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Swedish Writer (lives in Germany) and Illustrator

Ole Könnecke

You Can Do It, Bert!

Gecko Press NZ 2014 $19.99pb 206pp

ISBN 978 1 9272 7143 8

Themes: Bravery/ Courage/ Risk Taking

Bert, a young, tan coloured bird of unidentifiable breed is about to take a plunge into the unknown from the very spindly branch of a high, high up tree. It takes several attempts before he makes it but encouraged by the positive shouts and remarks from his friends down below he finally and boldly JUMPS. Is he flying?  So much can be read into this seemingly simple story told with a subtle sense of humour. The more you look at it the more applications to everyday life and experiences you will find. Teachers Notes are available (and helpful). Google You Can do It Bert Teachers Notes. Also Google the writer’s name for details of his other books many of which will already be familiar to you. Remember Anton?

Preschool up/ Age 4 up (useful too in secondary collections).