Kozo the Sparrow

Written and illustrated by Allen Say

A boy trades all his treasures to save a baby bird from a bully.

4.2 Goodreads · 187 ratings

40 pages· ~580L· AR ~3.8

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In Japan, eight-year-old Allen sees a neighborhood bully holding a trembling baby sparrow. He trades away all his treasures for the bird, names it Kozo, and must work out how to keep it alive. Based on the author's own childhood, it is a gentle story of compassion and friendship.

From the publisher

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF 2023Caldecott Medalist Allen Say's tale of a young boy who saves a baby bird from the local bullies is filled with compassion and empathy. Based on a true story and gorgeously illustrated, this story from an iconic picture book creator is not to be missed.A young boy sees a baby bird quivering in the hands of a neighborhood bully.Suddenly, he wants the orphan sparrow more than anything. He trades all his treasures for the bird and calls it Kozo, Little Boy.But how will he keep Kozo alive?In this painted album of memory, eight-year-old Allen Say talks about the best friend he made in his childhood.

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