That Bird Can Draw! by Ged Adamson
That Bird Can Draw! is a lovely, encouraging story about confidence, creativity, and learning not to measure yourself against others.
At the centre of the book is a young artist who enjoys drawing and is used to being praised for it. Then, Vera the bird comes along and proves to be rather talented, too. Suddenly, drawing does not feel quite as much fun.
Ged Adamson handles that feeling well. Children do compare themselves with others, and it can be hard when someone appears to be better at the thing you love. The story does not pretend that jealousy disappears straight away. Instead, it gently shows that another person’s talent does not make your own work less important.
The message is simple, but worthwhile. You do not have to be the best. You do not have to draw like anyone else. You just have to be willing to try, enjoy what you are doing and find your own way.
There is plenty of humour in the story, particularly as Vera’s artwork becomes more ambitious. The illustrations keep the book light and playful, while the varied artistic styles give children plenty to look at and discuss.
This would be a good book for children who enjoy drawing, painting or making things, but it also reaches beyond art. Its message applies to sport, music, schoolwork and all the other areas where children can begin to doubt themselves.
That Bird Can Draw! is warm, funny and reassuring. It reminds young readers that creativity is not a competition, and sometimes having a go is exactly where confidence begins.
