Clara and the Birds

A shy young girl who usually strays from the flock discovers her own inner strength in author-illustrator Emma Simpson's Clara and the Birds.   For as long as she can remember, Clara has always been fascinated with birds-where they go, how they take flight, and the way they immediately fly away from her when she comes into contact with them. Like the birds she so admires, Clara is considered shy by those around her. She too feels the urge to flee the company of others, preferring the comforting bubble of solitude instead.   Convinced that her desire to be alone is a weakness, she fails to find her voice or recognize her own inner strength. That is, until she has a chance encounter with a bird who doesn't immediately fly away . . .