Unfortunately the art was not fully visible in galley form, so I can't comment on that. What I can say is that it's a piece of historical fiction about the canaries of the Harz Mountains. A coal mine canary is taken by a dealer and sent to the U.S., eventually being bought by a family who takes good care of the bird. The text is gentle, as is the story, and to that extent, it's appropriate for early elementary school audiences. However, you have to be comfortable with the idea that being transported from dangerous captivity to comparatively safe captivity is a happy ending, and I'm not sure that I can endorse that. I am also a bit skeptical about the safety of the birds during transport, which was depicted as cozy and handled with care. Interesting back matter on the famed canaries of Harz Mountain, however.