The Flock We Found Read by Mary Reaves Uhles

Why It Matters

The story provides a gentle framework for discussing parental absence and resilience, giving caregivers concrete guidance to support children facing mental‑health or addiction‑related challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Baby Bird seeks Papa’s approval through field‑day achievements.
• Mama and neighbors teach skills, fostering a supportive found family.
• Papa’s absence remains unchanged despite Baby Bird’s successes.
• Story highlights coping with parental mental‑health or addiction challenges.
• Resources at book’s end guide caregivers in discussing difficult topics.

Summary

The Flock We Found, published by APA’s Magination Press and read by author‑illustrator Mary Reaves Uhles, is a picture‑book that follows Baby Bird’s quest for his absent father’s approval.

Through a field‑day competition, Baby Bird tries to win prizes—best nest, fastest worm catcher, highest flyer—believing each triumph will make Papa Bird return happy. Mama Bird and neighboring wren and chickadee step in, teaching him nest‑building, worm‑hunting, and high‑flying techniques.

When the day arrives, Baby Bird excels, yet Papa Bird never appears. Mama Bird comforts him, saying, “Sometimes I’m angry and disappointed too, but your flight was amazing,” and points to the “flock we found” surrounding them.

The narrative frames parental absence—whether due to mental‑health issues, substance abuse, or addiction—as a catalyst for a chosen family. The book’s back‑matter offers caregiver notes, making it a practical tool for parents, educators, and therapists addressing trauma with young readers.

Original Description

In The Flock We Found, Baby Bird lives with Mama Bird, Papa Bird, and a lot of worry. Sometimes Papa Bird comes home too loud, too quiet, or just... different. Baby Bird believes that if he wins the tree's field day games, Papa will come home happy. But when things don't go as planned, Baby Bird feels crushed—until his neighbors and Mama help him see that love and support can come from unexpected places. Learn more https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/flock-we-found

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