My Beautiful Birds tells the powerful story of the Syrian civil war’s impact on both children and animals. As the Syrian sky burns behind him, young Sami follows his family and neighbours as they flee the destruction of their homes. His thoughts are consumed by his beloved pet pigeons – will they make it to safety too? When they finally reach a refugee camp, there is a moment of relief. However, while the other children play and return to school, Sami struggles to join in – unable to forget his birds and the life he has lost. This story helps students to understand the realities of life in refugee camps, while also demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and the idea that home is not always just one place.
Why use this book?
- Highlights the strong connection people have with animals, known as the human-animal bond.
- This story provides a powerful perspective on the experiences of refugees, fostering empathy and understanding among those who read it. It also encourages discussions about resilience, the concept of home, and the challenges faced by those affected by conflict.
Animal Welfare Considerations:
- The story depicts the boy physically interacting with wild birds. However, it is important to remember that wild birds in Canada (and throughout the world) are natural carriers of avian influenza viruses and other zoonotic diseases. As such, it is important to never physically touch wild birds or other wildlife. Remind students that while observing wildlife, it is critical to avoid disturbing them. Show respect by giving animals space, staying quiet and observing from a distance. Never touch or feed wildlife as this can cause harm to both animals and people.
- The story depicts pigeons as pets. In Alberta, pigeons (also known as rock doves) are typically considered wildlife, but they can be pets in some communities as long as the proper license is obtained. Contact Alberta Fish and Wildlife for more information.
Other Considerations:
- This book depicts a story of a refugee family’s experience in the Syrian civil war and shows the reality of refugee camps. This book may be triggering for some students. For more information and resources for teaching about refugees visit the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Ask your students:
- At the beginning of the book, what do you think Sami means when he says, “In a flash – my neighbourhood and all that was home…gone.”? Why do you think his family had to escape? How do you think Sami and his family felt in this moment?
- What kind of camp do Sami and his family stay at? A refugee camp is a temporary settlement built to receive displaced people who have fled their homes. Why does Sami struggle to settle in at the camp?
- How does Sami feel while at the camp? How would you feel if you were in Sami’s situation?
- Why does Sami cover his painting in black paint?
- How do you think Sami feels when the canary, dove, rose finch and pigeon come to him? Why is this an important part of the story?
- What do you think Sami means when he says, “Like feathered brushes, they paint the sky with promise and the hope of peace?’
- How does Sami change after finding the birds?
- What did you think of the ending of the book? What is significant about the way the story ended?
- How did this story make you feel?
- In the book, Sami has pet pigeons. Are pigeons a common pet in Alberta? What kind of birds are common pets in Alberta? Pigeons are typically wild animals in Alberta, but they can be bred to be kept as long as the proper licenses are obtained.
Activities:
Animal Connections
- This story illustrates the importance of human-animal bond, and how animals can help us cope through hard or traumatic times. Have students think about a time when an animal helped them through a challenging time and write about or create a piece of art to share this experience. Encourage students to include examples of how the animal helped them and the impact this help had in their write up.
Syrian Sky
- Towards the end of the book, there are a few pages that feature a beautiful sky of oranges and purples. Using watercolour paints, have students create a painting of the sky, using orange and purple, creating an ombre effect. Then, have students trace a silhouette of a pigeon flying. Have students cut out 2-3 pigeons and once the painting is dry, have them glue the pigeons flying in the sky.
Sami’s Journal
- Throughout the book, Sami faced many challenges and changes, which caused him to experienced range of emotions. Have students write journal entries from Sami’s perspective. Encourage students to include details about how Sami is feeling and why he is feeling that way. Students should also include key events that happened in the story such as leaving his home behind, walking to the camp, painting the picture black, and discovering the different birds.
Resources Related to Book:
- For more information and resources for teaching about refugees visit the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
- Our website has information on helping students deal with pet loss visitor visit the Ottawa Humane Society’s post on explaining death to children.