The Dinkey Bird by Eugene Field
The poem tells the story of a small bird that lives in a nest on a windowsill. The bird's mother has gone out to find food, leaving the bird alone and frightened by the sounds it hears outside. As the wind blows, the nest sways back and forth, adding to the bird's fear. Just as the bird is about to fall out of the nest, its mother returns with food, saving her young.
By Eugene Field · First published 1894 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry · 422 words
First lines
In an ocean, 'way out yonder (As all sapient people know), Is the land of Wonder-Wander, Whither children love to go; It's their playing, romping, swinging, That give great joy to me While the Dinkey-Bird goes singing In the amfalula tree!
There the gum-drops grow like cherries, And taffy's thick as peas -- Caramels you pick like berries When, and where, and how you please; Big red sugar-plums are clinging To the cliffs beside that sea Where the Dinkey-Bird is singing In the amfalula tree.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dinkey Bird is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1894 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry, Adventure, Nostalgia
- Length: 422 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Dinkey Bird by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Dinkey Bird?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Children's Literature — The poem is designed to entertain and engage children with whimsical imagery and playful themes.
- Fantasy — The setting includes a fantastical land with magical elements like gum-drops and a singing bird, appealing to the imagination.
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, utilizing rhyme and rhythm characteristic of poetry.
- Adventure — The exploration of a magical land and the joyous activities of children suggest themes of adventure and discovery.
Tags
Children's literature · Poetry · Whimsical · Fantasy · Imagination · Birds · Nature · Youthful · Innocence · Playfulness · Humor · Lighthearted