A dogwood tree transforms Papa Freddie and Grandma Tammy's empty yard into a beautiful garden. When Papa Freddie discovers an injured cardinal beneath its branches, he and Grandma Tammy face an unexpected challenge. To their amazement, their special patient sometimes speaks in perfect sentences, while other times only squawking, a magical surprise which leaves them speechless.
As they nurse the cardinal back to health, Papa Freddie and Grandma Tammy learn lessons about care, patience, and the meaning of freedom. While a shiny new cage offers safety and comfort, the cardinal dreams of returning to life among the dogwood's swaying branches.
Perfect for young readers, features charming illustrations that bring the setting and characters to life rhyming words weaves together themes of environmental appreciation, animal rehabilitation, respect for animals and nature, family & relationships and the delicate balance between protecting those we love and letting them soar. Readers will build vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Ideal for classroom reading circles, bedtime stories, and early independent readers.
