Electric Birds

Inspired by a true story, this poetic picture book follows a family of birds nesting in a village streetlamp and presents a moving exploration of community, solidarity, ecology and wildlife preservation. The narrative centers on Karuppu Raja, who is proud to keep the village’s light on every night, until he discovers a bird’s nest inside the electrical box. He faces a difficult choice: switch on the power and risk destroying the nest, or keep the village in darkness until the fledglings are ready. The book uses this dilemma to explore themes of care, responsibility and coexistence with nature, inviting readers to reflect on the impact of human actions on wildlife and the importance of protecting local ecosystems. It has been recognized with the Prix Felipé for Ecological Children’s Literature in 2023, underscoring its commitment to ecological storytelling for young readers.

Karthika Nair is the author and Joëlle Jolivet is the illustrator. The book was published on 30/10/2024 by Tate Publishing and runs 52 pages in hardcover, edition 1.

Karuppu Raja loves his small village, Pothakudi, and takes pride in powering the streetlamps each night. A nest is found inside the lighting box, forcing a choice between darkness for the village or safety for the fledglings.

Kenmerken

• Gebaseerd op een waargebeurd verhaal
• Poëtisch prentenboek over gemeenschap en ecologie
• Dilemma tussen licht en dierenleven
• Hoofdpersonages: Karuppu Raja, dorp Pothakudi
• Prijs: Prix Felipé voor Ecologische Kinderboekenbereik