How wonderful to read a book an elderly character which does not end with sadness of loss.
Bibi "had been with the flock for as long as anyone could remember, and was older than anyone knew."
With age has come wisdom and it is Bibi who guides the young ones as they dance across the water; as they build nests for their young; and it is Bibi who tells the flock they need to move because the water in their lake is drying up.
The adult birds can fly but the chicks need to walk. One little chick named Toto collapses so Bibi gathers all the chicks and she tells them a story while Toto rests. Eventually they all make it safely to the lake and that much needed water. More time passes and Bibi knows soon it will be time for the whole flock to leave. The little chicks can now fly but Bibi is old and struggling. This time it is Toto who offers the wisdom that Bibi just needs time to regain her strength. Once she feels better we witness a miracle:
"One by one, the flamingos took to the sky, until it was Bibi's turn to try. She whispered one last goodbye to the lake, stretched out her wings and ran .. and she flew!"
Blurb: Wise old flamingo Bibi has been with her flock for as long as anyone can remember. Follow her journey in this beautifully illustrated celebration of old age and community from the talented creator of the award-winning picture book Little One ... when one little flamingo starts to fall behind, Bibi teaches everyone a valuable lesson about community and the importance of being there to help one another in times of need.
See illustrations by Jo Weaver here. When you pick up Bibi take time to linger over the beautiful end papers which are filled with enormous pink feathers.
I would pair Bibi with Lucy Goosey.
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