The day I became a bird by Ingrid Chabbert, Illustrated by Guridi

I have not read many picture books as such but my recent stumbling upon an illustrated fairy tale has piqued my interest in picture books. These books are not only read for their story but also for the pictures/illustrations they contain inside. I decided to review the book just for its beautiful cover but what it contains inside is even more promising.

It was his first day at school and he fell in love. 'The day I became a bird' had me since the beginning.

Cover page

The cover page consists of a sketch of a bird with large eyes and slender feet. The title 'the day I became a bird' holds a place on top right corner of the book making the bird on the cover the focus. The back cover too has a tiny bird sitting on the football which is meaningful to the story. The book itself is a well thought out product. The story begins with the boy wanting to turn into a bird and ends with the two characters uniting. The illustrations are suggestive and not smothering. The colors are kept visually subtle. The typography compliments the illustrations. 

One of he best covers I have come across this year. 

Characters 

It is a story of a boy who falls in love with a girl on the first day of his school. He is very simple and creative. The innocence in the character makes him even more appealing. His thoughts, as put across by the author, are lyrical. He also possesses the goodness of appreciating a person for her kindness which is a sweet trait. 

Coming to her lovely lady, Sylvia is a girl obsessed with birds. 

'There are birds on her pants and dresses.

She wears bird barrettes in her hair. 

She draws birds in her notebooks and folders. 

And when she speaks her voice sounds like a birdsong.' 

Content 

The story is of a schoolboy who falls in love on his first day of school and craves for attention of his girl. During the course of time he understands her interest in birds and starts seeing them differently. All for the love he possesses for her. 

It is a story of recognizing the love you posses for a person and putting efforts in understanding her likes and dislikes. The book also gives a message of kindness and internal beauty. It is a beautiful, innocent story told with some great messages.The story and the illustrations compliment each other. The story is as much in the words as it is in the sketches.

Language 

The language is quite simple. Author possesses an innocence in the narration. It is also lyrical at times when the boy describes the girl. The entire narrative is lingering sweet.

Good points 

The cover page is beautiful. One of the best I have seen this year. The characters are quite innovative and the portrayal, simplistic. The content is short and sweet, flavor added by the author with narration. 

Bad points 

The story ended quick. A sweet story like this leaves you wishing there was more. 

Overall 

This book is a good product. The story can be read over and over again.

Who do I recommend this to? 

This book is for those who like to read beautiful books. Those who appreciate short and sweet stories are also going to love this one.

Quotable quotes

I don't want to take my costume off - I am a bird.

The worst is when it rains. I smell like wet dog. 

My toy cars, soccer and all the rest don't seem important.

And i don't look at birds the same way I did before.

Book Trailer

I received an ARC of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. The review is my own, entirely uninfluenced. 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW II RYAN RINGLBOOM on Hooker Heels II

Short review of Hooker Heels

Hooker Heels is a story of a woman who is looking for short cuts in life. She does not believe in herself enough to work her way through things. Instead, she sleeps her way through them. Yes, she is a hooker. Kenna does not know any better. 

But then she meets Zack and everything changes. Zack is a billionaire with a heart which is priceless. She learns about bigger things in life through him and he learns her truth, not through her.

The web entangles and they go their separate ways. Only to come back to each other because nothing bad ever happens when Ryan writes the story!
order your copy here

Let's see what she has to say to us today!

1. All your characters are incredible. Where do you get inspiration to write such beautiful characters?
A. My husband is truly incredible, he is absolutely my number one inspiration while writing. Also, some of the stories are plucked right out of our real life. PANIC, in particular is very close to my heart.

2. My favorite character is Patrick among them all. Who is yours?
A. This is something I am asked all the time and it’s so hard because I do love them all. Patrick and Zack were inspired by my husband the most but Josh was absolutely the most fun to write. I love him!

3. All your characters are people suffering from love. Yet each story is different and every character so unique. Do you sometimes suffer from writers block or are you scared of repeating a character? How do you get over the fear?
A. I suffer from writer’s block all the time. All.The. Time. And I live in constant fear of repeating a character. I will often walk away and read, or go on television binges, increase my exercise, have a glass of wine (or two) just to give my brain a break, then I jump back in and keep my fingers crossed!

4. Name a Young adult author who gives you sleepless nights because she may be better than you at this?
A. Um, try all of them. LOL! Seriously, I think every book I read, I’m like, WOW, this is fantastic. But if I had to pick one that I would aspire to be just like – it would certainly be Co-Ho!! Colleen Hoover is a rock star!

5. Which author is on your auto-buy list?
A. Colleen Hoover & Abbi Glines.

6. If Hooker Heels was made into a movie who would you cast as lead characters?
A. Zackary Knight would 100% be Joe Manganiello! Tall. Big. SEXY!!!! Kenna is tougher for me, Blake Lively??? 

7. Sell your book in one sentence!
A. Spoiler, she really is a hooker.

8. Any last words?
A. Readers are everything to me. When a reader connects with one of my stories and reaches out, whether in a review or on a social media site, wherever, it’s a feeling I can’t even explain.Those words are appreciated beyond measure. Thank you to everyone who takes a chance and reads one of
my books.

Veena – I adore you!!! You are such a loyal reader who reached out and now you are one of the first people I go to when a new book is released. Thank you so much for your kindness and support!

Love, Ryan



You are amazing Ryan! Wish you all the best for the book. hope it does well too! just like the others!