My Dad's a Birdman

David Almond's 'My Dad's a Birdman' is a beautifully tender and profound chapter book that explores grief through the eyes of young Lizzie. After her mother's death, Lizzie finds herself caring for her father, Jackie, who becomes obsessed with competing in a human bird competition. The story masterfully blends realistic emotional processing with elements of magical realism, offering a unique and whimsical perspective on loss, family bonds, and the power of imagination. It's a fast-paced, charmingly illustrated narrative that provides comfort and opens conversations about big feelings, suitable for children aged 4-11, particularly those navigating loss or unconventional family dynamics.

In a northern English town, Lizzie, despite her own grief over the death of her mother, tries to distract her grief-stricken father by helping him enter and prepare for the Great Human Bird Competition.