Can Javier keep the secret of the albatross from his father. He just can’t let her die. She reminds Javier so much of his mother. Once Javier’s secret is exposed, he knows he has no time to lose. He must lead her to freedom.
The author and illustrator combine colorful illustrations with a heart felt story to draw the reader in making them part of the story. This book is recommended as a read aloud for elementary children grades k-3. I could be used to talk about endangered species, coping with loss or fathers and sons. ( )

A Journey to Feeling Better!

Javier misses his mother who has died. As he works on his father’s fishing boat, an albatross flies too close and gets caught on the boat’s fishing hooks. Javier is immediately reminded of his mom, and wants to take care of the bird.

His dad cares nothing for the hurt bird and just wants her out of the way. But Javier secretly removes her from the boat, takes care of her, and tries to nurse her back to health. His father is furious when he finds the albatross has been hidden in his house. Uncle Felipe talks the dad into letting the bird stay until the next ocean voyage, in two weeks.

This is a sweet story of a boy trying to come to terms with the loss of his mother by doing kind things for something that reminds him of her—in this case, the albatross. As he translates more of his feelings about his mom to the bird, it becomes vitally important to Javier that he reunite the bird with her family.

Ultimately, the grieving father realizes his son has been suffering, too. After more trouble as a result of the father’s blindness to Javier’s situation, the two are reconciled because of their shared sadness.

This book shows that it is okay to grieve, but to remember we are not the only one suffering when someone dies. Also, we all do it in different ways. Ironically, the grief both the father and son have been feeling ultimately unites them.

This five-star book is good as a stand-alone-story. Additionally, it could be used as a springboard to talk and help a child deal with their feelings of sadness and loss. Or it could help a child understand what it might be like for someone they know who is grieving. This tale would be good for five through nine-year-old children.

Candlewick Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Ride the Wind, for the purpose of review. ( )