Feathers Together - (The Feeling Friends) by Caron Levis (Hardcover)

About the Book

Stork friends Malena and Klepetan look forward to the next migration from Croatia to South Africa, but when Malena is injured and can not join the flock, their time apart brings many challenges and big feelings, pushing them to stay connected and hope for a spring reunion.

Book Synopsis

From author Caron Levis and artist Charles Santoso, the award-winning team behind Ida, Always and This Way, Charlie, comes Feathers Together, an uplifting picture book story of animal friendship, inspired by a real-life pair of storks whose bond overcame great distance.

Best friends Malena and Klepetan always adventure together! The two excitedly prepare to fly thousands of miles for the flock's annual migration to a warm winter. But when Malena is injured, she stays in Croatia while Klepetan goes to South Africa--and the pair must navigate the turbulent winds of separation for the first time.

Being apart is hard. Malena and Klepetan miss each other achingly, and they have big feelings about adventuring on their own. But even over the vast distance, the two brave explorers discover ways to enjoy their separate seasons while keeping their hearts connected--and their hopes aloft that spring will bring them back together.

Review Quotes

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Levis imbues Klepetan and Malena with believably conflicting emotions, while Santoso's graceful, naturalistic illustrations give the stork pair readable facial expressions that convey hurt, loss, confusion, and resolve. It's a moving, affirming story of commitment that withstands change."--Publishers Weekly

**STARRED REVIEW**
"The author draws out the tension in the most delicious way, readers rushing to the end so that the birds can be reunited, and likely there will be no dry eyes in the house when the duo are finally once again nestled next to one another, feathers together. The digital illustrations give marvelous personality to each stork, their every emotion evident and so relatable for readers." --Kirkus Reviews

"Enchanting, vibrant illustrations use varying perspectives to depict both whimsical moments and poignant and sweet interactions." --Booklist

About the Author

Caron Levis is the author of several picture books, including This Way, Charlie and Ida, Always, both illustrated by Charles Santoso; Stop That Yawn!, illustrated by LeUyen Pham; and Mama's Work Shoes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. She is a professor and advisor for the New School's Writing for Children/YA MFA program and a licensed social worker. Levis uses drama and writing to explore books, feelings, and imagination with kids through her author workshops. She lives in Brooklyn. Charles Santoso loves drawing little things in his little journal and dreaming about funny, wondrous stories. He is the creator of Happy Hippo and has illustrated many books, including Caron Levis's This Way, Charlie and Ida, Always; Joe McGee's Peanut Butter & series; and the New York Times bestseller Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. His drawings and paintings have been exhibited in Australia, North America, and France, and he is based in Singapore.