The Language of Birds by Rafe Martin illustrated by Susan Gaber*

My favorite podcast is Read Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie.  The other day I listened to an older podcast (#10) with Heidi Scovel.  I checked out Heidi's blog, Mt. Hope Academy, and found a plethora of interesting books.  The Language of Birds was one she recommended. 
It was very well received by both my boys!
A wealthy merchant gives his two sons ten coins and encourages them to go out into the world and try make a profit from them.  Vasilii, the oldest son, spends his coins foolishly on pleasure while Ivan spends the week with birds, learning their language.  He does not spend any of his coins.  When the sons return to their father, Vasilii lies and says he used his money to forge friendships with important individuals.  Both Vasilii and the father look upon Ivan with scorn when he shares how he spent the week.  When Ivan reveals what a wren is chirping at that moment, they erupt in anger, for the wren was prophesying that Ivan would be a prince, and the father and brother would serve him.
A very engaging, well written story.
I wish more picture books like this one were published now . . .without an agenda-just a solid, well written story.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.