Abby’s Birds

_{by Ellen Schwartz, illustrated by Sima Elizabeth Shefrin}

Abby makes an unlikely friend in her neighbourhood -- her elderly Japanese neighbour, Mrs. Naka. All spring and summer, the two delight in the robins that live in the maple tree that straddles their yards, following the birds' progress as they nest and the babies hatch and learn to fly. Mrs. Naka teaches Abby how to make tori -- origami birds. Later, when Mrs. Naka has an accident, will Abby be able to use her new skill to conjure up a surprise to comfort her ailing neighbour?

Author Biography

Ellen Schwartz is the author of twelve fiction and non-fiction books for children, including Mr. Belinsky's Bagels and teen guides to vegetarianism and yoga. Ellen lives in Burnaby, British Columbia, where she loves to watch the birds that come to her bird feeder all year round.

Illustrator Biography

Sima Elizabeth Shefrin played as a toddler in the galleries of Italy, and has been creating art ever since. She is particularly interested in the ways artwork brings together people of different cultures. Her Middle East Peace Quilt is an international community art project that has been touring North America since 1999. Elizabeth commutes between Vancouver and Gabriola Island, British Columbia. Abby's Birds is her first book. Visit Sima Elizabeth Shefrin, illustrator's website