Adrift on a Painted Sea, by Tim Bird with paintings by Sue Bird, (Oct. 2024, Avery Hill Publishing), $18.99, ISBN: 9781910395820
Ages 16+
Sue Bird was an artist who “filled the house with her art”. Her son, Tim Bird, created this graphic memoir as a tribute to her. Told in flashbacks, Bird touches on his relationship with his mom and her art. Bird incorporates Sue Bird’s art, art research, and photos in his story, fitting his illustrations and narration around all of it with skill and feeling. Chapters are organized into weather reports and illustration, the titles framing the journey of Bird’s grief and loss. Bird fills this memoir with lessons learned, particularly around one of Sue’s paintings, ever-present in his home, whose origin may differ from the story he grew up hearing: “There are always mysteries – big or small – that go unanswered even when you think you know everything about someone”.
A warm, heartfelt piece on love and loss that works as a crossover graphic memoir for YA collections.
Mom Read It 