What's Everybuggy Reading: Ophelia
Days of the Blackbird
by Tomie dePaolo
Scholastic, 1997
Did you know that in Italy, the last three days of January are the coldest days of the year? According to legend, the weather is so freezing that the white doves have to hide in chimneys to stay warm. When they come out, they’re as black as soot! Because of this, the Italians call these days Le Giornate della Merla, or the Days of the Blackbird.
I’ve traveled all over the world, but no matter where I am, there’s something about the month of January that makes me want to stay inside and read. In this story, a kind-hearted Duke loves to sit in his garden and listen to i concerti, the beautiful singing of the birds. One freezing winter, the Duke falls extremely ill. His loving daughter tries to help, but she knows that the only things that will cure him are the birdsongs he loves so dearly. But how will she keep the birds from flying away for the winter?
This story is full of Italian words and phrases, and it makes me want to visit Italy—once the Days of the Blackbird are over, of course!
Stay toasty-warm,
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