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7:30 BELLS Guest Post: Listening for Birds by Kirby Larson

I am so pleased to offer a 7:30 BELLS guest post by Kirby Larson, lovely person and fabulous author of DUKE and HATTIE BIG SKY, awarded the Newbery Honor Medal.

Dia listens for bells; I listen for birds. I’ve been blessed to luck into a cozy Washington beach house near the Canadian border, and I take myself there as often as I can. It’s a tall, skinny place and my office is on the 3rd floor, eagle eye view. Literally. 


On occasion, I’ve flinched as a bald eagle seemed to aim its talons at me, while I was sitting at my desk. So grateful for the window! From my perch, I hear owls hoot, loons wail, belted kingfishers chitter, gulls bark and herons squawk. 

No matter where my story brain is, my ears are straining to hear the birds. To hear that reminder that flight is possible. I may not have feathers, but I can spread my wings and fly across the page.

LORE OF THE BELL:
Listen and take flight


Kirby Larson is the author of ten books for young readers, including the 2007 Newbery Honor book, Hattie Big Sky, and its sequel, Hattie Ever After. In addition to her historical fiction (The Fences Between Us; The Friendship Doll; Duke), Kirby has partnered with Mary Nethery to write two award-winning nonfiction picture books, Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival, and Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle. Kirby also owns a tiara.