King of the Birds

William Blackburn is a professor of English at the University of
Calgary.

In this clever retelling of an ancient legend from northern Europe
(particularly drawing on the Irish version), o huigin’s supple verse
is beautifully complemented by Dixon’s wonderful illustrations.

Unable to agree on who should be king, the birds settle on a sort of
trial by ordeal: that bird who can fly the highest shall be their
monarch. The eagle is the apparent winner. But a tiny wren, who rode on
the eagle’s back—and so was able to fly even higher—claims the
victory is his. Binny the Giant is asked to settle the dispute. He
decides that the wren is the de jure winner, and shall rule in name. But
since his method, though clever, was also underhanded and showed little
regard for the feelings of others, the eagle is to wield actual regal
power—provided he undertakes to protect the other birds (including the
clever but miniscule wren).

Like Keats, o huigin clearly understands that we reject all poetry
that has a design upon us—and King of the Birds is more than just “a
guide to conflict-resolution” for the schoolyard set. As a deft
parable about intelligence, ambition, power, and responsibility, it
deserves the favor it will undoubtedly find with children and adults
alike.