The Caged Birds of Phnom Penh

We have appreciated so much Ronald Himler's illustrations in "I Wonder as I Wander" (by Gwenyth Swain), and find a similar haunting quality in "The Caged Birds....." Here, his drawings of young Ary and the birds in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, add color & poignancy to a simple but profound tale of HOPE. Both stories are served well by pictures that illuminate a child's anxieties, determination and hopefulness. Frederick Lipp draws us into his story of families trapped by poverty and living in polluted cities where they never see the beauties of the countryside. Young Ary dreams of her family moving from the city. She saves to buy a bird, clinging to the tradition that "letting a caged bird . . . a blessed bird . . . go free . . . makes wishes come true." One day Ary studies carefully the birds before choosing one from the cage. She takes one great breath and then releases it as the bird takes wing with her dreams. The story of yearning for freedom is universal. Children will love not only the allure of another culture but also the author's gentle telling of one child's hopes following the light. Reviewer mcHAIKU suggests that reading this with children will encourage the sharing of dreams - - don't miss such a chance!

My husband and I have read this book numerous times to our 7 month old son and for our own pleasure. What a wonderful gift we received. Thank you. Outstanding story about work, wisdom and the future. Very inspirational for all ages. Artwork/illustrations are fabulous. Author and Illustrator harmonize beautifully.

I bought this story for my girls aged 3 and 6. They were moved by Ari's struggle and I found myself in tears by the joyful ending. I even hear them playing out the roles of Ari and the birdlady.The rich language and quiet beauty of the illustrations makes The Caged Birds a pleasure to read. Then it got even better. If you think Frederick Lipp is a good writer, he's an amazing speaker. He now lives in Portland, Maine and accepted an invitation to come speak to my Artists Books class about writing cultural children's stories. When he read his story the highschool group of 40 were completely silent. Then he engaged them in an amazing reflection on the importance of sharing the stories which move us. His presentation was honest, dynamic and he totally connected with even the most disconnected students in the class. The Cambodian student in my class was especially excited to connect with someone who had written about his homeland and walked the same streets as he did in Phnom Penh.Get the book for your classroom and then see if you can't get him to come speak. Few kids books carry with them such richness of experience. This one is not to be missed.

This book is for all ages- beautiful words, message and illustrations. The book takes place in Cambodia and opens us to the universal human themes of hope, love and dreams in the midst of despair and treachery. Read it and share it with others and "Fly with wishes on your wings."

This book will take you to a far away place that is filled with hopes and dreams. Simple wishes that mold a little girls world are realized through her desires and youthful determination. A book that can actually be enjoyed by all ages.