Being Different is Okay! A Review of Bunny and Fawn: The Glowing Feather by Michael S. Lingo

Title: Bunny and Fawn: The Glowing Feather

Author: Michael S. Lingo

Publisher: Michael S. Lingo Books

ISBN & Price: 9798990348943, $13.97

Buy book here.

In The Glowing Feather, the next installment of the Bunny and Fawn Series, readers are welcomed back into the charming, cozy, and whimsical woodlands where Bunny and Fawn live. The story opens with a race between Fawn and Bunny, a pair of cross-species sisters who don’t let their differences define their bond. The two dash through the woods when suddenly, Bunny skids to a halt, noticing something glowing in the leaves underneath them. Fawn and Bunny investigate the mysterious glimmer and realize it comes from a bright orange glowing feather. The pair discover a Phoenix in the bushes who claims the feather as her own, saying that she was resting from her journey home when she lost her feather.

As Fawn, Bunny, and Phoenix become acquainted with one another, they learn that Phoenix has fire wings, with feathers that disintegrate when they fall out. Phoenix offers to let the two touch her wings, displaying an openness to new friendships. Bunny and Fawn are curious about the qualities that make their new friend unique, but never judgmental, teaching young readers that it’s okay to embrace what makes us different! Phoenix asks the pair to help her on her journey home because she needs to get home before the sun rises, but she’s much too tired to fly. If she doesn’t get home in time, her fire will get too bright, and she will turn to ash. Bunny and Fawn rally their other woodland friends, Bear and Truffles, together to form a plan to get Phoenix back safely to her nest.

Each animal takes charge of a particular task that is unique to their abilities, like Bear clearing paths through the forest, Truffles using his sense of smell to detect dangerous animals, and Phoenix using her bright light to illuminate the dark forest. This element of the story beautifully highlights the benefit of having friends who are unlike one another, as each individual brings something special to the group. Together, they are able to work as a team and accomplish what they could not do alone. As the group moves through the forest, they encounter challenges, like a ravine in the forest floor that requires a bridge for crossing. Once again, they come together to find solutions to the problems they face, teaching young readers the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude when things become difficult.

Towards the end of the journey, Fawn begins to worry that they might not reach Phoenix’s nest in time. However, she puts on a brave face and encourages her friends to keep moving forward, teaching the lesson that while fear is natural, overcoming those fears can lead to something rewarding on the other side. When the story concludes, Phoenix tells her friends that their kindness is what brought her home, along with their courage and bravery. The overarching theme of the story is the importance of being open to strangers, forming friendships with those who are unlike us, and showing kindness to others. These are such valuable lessons for young readers, whose perspectives are still being shaped by the world around them. The Glowing Feather encourages children to embrace individuality and approach others with compassion rather than judgment.

The beautiful story is accompanied by lovely, inviting, and soothing illustrations that children will be drawn to. The characters are depicted with an almost stuffed-animal-like quality, featuring rosy cheeks and big, expressive eyes. The forest backgrounds are vibrant in color yet warm in tone, inviting little readers into a story that can be enjoyed at bedtime to relax and calm the mind. The story follows the earlier installments and stays true to the characters’ personalities and traits established in the previous books. Overall, this is a delightful and enchanting tale about what it means to open your heart—and your wings—to others, and how the qualities that make us unique can create something meaningful when we come together.

Review by Britain Powers