When the Little Tern Cannot Fly - A Modern Fable of Survival (Chinese-English Bilingual)

Author: Lisa Man dellosso (USA)
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-03-01
Features:
Synopsis The Little Tern has a small red beak and a wedge-shaped patch of white feathers on its forehead, perfectly matching its pair of slender, long wings and deeply forked tail. Its short legs and tiny feet give it a slim body, allowing it to perform various high-difficulty aerial maneuvers with ease, like a dazzling solo performance. Most of its time is spent in the sky, soaring or gliding over the oceans, rivers, and lakes, savoring infinite freedom. However, such a body type cannot stay on land for too long. In fact, it is just a fleeting visitor to the land; its true home is the sky above. But one day, the Little Tern suddenly discovers it has lost its ability to fly, and its life instantly becomes meaningless. It is abandoned by its companions on the desolate seashore, left alone in solitude. Can not flying mean it is no longer a bird? Loneliness and confusion are part of life; loss may be the beginning of a spark of hope! Faced with the unique challenge of life, the Little Tern embarks on a lonely inner journey. Finally, over the following days, the Little Tern stranded on the beach, inspired by its friends—the purple flowers and the small crabs—discovers something it had always ignored while flying: its shadow. Only when a bird lands can it realize its own shadow. Though colorless and seemingly meaningless, the shadow had never been noticed before, yet it reminds the Little Tern of the existence of things that are present yet invisible in life. Moreover, it discovers that the seemingly monotonous scenery on land actually holds rich colors. If a bird cannot see the true value and meaning of its feathers and wings, of course, it cannot fly. A bird should see the essence hidden beneath its wings in all things, so that it can soar freely on this planet. Life is like that of the Little Tern—everyone must face various trials. The unpredictability of life and its constant encounters constantly test us. What allows us to rise above setbacks and not fall into despair is a heart that is calm, strong, optimistic, and proactive. Everyone should have the same sunny disposition as the Little Tern, facing every day filled with hope.
Authentic recommendations from renowned writers: Lu Jiesheng, Haruki Murakami, and Kodo Kojima. Inspiring every heart in adversity!
U.S. Publishers Weekly hailed it as: A fresh gift for the soul, a book of hope in overcoming setbacks! A wonderfully moving book in every aspect! Not only is it beautifully illustrated but also an excellent gift book in all respects. It is the best hope book for us when we are in despair and frustration!
This book is dedicated to those who are troubled by their inability to fly and to friends who are confused by suddenly losing their flight. The small, flightless Little Tern, once harbored not a fire of aspiration or a will to strive within it, but a world filled with melancholy. This should be a story of a setback victor. -- Kodo Kojima (renowned Japanese writer, Japanese translator of When the Little Tern Can No Longer Fly)
I would like to give this profound little book to the most important friends in my life. -- Haruki Murakami (renowned Japanese writer)
The new generation of young Japanese people should learn from the Little Tern That Cannot Fly how to face life's setbacks.