Russ Dixon

Donnie, of the Oregon Coast Russ Dixon

After an avian flu sweeps through a Northwest forest, an egg hatches. But the flu has taken its toll. The chick is larger than normal, his beak is much longer than his parents' beaks, and his feet are very unbirdlike and huge. Donnie, the young bird, is mocked and teased by other birds, but his parents stick with him, providing him food and love. Attitude and effort, he finds, are up to him. Donnie's adventures and learning experiences offer lessons that most young birds---and most children---could apply to their own lives. Hmmm . . . perhaps even an adult or two could benefit.