Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gentle, gorgeous picture book celebrates imagination.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE RARE BIRD, a house cat spends the day transforming its familiar home into another world where it is a rare bird who can fly, explore, and be part of the great outdoors. When the day ends and the cat's human companion sits down to read another story, the cat sees a new world, a new animal, and a new possibility for tomorrow's adventures.
Is It Any Good?
With expressive watercolor illustrations and lovely, playful text, this imaginative picture book celebrates imagination and the simple joy in childhood. Caldecott Honoree Elisha Cooper's gentle pacing and visual storytelling in The Rare Bird are an especially calming and inviting read at the end of a busy day. There are nice opportunities for parents and kids to talk about their own dreams and the worlds they make up for themselves, inviting both creativity and individuality.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what is would be like to see the world the way another animal does, like the curious, playful cat in The Rare Bird. What would you do if you were a bird?
What animal would you most like to be for a while? Why?
What might a cat be thinking about in its quiet moments during the day?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Elisha Cooper
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Cats )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : February 24, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 6
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 25, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate