Review Detail

This is the true and touching story of the love a tiny bird added to the author's family. His wife, Holly, happened to hear a "Cheep" as she stood on a busy corner in New York City. She found a baby finch, fallen from his nest. The mother didn't come for the little bird, so Holly took it home and tenderly cared for it, naming it Stellina, Italian for "little star." Soon, Stellina became a true part of the family. She sang (especially when she heard the shower or the piano being played). She played with the hair of the author, Matteo Pericoli, and flew free within the apartment. She loved, and was loved in turn.

This simple yet remarkable story about love and family is accented with lovely drawings by the author. The book is so tender and heartwarming, it brought tears to my eyes; I plan to reread it frequently.

Highly recommended for children (and adults) mature enough to understand that the memory of a loving relationship makes the inevitable loss of a cherished pet somewhat easier to bear.