Guac the Avocado Bird.png
Guac the Avocado Bird.png

Guac, the Avocado Bird

$16.99

In this charming tale from Julie Branch-Evans comes freshly hatched Guac, the one and only avocado bird.

Alone without a home, he searches for a place to call his own. When he finds a vacant birdhouse, Guac settles in, happy to hide himself from everyone else, but he's soon joined by many other creatures who are also looking for a place to live. From cats to ferrets, Guac welcomes them in and finds that embracing each of their unique qualities—including his own—makes for a home full of happiness and love.

In this charming tale from Julie Branch-Evans comes freshly hatched Guac, the one and only avocado bird.

Alone without a home, he searches for a place to call his own. When he finds a vacant birdhouse, Guac settles in, happy to hide himself from everyone else, but he's soon joined by many other creatures who are also looking for a place to live. From cats to ferrets, Guac welcomes them in and finds that embracing each of their unique qualities—including his own—makes for a home full of happiness and love.

SPECS

  • Imprint: Brown Books Kids

  • BISAC: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Birds

  • Format: Hardcover with dust jacket

  • Page Count: 32

  • Publication Date: November 7, 2023

  • ISBN-13: 9781612546155

  • Dimensions: 8" x 8"

  • US List Price: $16.99

  • Carton QTY: 48

AUTHOR BIO

Julie Branch-Evans grew up in the small town of Ida, Michigan. After high school graduation she spent four years at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, where she received a bachelor's degree in English. She went on to build a successful career in technology, spent some time figuring out life, and then met her now husband whom she lives with in Dallas, Texas. Her life changed forever in May 2016, when her first daughter was born. At twenty-two days old, her little girl was given a rare health diagnosis. Soon after, Julie quit her career to be a stay-at-home mom. After a difficult, emotional journey to help her daughter heal and develop, she has had her eyes opened to obstacles she never imagined and to the reality of what lonely and different can look and feel like for so many children. Her inspiration to write a children's book comes from spending days and nights reading to her two little girls and enjoying those special moments laughing and talking together. She is hopeful that Guac, The Avocado Bird can bring laughter and fun to other children and parents while also emphasizing the importance of loving yourself and finding your own happiness-whatever that may be.

ILUSTRATOR BIO

Stephen Lomazzo is an illustrator, fine artist and designer who lives and works in his hometown of Eau Gallie, Florida, alongside his border collie, Trixie. He was warped at a young age by Spaghetti-o's, Kool-Aid, black and white films and Saturday morning television. He can also say he learned to drive on a 1931 Model A Ford and can wiggle his ears. Since graduating from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2005, he has displayed his unique styles in many galleries and shows, as well as illustrated for numerous magazines and book projects. Stephen's ultimate goal is to one day be bestowed upon the honor of the Caldecott award for Children's picture book excellence. He likes to write his own stories, too...

PRAISE

“Guac, the Avocado Bird is a whimsical story of friendship among unique animals looking to find their own place. The illustrations with their brilliant imaginative colors will attract the eyes of young children. The author’s gentle rhyming and use of numbers promotes early math skills. Great book to cuddle up and read together.” —Debra Raso O’Connor, Author of Annabelle Bee and the Butterfly Tree

“A good story with a great lesson for kids!” —Kevin Griffith, Recipient of the Praestantia Award for Excellence in Teaching and Professor of English at Capital University

“Guac, the Avocado Bird is a fun, colorful tale about a bird with green feathers and a big heart. The illustrations are lively, vibrant and textured. Guac shows us how to be kind and welcoming as he builds a community of ‘odd’ friends. The message of sharing what we have with those who may seem a little different will leave readers with a case of the warm fuzzies — or should that be the warm featheries?” —David Opie, Author and Illustrator of All the Birds in the World

“Guac shows us that we all belong, not in spite of our differences but because of them. We all have our own unique traits that make us who we are, which can bring so much joy to others!  Guac shows bravery and confidence in welcoming friends in and that being inclusive helps to brighten up all of our lives! Julie writes such beautiful characters that I want to know more about. I can’t wait for the chance to share this story of acceptance (of others and self) with everyone I can including my own children and clients with special healthcare needs.”—Caroline Goodwin, Director of Training and Integration-Mergers & Acquisitions at Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health, RN-BSN

“Guac, the Avocado Bird really touched my heart as a special education teacher. All kids, at some point, feel different. This beautiful story goes above and beyond to prove that being different makes you unique. Together the characters complement each other with their strengths. Julie Branch-Evans really captured the heart of inclusion. What a great story for kids and adults!” —Natalie Schellman, Special Education Teacher/Team Leader at Prestwick Elementary Little Elm ISD
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“Guac, the Avocado Bird shows the importance of acceptance and inclusivity. As an elementary-school teacher and mom, there are so many parts of this book to appreciate: the rhyming, repetitive math, colors, creativity and — most importantly — the message. It makes my heart happy to read.” —Kari Brose, Mom and Elementary School Teacher at Allendale Public Schools

“This book is so amazing and made me tear up! I love the sweet message of belonging.” —Tina Fillebrown, Kindergarten Teacher at Little Elm Public Schools  

“Guac, the Avocado Bird by Julie Branch-Evans is a stunning tale about the beauty of individuality and friendship. It delivers a truly empowering message through charming verse and encaptivating illustrations that, no matter who you are or how different you may feel, you will always belong. This book should be read by all children and their families to help them better understand the enrichment that inclusivity brings to all of our lives and help them embrace and love their own wonderful individuality.” —Dr. Jodie Green, MA, VetMB from University of Cambridge, England, Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Practice and Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, United Kingdom

“I’ve just read Guac, the Avocado Bird by Julie Branch-Evans and enjoyed it tremendously. The story, the counting, the rhyming and the illustrations all work together to make this a wonderful read that teaches, entertains and empowers. A lot of work, and heart, went into this effort. I highly recommend it as a story that emphasizes that ‘different’ means unique, wonderful, interesting and fun.” —Robin Harwell, MA, CCC-SLP

“Guac, the Avocado Bird presents an excellent opening for discussion of what it means to be different. Children will love the colorful characters and their fruity names.” —Polly VanAcker, Special Needs Teacher (Retired)

“I was thrilled to be able to review a truly exceptional book that, in addition to exquisite and engaging illustrations, beautifully illustrates how inclusivity at any age enriches all our lives! Julie Branch-Evans has created a visually stunning text that will be immediately accessible to not only your children, but to adults everywhere — especially those of us who live and work with family members. This should be required reading for all those seeking to enter the field of special needs teaching and care, and for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of how a truly inclusive society enriches all of us.” —Patricia Evans, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.A.N., F.A.A.P. and Director of the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Clinical Program