Danna Southwell’s works
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Bertha the Ordinary Chicken Reviews:
Archway Publishing
book review by Joslyn Vann
"Bertha began each day by saying, 'I am different, but I am not ordinary.'"
Mrs. Hen excitedly welcomed her chicks into the world with names befitting their personalities and appearances. Expecting her firstborn to be a leader and protector, Mother Hen named him George after the nation's first president. Next came Charlotte, a prissy little hen intent on showing off her beautiful, fluffy white feathers. Third in line was a small, yellow chick named Jojo who energetically jumped and twirled around the nest. But Mother Hen's fourth and final chick was quiet and had no obvious beauty, talents, or distinctive personality traits. After much thought, Mrs. Hen lovingly named her last chick Bertha after a favorite aunt. George, Charlotte, and Jojo made fun of Bertha's name and excluded her from their activities, cruelly pecking at her and chasing her away. Saddened but not angry, Bertha grew to appreciate her black-and-white speckled feathers and loud, unique cackle. And one day, Bertha's distinctiveness transformed her into a heroine.
Southwell delivers a heart-warming children's tale reminiscent of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This story powerfully contrasts the cruelty and vanity of the popular with the quiet resilience of the rejected. Young readers will learn several important life lessons. Bertha refuses to reciprocate the abuse of her siblings or respond to their mistreatment with resentment. She also refuses to internalize their negativity. Instead, she chooses to see her differences as beautiful, and she begins each day with uplifting affirmations. This is a poignant example of maintaining a positive self-image despite others' derogatory opinions. In a striking twist of fate, the very trait the other chickens find most distasteful about Bertha is the distinct characteristic that allows her to save their lives. This is a wonderful reminder that differences should be celebrated. Well-written and beautifully illustrated, this children's story has a wealth of depth for readers of all ages.
About
Danna Southwell
Danna Southwell is a mother of six children and grandmother of 15 wonderful grandchildren who are her inspiration. She received her BA degree from Brigham Young University majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Music She taught school in Salt Lake City, Utah. She now resides in California with her husband Bill, a renowned physicist who has always given her ‘wings to fly’. She has had a successful piano studio for over 30 years and loves to teach, garden and quilt. She also raises chickens. She started her love of writing when her grandchildren would request stories, and honors their requests, including meaningful messages.
Danna also wrote a book “Evan the Prince of Southwell” which is under revision. Future works by Danna include two children’s stories, “Rupert the Rebellious Rooster” and “A Miracle for Agnes”.
