Calvin Can't Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie by Jennifer Berne, illus. by Keith Bendis

In this book, Jennifer Berne weaves a wonderful tale that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt a bit different from the pack, or in Calvin’s case, the flock. Calvin is a starling, but while all of his family is learning how to hunt for bugs and fly, he prefers to spend his time in the library with his beak in a book.
Berne writes, “His books took him places wings never could. And his heart fluttered with excitement. Calvin’s cousins called him ‘nerdy birdie,’ ‘geeky beaky,’ and ‘bookworm.’ And when you’re a bird, being called a ‘worm’ is a very bad thing. Calvin ruffled his feathers and mumbled, ‘Oh, how the wounding words of scorn do sting.’ Then he sadly waddled back to the library—the only place where he was happy.”
Calvin is particularly sad when he can’t fly south for the winter with his family, but luckily they tie him with string and bring him along. In the end, Calvin’s knowledge saves the whole flock, and his differences are celebrated. Keith Bendis’ colorful illustrations perfectly complement this story of being true to yourself and learning to fly. Check the WRL catalog for Calvin Can’t Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie.