Nathaniel Lachenmeyer

An English-language ebook version of Broken Beaks is in the works. Please email me if you would like to be notified when it becomes available.

First published in Australia in 2003, my picture book Broken Beaks was inspired by my late father's struggles with homelessness and schizophrenia. Broken Beaks is illustrated by world-renowned Australian illustrator, Robert Ingpen, winner of the Hans Christian Anderson Medal. Broken Beaks was a 2006 Washington Post KidsPost Book of the Week. Broken Beaks is the winner of the prestigious Brazilian book award, the Monteiro Lobato Award. Broken Beaks has been translated into Portugese, Chinese, and Korean. The Brazilian government selected Broken Beaks to be distributed to Brazilian school libraries through Programa Nacional Biblioteca da Escola/2005. In 2008, The National Teachers Association in Taiwan distributed 3,000 copies of the Chinese-language edition of Broken Beaks to Taiwan's schools and libraries. Unfortunately, Broken Beaks has never been published in the United States, and the Australian edition is now out of print. 

Reviews of Broken Beaks:

"This short story, beautifully illustrated by Robert Ingpen, takes minutes to read. But its powerful message about people who are homeless and mentally ill -- or those who are simply different -- will linger with you for a long time."

--Washington Post, KidsPost Book of the Week

 "Masterfully written and tenderly illustrated, this exceptional children's picture book conveys important messages on several levels that everyone, young and old, should read time and time again."

--Kendal Rautzhan, nationally syndicated columnist, "Books To Borrow, Books to Buy"

"Enchanting, moving, and beautifully written. Broken Beaks is a brilliant way to help young children begin to understand the tragedy of the homeless."

--Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE; Founder the Jane Goodall Institute; UN Messenger of Peace