The Unique Beak
Introducing Sai the Peacock
The Unique Beak is a heartwarming children’s book about embracing the qualities that make you an individual.
Estani and Sophia Frizzell’s picture book The Unique Beak focuses on the power of accepting one’s distinctiveness and pursuing one’s dreams, even when times get tough.
Sai loves to sing, but because of his long beak, nobody wants to listen to his songs, including his mother. Other peacocks say rude and hurtful things to him, making him want to hide from everyone. Tired of being made fun of, Sai vows never to sing in front of anyone again. But during his solo singing session, a cricket hears him and encourages him to start his own show. Doing so helps Sai to build confidence within himself. Though he’s shy and insecure at first, he grows toward self-acceptance.
Within the book, every creature, even the smallest, is encouraged to speak and express their views. They share their viewpoints and address their surroundings in short, accessible verses:
Through you, I see what’s possible
and that’s—anything at all.
If you believe, follow your heart,
and answer when it calls.
While the book first seems concerned with Sai’s struggle to be accepted, other significant themes emerge later, including about true friendships, following one’s passions, and being kind to everyone. It is sensitive in addressing personal insecurities, differences, and the importance of trying to break out of one’s shell. As he grows, Sai learns to be forgiving of others’ mistakes too.
The beautiful illustrations capture both the characters and their surroundings in appealing ways, and they blend well with the text. Sai is made to stand out from the other peacocks with his unique feathers too.
A true friend helps a young bird pursue his dreams in The Unique Beak, a heartwarming children’s book about embracing the qualities that make you an individual.
Reviewed by
Manik Chaturmutha
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
