189 Canaries
“189 Canaries” by Dieter Böge is a beautifully illustrated picture book published by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company in 2021. This 48-page work, presented in English, tells the story of a singing canary who embarks on a transformative journey, exploring themes of music, migration, and the quest for home. Set against the backdrop of northern Germany, the narrative begins with the canary serenading miners and carpenters, only to find himself taken far from his familiar surroundings by a bird dealer.
Readers will discover the canary’s travels across Europe and the Atlantic, culminating in a new life in New York. The book not only highlights the canary’s experiences but also delves into the lesser-known history of this cherished songbird. With rich illustrations by award-winning artist Elsa Klever, “189 Canaries” offers an engaging exploration of social themes related to emigration and immigration, making it a thoughtful addition to juvenile fiction. An afterword provides further context about the history of canaries, enriching the reader’s understanding of this captivating tale.
Official synopsis Publisher
A Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award winner
A singing canary takes a life-altering journey in this beautifully illustrated picture book about music, migration, and the search for home.
In a cozy room in northern Germany, a yellow canary sings rolling melodies to the miners and carpenters of the Harz mountains.
When the air starts to run out, he stops singing.
Then the miners know they need to bring themselves and the
canary to safety. They leave the underground tunnels
and take their birds out with them into the fresh air.
But today a bird dealer has come, and he will take the canary far, far away from everything he knows. The journey leads onto trains and steamships, across Europe and even the Atlantic. At last, the canary arrives in a room in New York where he hears a strangely familiar song.
Dieter Böge’s beautiful, poignant book introduces readers to the little-known history of the beloved songbird. Lushly illustrated in rich colors by award-winning artist Elsa Klever, 189 Canaries is an unforgettable story about music, migration, and the search for home. An afterword offers a brief history of canaries.
Translated by Batchelder Award-winner Laura Watkinson.
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