Broken Beaks

Nathaniel Lachenmeyer’s own father became a homeless person after suffering the effects of a mental illness, which is documented in the author’s previous title The Outsider, and Broken Beaks reflects his desire to teach children what he learned from his own and his father’s life. The book explains to children, by using the story of a small sparrow and the kindness of a homeless man, how we can change our attitudes to homelessness and the plight of the mentally ill on our streets. A beautiful story of human interest on the social crisis facing the world today, easily explained to children. Readers of all ages will be profoundly moved by this inspiring story. explained, but still mysterious. Something just snaps and the bird’s life is never the same again. The story of the bird prepares us for the introduction of the homeless man and we can see, perhaps for the first time, beyond the matted hair and muttered monologues at the real person and what he might have been. The book is moving, but not sad. It is about the strength of the human spirit and is a very child appropriate insight into the world of the homeless. With beautiful full colour illustrations throughout by internationally acclaimed artist Robert Ingpen Broken Beaks will be a welcome addition to children’s literature.