Opal’s Springtime Birdhouse Spiral-Bound | March 28, 2023

Emily Matheis, Albert Arrayás (Illustrated by)

★★★★☆+ from Up to 30 ratings

$23.99 - Free Shipping

A charming picture book tale that showcases how the rewards of our efforts can come from the most unexpected of places.

Bang! Whack! Whirr!

It’s time for a birdhouse-building contest!

Opal’s friends all have endless ideas on how to make their constructions stand out. There are bells, pom-poms, basketballs, and many more materials to use—and yet Opal still feels stuck.

Maybe a simple, sturdy piece wood…a few nails and screws will be just right. But when the judges don’t pick Opal’s birdhouse, she may still discover that her humble home is just right for someone else.

In this charming picture book tale, creators Emily Matheis and Albert Arrayásor showcase how the rewards of our efforts can come from the most unexpected of places.

Publisher: Ingram Publisher Services
Original Binding: Hardcover Picture Book
Pages: 32 pages
ISBN-10: 1953458483
Item Weight: 0.26 lbs
Dimensions: 8.2 x 0.1 x 10.6 inches
Customer Reviews: 4 out of 5 stars Up to 30 ratings

Opal is devastated when her house is not deemed “fun and creative” enough for first place but learns there are more important prizes to be won. –Foreword Reviews

This encouraging exploration of perseverance reveals that we all have plenty of imagination—and much to offer... Onomatopoeia relentlessly pursues some industrious campers as they strive to create the most imaginative birdhouse—ever...Matheis’ short, readable paragraphs follow Opal from the highs of expectation to the lows of defeat—and back up again to the satisfaction of having created a working birdhouse...Arrayás’ perky illustrations populate the story with a diverse cast of energetic characters. A short appendix features some bird habitats from around the world. —Kirkus Reviews

An excellent example of a picture book that is not only entertaining but also socially responsible and beautifully considered. –Children's Book Review


Emily Matheis' books offer the windows and mirrors we long for in our literary escapes. From her first page to the last, each book retains the reader within its captivating setting and enthralling characters. She is a two-time award-winning writer through the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators organization.