My Mum is a Bird by Angie Cui, ill. Evie Barrow
Guest Author Post by Angie Cui
Thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog about your imaginative, affirming picture book My Mum is a Bird, Angie.
As a debut author, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I first began writing My Mum is a Bird. At first, I didn’t even know if I wanted to write this as a picture book or a YA fantasy, but I knew that I had a story to share.
The original story idea was inspired by a close friend’s experience. She’s always felt different from her family, who are ashamed of who she truly is. This made me wonder – what if a child had a mum who was different from all the other mums?
I wanted to create a story that wasn’t didactic – one that would entertain while also encourage young readers to embrace diversity and celebrate the differences that make families unique. At its heart, this is a story about acceptance, about understanding that our differences, no matter how big or small, are what make us who we are – that’s something to be celebrated.
A Story of My Mum is a Bird
My Mum is a Bird tells the story of a child whose mum happens to be a bird. This unique situation leads the child to feel embarrassed at the thought of bringing their mum to school. On the surface, this is a whimsical and fantastical idea, but I have a message that speaks to the core of the human experience: families come in all shapes and sizes.
However, what would really happen if a human sized bird mum appeared in the classroom?
At the beginning of the story, the child struggles with feeling different from their peers. They worry about how others will react to their mum and initially feel embarrassed. But as the story unfolds, they learn to embrace their family for what it is – unique, beautiful, and full of love.
This is where the theme of diversity comes into play. My Mum is a Bird is not just about a bird being a mother – it’s about the child’s journey toward acceptance and their ability to find beauty in their own family. This can be a reflection of how children might feel when their own families are different, whether it’s due to cultural background, family structure, or other factors. The message is clear: being different is not something to hide or be ashamed of; it’s something to be proud of.
Through this story, young readers may realise that there is no “one way” to have a family. They might see families made up of two mums, two dads, a single parent, parents with disabilities, grandparents raising children, mixed cultural parents like my own, or other arrangements.
My Mum is a Bird also taps into a broader conversation happening in children’s literature: How can we ensure that books reflect the diverse world children live in? More and more, there is a push for stories that showcase a wide range of characters, families, and experiences.
By introducing a bird mum, My Mum is a Bird takes a fresh, imaginative approach to this theme. It shows that diversity is not only something to accept but also something that can be fun, exciting, and even magical.
This book can provide a wonderful entry point for discussions between parents, caregivers, and educators about what it means to be different and how to foster acceptance in children. These conversations are important, as they encourage empathy, kindness, and understanding – values that children can carry with them throughout their lives.
My Mum is a Bird Invites Everyone to Dream Big
One of the most magical aspects of children’s literature is its ability to spark imagination and encourage young minds to dream big. My Mum is a Bird invites readers to let their imaginations soar, offering a playful and whimsical take on what a family can look like. The concept of a bird as a mum might sound fantastical, but that’s precisely the point: the book celebrates the idea that anything is possible if you can dream it.
My Mum is a Bird expands this idea into the fantastical, showing that sometimes, differences might be even more magical than we expect. The bird mum doesn’t just look different – she represents a sense of freedom, adventure, and joy. She gives her child wings to fly in their own unique way, making her an extraordinary and empowering role model.
Children’s books are often a gateway to imaginative thinking. They allow kids to step into worlds of wonder, to explore possibilities beyond their everyday experiences. Imagination is essential for children – it helps them make sense of the world, solve problems, and develop empathy. In the case of My Mum is a Bird, the story taps into this childlike wonder, encouraging kids to see the magic in the world around them and to embrace their own unique dreams and aspirations.
In the end, My Mum is a Bird is a celebration of what makes us different, a reminder to embrace our imaginations, and an invitation to dream big and love boldly – no matter what shape our families take. So spread your wings and fly high!
paperbarkwords.blog 