A Cage Went in Search of a Bird

Is there someone out there for everyone? Two lonely souls find each other in this unusual tale of friendship and belonging from award-winning comic writer Cary Fagan. In her North American debut, illustrator Banafsheh Erfanian brings ornate artistry to the cage and birds that inhabit this surprisingly human story.

A long-empty birdcage takes a chance and leaves behind its attic home to find a bird to keep. Out in the world, the cage encounters many birds and offers shelter to each of them. One by one, they refuse, explaining why they belong elsewhere. The cage feels lonelier than ever – until the cage in search of a bird finds a bird in search of a cage.

Based on an aphorism by Franz Kafka, Fagan’s original story will make readers laugh at its absurdity and ponder its meaning long after they finish reading.

Cary Fagan is an award-winning author of books for children and adults. Among his books are I Wish I could Draw, Danny Who Fell in a Hole and Oy, Feh, So?. In 2014 he won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People. He has also won the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and the IODE Jean Throop Book Award. His picture book Mr. Zinger’s Hat was selected for the 2015 TD Grade One Book Giveaway. His books have been translated into nine languages. Cary lives with his family in Toronto.

Banafsheh Erfanian was born in Tehran, Iran. She graduated from Tehran University of Art with a bachelor in graphic design and a master’s in illustration. Banafsheh has illustrated more than twenty books and magazines, and written more than twenty-five articles in art reviews. She has exhibited her work in Iran, Italy, US, Canada, Moscow, Japan and Belgrade. She has won prizes such as the 1st prize of the Second Festival of Text Books Illustration, Iran, and the encouragement prize of the 15th Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustration, Japan. She teaches painting and illustration in Iran and Canada.