A dogwood tree transforms Papa Freddie and Grandma Tammy's empty yard into a beautiful garden. When Papa Freddie discovers an injured cardinal beneath its branches, he and Grandma Tammy face an unexpected challenge. To their amazement, their special patient sometimes speaks in perfect sentences, while other times only squawking, a magical surprise which leaves them speechless.
As they nurse the cardinal back to health, Papa Freddie and Grandma Tammy learn lessons about care, patience, and the meaning of freedom. While a shiny new cage offers safety and comfort, the cardinal dreams of returning to life among the dogwood's swaying branches.
Perfect for young readers, features charming illustrations that bring the setting and characters to life rhyming words weaves together themes of environmental appreciation, animal rehabilitation, respect for animals and nature, family & relationships and the delicate balance between protecting those we love and letting them soar. Readers will build vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Ideal for classroom reading circles, bedtime stories, and early independent readers.
About the Author :
Tamara Neal is an accomplished author, publisher, and Certified Relationship Coach. She has authored multiple distinguished publications, including "Venomous Relationships," which won the National Indie Excellence Award in 2015, and "Friendship," which was a finalist for the same award. She is the author of The World's Top Ten Worst Men for Women Guide and four children's books. Her articles have appeared in CNN, WebMD, Mind Body Green, Chispa's Magazine, and Edge Newspapers. Tamara Neal appeared on the Jesse Lee Peterson Show. Tranquility Talks and has appeared on the Fox affiliate morning show, Good Day DC Fox 5. WBFF TV 45, and It's on Talk Show cable networks. Neal currently lives in Maryland with her husband and a dog named Malone..
Review :
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2025
The illustrations in this book are absolutely lovely, sweet, and full of beautiful details. I love reading stories like this that rhyme to my daughter since these were my favorites as a child. Great for little kiddos to get curious about different images, birds, and colors. Love it!! Thank you!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2025
This is a great read for kids. Teaches them the value of planting trees, caring and looking out for nature, and making the effort to help. The illustrations are warm and friendly, and the story is fun and interesting for little ones. Highly recommend!
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2025
As a preschool teacher, I love finding a book with a simple-to-follow storyline but that also teaches good morals within its pages. This book meets all those specifics and more with beautiful illustrations to accompany the words. Its underlying theme is to care for the cardinal, and the eventual release back into nature promotes the fact that the caretakers want the best for the bird, even if they will miss it and took care of it for a while. Your child will enjoy this book for years to come.
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2025
This is a cute story with vibrant illustrations to catch the readers attention. I love the fact that Grandma and Grandpa are so helpful and loving in the story. The lessons learned in this book are age appropriate. The author did a wonderful job with this book.
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2025
I picked up this story to read with my son, and it's been a lovely addition to our bedtime routine! The story of Papa Freddie and Grandma' and the red cardinal bird sparked his curiosity and had us both smiling. Sweet, engaging, and perfect for shared reading!
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2025
The illustrations in this book are absolutely lovely, sweet, and full of beautiful details. I love reading stories like this that rhyme to my daughter since these were my favorites as a child. Great for little kiddos to get curious about different images, birds, and colors. Love it!! Thank you!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2025
I bought this book for my daughter to keep in her babysitting bag. The family that she babysites has a cardinal that stops by regularly and thought this was a cute idea. We have a lot of nature in our area and is a perfect read to integrate some life lessons and the appreciation of nature.
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2025
This is a great read for kids. Teaches them the value of planting trees, caring and looking out for nature, and making the effort to help. The illustrations are warm and friendly, and the story is fun and interesting for little ones. Highly recommend!
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2025
A short story of nature and wildlife. Many images, a bit short on text though. Young children will enjoy the beautiful pictures. Important lessons on respect for nature, freedom and patience. Teaches kids about enjoying nature while releasing it into its natural habitat.
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2025
This is a cute story with vibrant illustrations to catch the readers attention. I love the fact that Grandma and Grandpa are so helpful and loving in the story. The lessons learned in this book are age appropriate. The author did a wonderful job with this book.
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2025
As a preschool teacher, I love finding a book with a simple-to-follow storyline but that also teaches good morals within its pages. This book meets all those specifics and more with beautiful illustrations to accompany the wor
