Birds Of A Feather

Differences are gorgeously illustrated in a heartwarming picture book about a colorless peacock who learns to love himself in a jungle full of color. Mo has always felt a little different. While all the other peacocks grew bright, bold, beautiful feathers in rich greens and vibrant blues, Mo's feathers grew in a snowy white. And even though Mo's friends try to include him in their playtime, Mo doesn't like to be reminded that he's different from his friends. But when a storm threatens to ruin the group's annual celebration, Mo must learn to stand tall, strut his stuff, and shake his brilliantly glowing tail feathers--in a way only he can--to help his friends and set things right. From debut author Sita Singh, and brought to life by Stephanie Fizer Coleman, comes a story about finding strength in the things that make us different, and beauty in all its forms.

The second Maisie Dobbs mystery Jacqueline Winspear’s marvelous debut, Maisie Dobbs, won her fans from around the world and raised her intuitive, intelligent, and resourceful heroine to the ranks of literature’s favorite sleuths. Birds of a Feather, its follow-up, finds psychologist and private investigator Maisie Dobbs on another dangerously intriguing adventure in London “between the wars.” It is the spring of 1930, and Maisie has been hired to find a runaway heiress. But what seems a simple case at the outset soon becomes increasingly complicated when three of the heiress’s old friends are found dead. Is there a connection between the woman’s mysterious disappearance and the murders? Who would want to kill three seemingly respectable young women? As Maisie investigates, she discovers that the answers lie in the unforgettable agony of the Great War.

In this thoughtful story of loss and recovery a young boy's happy life is interrupted when his grandfather passes away. Suddenly his world is full of big questions and difficult emotions. Will things ever be normal again? For a time he struggles with his thoughts and feelings. Then one day, during a chance encounter on the subway, he makes a wonderful new connection...

Over 400 photos of representative feathers from 379 species.

"This true story will twist your heart like a sponge and renew your faith in the world." —Lee Woodruff, co-author with Bob Woodruff of the New York Times bestseller In an Instant "A heartwarming book." —Vicki Myron, author of New York Times #1 Bestseller Dewey "Reminds us of the extraordinary ways caring people are helping the men and women who have served our country...and animals along with them." —Maxine Waters "I defy anyone to read it without shedding tears." —Rosemary Low, author of The Complete Book of Parrots "It left me smiling, full of hope, and wishing there were more Lorin Linders out there." —Mary Gauthier Animal lover though she was, Lorin Lindner was definitely not looking for a pet. Then came Sammy – a mischievous and extremely loud bright pink Moluccan cockatoo who had been abandoned. It was love at first sight. But Sammy needed a companion. Enter Mango, lover of humans ("Hewwo"), inveterate thief of precious objects. Realizing that there were many parrots in need of new homes, Dr. Lindner eventually founded a sanctuary for them. Meanwhile, she began to meet homeless veterans on the streets of Los Angeles. Before long she was a full time advocate for these former service members, who were often suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ultimately, Dr. Lindner created a program for them, too. Eventually the two parts of her life came together when she founded Serenity Park, a unique sanctuary on the grounds of the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration Healthcare Center. She had noticed that the veterans she treated as a clinical psychologist and the parrots she had taken in as a rescuer quickly formed bonds. Men and women who had been silent in therapy would share their stories and their feelings more easily with animals. Birds of a Feather is ultimately a love story between veterans and the birds they nurse back to health and between Dr. Lindner and her husband, a veteran with PTSD, who healed at Serenity Park. Full of remarkable people and colorful birds, this book reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference.

Bespectacled Joanna Patterson, chaperone to Lady Harriet, finds the sweet-tempered Reggie Wylie helpful in vetting her charge’s suitors. But Reggie’s younger brother, the dandy Lord Sedgewick Wylie, thinks Joanna is trying to ensnare his brother and he sets out to make sure she doesn’t. There is more to both of them than their appearance—if they could just discover what was beneath the surface. [Sequel to A Bird in Hand]

It's not just birdbrains that enjoy Birds of a Feather! There are flamboyant flamingos, owls (some wise, some not so), a fiery phoenix and a flock of other polymer clay creations. Christi's warm writing style and helpful nudgings will stir up your creativity and imagination. The emphasis is on color and composition but the real treat is in seeing how to add embellishments of stones, pearls, beads and mixed media to your creations.

Barb Adams and Alma Allen's "Birds of a Feather" was The Kansas City Star's 2006 blockof themonth project. The book celebrates our favorite feathered friends with 12 blocks, finishing instructions, plus an assortment of related projects including needlepunch, purses and a hooked rug.