First edition
A beautifully illustrated gentle tale of migration and nature.
"I can recall once-upon-a-time/ when North America was a bird's fairy tale." Through the character of a mallard, Mendoza recalls the land that was, traces the growing desolation of the present, and makes a plea for preservation in the future. Surrounded by large expanses of clean white page , the lyrical text and the delicate, patterned watercolor illustrations complement one another like musical point and counterpoint. This picture book is not easy, however. Although the plea for preservation is impassioned, the overall tone is one of reminiscent sadness. Both that and the sometimes complex imagery may keep some children at a distance. But the idea is one of increasing importance, and any children's collection large enough to go beyond just the basic books on environmental protection will be enriched by this artistic approach to the subject
