I am an Ostrich

Under a high African sun, a calm gray-brown ostrich settles into her sandy bowl of a nest. Heat shimmers, a jackal prowls, and dusk nears before her mate returns for the night shift. Told in a gentle first-person voice, I Am an Ostrich: Keeper of the Day Nest follows her steady courage from quiet morning work to evening relief.

Young readers learn true ostrich care as the Day-Keeper Hen opens her soft wings to make shade, turns each egg so warmth spreads evenly, scans for danger, and, when needed, rushes to defend the nest. They'll discover why females guard by day and males by night, how feather colors help them blend in, and how strong legs and keen eyes keep the clutch safe-science carried by story, never rushed.

Mei, a child in a yellow hat and paper wing-cape, mirrors the ostrich's patience through safe, playful scenes that invite empathy and movement. Back matter offers a clear fact page on habitat, size, speed, nesting, eggs, and myths that aren't true. Part of the I Am a Wild Bird series by Kimberlee Everson, this warm read-aloud for ages 5-10 celebrates wonder, nature, and the quiet work of caring for new life.