I Really Want to Be First: A Really Bird Story

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I Really Want to Be First: A Really Bird Story

Author(s)

Harriet Ziefert

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Travis Foster

Publisher Name

Red Comet Press

Genre(s)

Comic Book

Age Range

Release Date

April 12, 2022

ISBN13

978-1636550183

ISBN10 or ASIN

Meet Really Bird, a small bird who lives in a large city park with his friends Cat, Pup, Mouse, and Rabbit. In each story, Really Bird finds himself really wanting something – to be bigger, to have his fair share, or to be the leader – to be really silly, funny, strong, cool, happy, or brave. And when he feels something, he really feels it.

Each story is an entertaining, character-driven narrative based on relatable social/emotional themes, delivered with surprise twists, high drama, and comic timing. Along the way, lessons are learned about qualities such as teamwork and compassion. The emphasis is on character growth and development through creative problem-solving. Friendship and emotional engagement are at the heart of every story.

In I Really Want to Be First!, Really Bird is usually in line behind his two best friends, Cat and Pup. He wants to be first for a change, so he thinks up a scheme to become the leader of the group. Along the way, Really Bird discovers that being the leader involves more than being first.

Editor review

1 review

colorful graphic novel

August 19, 2022

Overall rating

3.0

Plot

3.0

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

3.0

I REALLY WANT TO BE FIRST features Really Bird, who feels emotions strongly, and today, he really wants to be first. Usually, Really Bird is last, but today, he is determined to be the first and lead the way. As they set out with Really Bird being first, he leads his friends, Cat and Pup, up into a tree. However, once there, they are afraid and not sure how to get down. Really Bird does not help, but brags that he is first down after they make their way together back to the ground.

What I loved: The story features some very colorful illustrations with cartoonish, fun characters that will appeal to young readers. The amount of text on each page is brief, making the story move very quickly. It will also work well for early independent readers for this reason. The end of the book includes some questions to inspire discussion and further consideration that may resonate with children.

What left me wanting more: While the messages around being first and needing to help your friends are not obvious, they may be presented through caregiver discussion about what Really Bird could/should have done better. However, if children are beginning to read independently, the message may not really come across, and Really Bird does not really demonstrate how to be a good friend or leader.

Final verdict: I REALLY WANT TO BE FIRST features colorful illustrations and brief text that will work well for early readers. Discussion with caregivers will be needed to elucidate the messages around the story.