Sparrow

★”Maybe every kid needs a moving story about hope… Beautiful watercolor illustrations, ranging from earth tones that reflect the city of Jerusalem to the beautiful, vibrant colors of hope towards the end, help to capture the emotional journey of the sparrow and the life in the bleak landscape to the amazing discovery and change with hope for the future. ­Excellent back matter provides fascinating facts about the Western Wall in ­Jerusalem, where Sparrow lives, explaining its history spanning 2,000 years, its significance to multiple faiths, and the tradition of placing paper prayers in its cracks, giving great information to older ­readers and to teachers that expands the knowledge and understanding of this book. With its powerful message about hope in the face of change, the story is supported by rich cultural and linguistic backmatter and illustrations.”—School Library Journal, starred review

★“The poignance of this story will likely be apparent to adult readers, particularly those who recognize the inclusion of holy sites significant not only to Judaism but also to Christianity and Islam (among them the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock)… Tebo’s writing flows beautifully, pairing seamlessly with Lewis’ exceptionally gorgeous, impressionistic watercolors, making this book a strong choice for reading aloud. Backmatter provides context for some of the places seen in the book, as well as for the tradition of stuffing prayers and wishes into the Western Wall’s cracks. Just lovely.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review


“Today is different for Sparrow, who knows that ‘something is going to happen.’ To prepare, she journeys through the city seeking food and nesting materials. Watercolors by Lewis (Everywhere Beauty Is Harlem)—balancing the spontaneity of field sketches with polished landscapes—capture the play of her feathers against sunlight and ancient stones. Finally, Sparrow discovers what the nest needs: prayer notes, paper wishes that worshippers have tucked into the Wall’s crevices. When Sparrow’s egg arrives (‘so big, she can hardly believe she had carried it inside for so long’), it touchingly mirrors the prayers as an expression of hope in the world.”—Publishers Weekly

“This tender tale is a perfect antidote for anxious times, with its quiet optimism and soothing text. Stunning watercolor illustrations appealingly portray intimate interiors, everyday occurrences, and sweeping views of Jerusalem… A poignant portrayal of a small life in a big city and the hope that resides in them both.”—Booklist

“This ode to renewal and quiet faith is both a glimpse into life’s sacred moments and a tender meditation on motherhood and hope, exploring the unseen forces that guide even the smallest lives toward something greater.”—The Horn Book