Mockingbird, Is That You?

About the Book

Marguerite Tiggs Birt, author of this real-life narrative, set in Savannah, GA, during her younger years;(1939-1958) begins the story when she is six. The title, Mockingbird, Is That You? piques reader’s interest to discover whether someone is talking to a person or to a mockingbird. Cousin Bob and Cousin Liz are Marguerite's favorite cousins because she writes ‘they always do things with me.' With an interesting story and poignant illustrations by noted artist, Peggy Blood, PhD. The author and artist provide images that nurture imagination as readers are taken to bygone times and places. This book is a must-read for 8-13-year-old readers! Some of the author's memories are about her 'nickname', and that scenic cruise on Captain Sam's boat to Daufuski Island, SC, and while there eating foods prepared by eighth generation 'Gullah-speaking' descendants of Yoruba People. She remembers walking with Cousin Liz in her garden while she cuts roses and honeysuckles for Marguerite's mother. Some children in nuclear families may lack such family relationships because their grandparents, aunts, or cousins live far away. Through engaging language and vivid imagery, the author brings young readers along to share in her experiences. This non-fiction story is cathartic and entertaining. As time pass Cousin Bob's life-altering episode occurs and the story becomes somber. Maximum reader interest continues as he responds to crises with dignity.

About the Author

For over forty years the author enjoyed teaching and learning as an early childhood educator in NJ, NY, CT, and GA. Higher education experience include assistant professor: Farmingdale College of Technology Farmingdale, NY; York College Jamaica, NY; adjunct professor; Queens College Flushing, NY; Armstrong Atlantic State University Savannah, GA.

Significant professional accomplishments:

Presenter: International Conference of Black Social Workers, Cairo, Egypt; Panelist: People to People Delegate US/China International Early Childhood Conference, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; Participant: Savannah State University International Study Program Ghana, West Africa

Awards:

American Association of University Women,  Action-research Fellowship, East-West Center for Asian Studies, Hawaii; National Peace Corp Global Teacher of the Year; International Reading Association Conference (Small Interest Group). Las Vegas; Georgia Fulbright-Hayes Scholar Armstrong Atlantic State University International Education Program  Johannesburg, South Africa

Publications:

 Effects of Transciency Upon the Development of Elementary School Pupils (1987)

Perfect Connections: Memoir of an A.M.E. Minister's Wife (2003)

Foolish Pleasures (2006)

Mockingbird, Is That You? is the author's first book for young readers.

Education:

Certificate: Institute of Children's Literature West Redding, CT                                               

Ed.D. Early Childhood Education Rutgers The State University

M.A. Early Childhood Education Teachers College Columbia University

B.S. Child Development Savannah State University

Marguerite relocated to Savannah, GA.