GUAC, THE AVOCADO BIRD
Introducing a bird of a decidedly different feather, this charming tale isn’t your average children’s story . . . it’s a tail-shaking celebration of friendship and finding your unique flock! From author Julie Branch-Evans comes Guac, the Avocado Bird, a high-flying adventure that will inspire inclusivity, encourage originality, and empower individuality.
Guac, the one and only avocado bird, is alone without a home, and he’s searching for a place to call his own. When he finds a vacant birdhouse, Guac settles in, happy to hide himself from everyone else, but he's soon joined by many other creatures who are also looking for a place to live. From cats to ferrets, Guac welcomes them in and finds that embracing each of their unique qualities—including his own—makes for a home full of happiness and love.
“Guac, the Avocado Bird is a fun, colorful tale about a bird with green feathers and a big heart. The illustrations are lively, vibrant and textured. Guac shows us how to be kind and welcoming as he builds a community of ‘odd’ friends. The message of sharing what we have with those who may seem a little different will leave readers with a case of the warm fuzzies — or should that be the warm featheries?”
DAVID OPIE / AUTHOR OF ALL THE BIRDS IN THE WORLD
“Guac shows us that we all belong, not in spite of our differences but because of them. We all have our own unique traits that make us who we are, which can bring so much joy to others! Guac shows bravery and confidence in welcoming friends in and that being inclusive helps to brighten up all of our lives! Julie writes such beautiful characters that I want to know more about. I can’t wait for the chance to share this story of acceptance (of others and self) with everyone I can including my own children and clients with special healthcare needs.”
CAROLINE GOODWIN / DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND INTEGRATION-MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS AT ANGELS OF CARE PEDIATRIC HOME HEALTH, RN-BSN
“A good story with a great lesson for kids!”
KEVIN GRIFFITH / PRAESTANTIA AWARD WINNER FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING; PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH AT CAPITAL UNIVERSITY
“Guac, the Avocado Bird really touched my heart as a special education teacher. All kids, at some point, feel different. This beautiful story goes above and beyond to prove that being different makes you unique. Together the characters complement each other with their strengths. Julie Branch-Evans really captured the heart of inclusion. What a great story for kids and adults!”
NATALIE SCHELLLMAN / SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER AND TEAM LEADER AT PRESTWICK ELEMENTARY
“Children and adults alike are in for a surprise with each odd character they meet in this delightfully quirky and colorful book Guac, the Avocado Bird! A sweet mix of silly and sincere, the story will draw you in with its unique cast of oddballs while teaching about counting and addition in a practical way as their troop grows. A fun read and so much more!”
JOSHUA SAMPSON / ILLUSTRATOR OF THE PIG, THE ELEPHANT, AND THE WISE-CRACKING BIRD; ART DIRECTOR AND CINEMATOGRAPHER
“Guac, the Avocado Bird shows the importance of acceptance and inclusivity. As an elementary-school teacher and mom, there are so many parts of this book to appreciate: the rhyming, repetitive math, colors, creativity and — most importantly — the message. It makes my heart happy to read.”
KARI BROSE / MOM AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER AT ALLENDALE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Guac, the Avocado Bird sends a message we should all live by.”
BARNEY SALTZBERG / AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF BEAUTIFUL OOPS!
“This book is so amazing and made me tear up! I love the sweet message of belonging.”
TINA FILLEBROWN / KINDERGARTEN TEACHER AT LITTLE ELM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Guac, the Avocado Bird is a whimsical story of friendship among unique animals looking to find their own place. The illustrations with their brilliant imaginative colors will attract the eyes of young children. The author’s gentle rhyming and use of numbers promotes early math skills. Great book to cuddle up and read together.”
DEBRA RASO O’CONNOR / AUTHOR OF ANNABELLE BEE AND THE BUTTERFLY TREE
“Guac, the Avocado Bird by Julie Branch-Evans is a stunning tale about the beauty of individuality and friendship. It delivers a truly empowering message through charming verse and encaptivating illustrations that, no matter who you are or how different you may feel, you will always belong. This book should be read by all children and their families to help them better understand the enrichment that inclusivity brings to all of our lives and help them embrace and love their own wonderful individuality.”
DR. JODIE GREEN / MA, VETMB FROM UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE; POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN VETERINARY CLINICAL PRACTICE AND MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS, UNITED KINGDOM
“I’ve just read Guac, the Avocado Bird by Julie Branch-Evans and enjoyed it tremendously. The story, the counting, the rhyming and the illustrations all work together to make this a wonderful read that teaches, entertains and empowers. A lot of work, and heart, went into this effort. I highly recommend it as a story that emphasizes that ‘different’ means unique, wonderful, interesting and fun.”
ROBIN HARWELL / MA, CCC-SLP
“I was thrilled to be able to review a truly exceptional book that, in addition to exquisite and engaging illustrations, beautifully illustrates how inclusivity at any age enriches all our lives! Julie Branch-Evans has created a visually stunning text that will be immediately accessible to not only your children, but to adults everywhere — especially those of us who live and work with family members. This should be required reading for all those seeking to enter the field of special needs teaching and care, and for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of how a truly inclusive society enriches all of us.”
PATRICIA EVANS / MD, PH.D, F.A.A.N., F.A.A.P. AND DIRECTOR OF THE NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES CLINICAL PROGRAM
“Guac, the Avocado Bird presents an excellent opening for discussion of what it means to be different. Children will love the colorful characters and their fruity names.”
POLLY VANACKER / SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHER (RET.)