, cleverer, and stronger than he is? It makes him so sad that he sticks his head in the sand. Mother asks why he is upset, and after hearing the problem, asks him, 'But who is the kindest?' All the other animals claim they are, but retracing the story proves that in fact it was Ostrich at every turn. This message about different strengths and values is conveyed with great energy and fun. The illustrations support the action well, and the resolution demands one returns to the subtext earlier in the book to find out what really happened, reading the pictures carefully and reflecting on the merits of size, strength and speed. Kindness wins the day!