The Paradise Bird

The ravens are living an uneventful life of tedium and monotony. ‘I’m so bored. Nothing ever happens,’ complains one. ‘Being bored makes me tired,’ says another. ‘I can hardly keep my eyes open.’ But then into this black and yellow world crashes a Paradise Bird with plumage aglow in glorious technicolour. This character’s a real joker who introduces them to dancing, singing (in their own unique Croak-a-Croak style) and most importantly, laughing. Nothing else much happens; but the bird departs leaving behind a changed society and an important message – ‘You did it yourselves … you don’t need a reason to be happy … don’t forget to share it.’ All of which goes to show that keeping an open mind and heart, and being prepared to learn from others different from ourselves can bring unexpected joy and happiness. Once you’ve stepped outside that comfort zone, there’s nothing to stop you …

This simple message is delivered with verve and vigour through Pfister’s punchy, staccato text, which is concentrated in a single blocks on each spread, allowing the exuberant glossy illustrations to take centre stage as the Paradise Bird leads the raving ravens in joyful dance across the pages.