In this children's book about embracing life's unexpected changes, a father and daughter bond, deal with life lessons, and learn that to care is to protect-but to love is to let go.

"Charming and poetic, this story of love and freedom will help young readers understand what growing up is all about." -Sandra Percy, secondary history and geography teacher at Rochambeau, The French International School in D.C.

A little girl spent months begging her dad for a pet. She is overjoyed when she gets two beautiful and colorful birds!

She cares for her little birds as if they were her babies. She sings to them and loves them dearly.

One day, the birds unexpectedly pass away. The little girl is overwhelmed with pet loss grief when she gets a surprise visitor-a bluebird flies into their home!

The little girl is so happy about her new friend. She wants to keep him close to her—but the bluebird was born to fly and is unhappy in his cage. Will she discover that the joy of living is found in freedom?

More than just a children's book, this multi-dimensional story includes:

• Original music in a fun twist on the "turn the page" style of kid lit.
• Bilingual text and lyrics introducing early readers to accessible French through storytelling and song.
• Pet loss for children that doesn't focus on grief, but the sad sweetness of learning to let go.

This one-of-a-kind book brings different scenes and emotions from the book to life with QR codes linked to original songs in both English and French. Bring French language learning for kids to a whole new level with easy-to-learn French lyrics and music inspired by French electro-pop.

With songs like "Hold On," "So Bright to Me," and "Run Around Happy," this book shares the uplifting message that life can seem unfair at times—but after the storm comes beautiful rainbows.

"Through the intimate relationship between a father and his daughter, we know how important the role of a pet becomes in the life of our children, and how it serves as a tool to transmit values as necessary as respect, love, kindness, and freedom." -Isabel Bedoya, Spanish teacher at Rochambeau, The French International School in D.C.

ANNE-SOPHIE JEANTY is a singer-songwriter, and co-author of Daddy Can We Keep the Little Bird? Based on her very own experience as an only child, the book tells the story of the longing of a child to have a pet. Written in three languages, Daddy Can We Keep the Little Bird? speaks volumes about her upbringing in a multicultural environment, particularly at Rochambeau, the French International School in Washington DC. Aside from school, Anne-Sophie spends her time writing songs, nourishing her interest in psychology/psychiatry, and listening to a variety of music. She is fluent in French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Anne-Sophie is currently a student at George Washington University.

PATRICK JEANTY believes being a dad is an unwavering, self-sacrificing, unconditional love and commitment to your child. On his desk is a plaque from his own father, which reads, "...A DAD is loved because he gives his children the one thing they treasure most - himself." (Roy Lessin). Though he would not consider himself a painter, Patrick would participate in creative activities with his daughter, such as painting and songwriting. Inspired by her, he also rekindled his passion for the Spanish language. Daddy, Can We Keep The Little Bird? arose from his creative father-daughter bond with Anne-Sophie. Patrick hopes the father in the book portrays some of the values of what it means to be a caring and loving dad.

"Charming and poetic, this story of love and freedom will help young readers understand what growing up is all about."   –Sandra Percy, secondary history and geography teacher at Rochambeau, The French International School in D.C.

"An original story filled with sensibility and emotion. Through the intimate relationship between a father and his daughter, we know how important the role of a pet becomes in the life of our children, and how it serves as a tool to transmit values as necessary as respect, love, kindness, and freedom. A highly recommended reading that provokes an attentive, naïve, and curious gaze in the little ones at home."   –Isabel Bedoya, Spanish teacher at Rochambeau, The French International School in D.C.

"A hymn to freedom. A uniquely talented author, songwriter, and performer, Anne-Sophie Jeanty created beautiful songs and melodies to accompany this text of great beauty."   –Philippe Vanhille, secondary director at Rochambeau, The French International School in D.C.

"A moving story told in simple words, combining tenderness and poetry. The illustrations and songs that accompany the text make this a charming book to add to your library."   –Marie Comninos, elementary school teacher at Rochambeau, The French International School in D.C.