Our Wounded Little Chickadee: Emma and Friends Kind Rescue is written by Pamela Tomlin and illustrated by Tamara Piper. A young girl, Emma, and her fluffy friends are playing hide and seek in the living room when they hear a loud thump at the window. Looking out, they see, to their horror, a small bird lying on the porch. The bird has flown into the glass pane and now is not moving, although it is still breathing. What can Emma and her friends do to help the bird? Will the little bird eventually wake up? Emma and her friends try to do something quiet as time passes, but it's hard to concentrate because they are all so worried about the little bird.

What an adorable story for young readers and listeners! This is the perfect read-aloud story for parents, teachers, and caregivers to use in engaging youngsters in animal care issues, as well as giving them practical advice on what to do in the event of a bird flying into a window. Emma and her friends embark on a step by step process of the best way to help the little bird who remains unconscious. I thought the advice given in the story was excellent with details on what to do and how to do it. The themes of kindness and compassion are expanded, teaching young readers that helping others is the right thing to do and brings its own rewards.

The illustrations here are just wonderful, with rich intense colors and a lovely depth to the scenes. I simply loved the detail of each scene and the way the artist's images add so much to the author's words as the story unfolds. The expressions on the characters' faces are just so cute, from surprise to anxiety to joy as a happy ending ensues. I am an animal lover and have done more than a few bird rescues. I loved the sensible tips in the story on how to handle the situation expertly and quietly and the author gives a note to young readers at the end, adding to this advice. I think this story could open up lots of opportunities for discussions in the classroom and at home. Recommended!