• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: k to 2

A young bird with a flair for discovery and invention learns self-acceptance one blue-footed step at a time.

Benjamin the blue-footed booby is coming of age in his flock’s world of flying, diving, swimming, and fishing. But he already has a unique gift: treasure-hunting. One day, after finding a mirror, Benjamin becomes convinced that his beak is too long, his wings are too wide, and his feet are too big and blue. He decides to use his treasures to change himself.

But without his beak, wings, and feet, is he even a blue-footed booby anymore?

Illustrated with Sue Macartney’s lively, light graphic art style, Benjamin’s Blue Feet is a playful, jovial picture book about self-image and self-worth. Packed with humor and heart, it is sure to become a new storytime favorite.

Sue Macartney's creative style as an author-illustrator has been shaped by life on four continents and work as a graphic designer and children's art educator. Her first picture book is Benjamin's Blue Feet. She has a deep love of nature and lives in Victoria, British Columbia with her husband and a backyard full of birds.

Sue Macartney's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens selection

Praise for Benjamin's Blue Feet

2020 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens selection

2022 SCBWI Recommended Reading List feature

“A bird learns self-acceptance in this tale with a concealed environmental message.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Benjamin’s Blue Feet is a cute read with some great themes. This book would be great to begin some discussions about body image, self-acceptance, and environmentalism.”—YA Books Central

“The drawings, done in pen, ink and digital media, are playful, action-packed and sparkle with humor. The author has included ‘A note about Trash in the Ocean’ which could lead into an important discussion with even the youngest reader....Highly Recommended.”—CM Magazine

“A sweet story about self-acceptance with a light and humorous feel, as well as science undertones....Read-alike with A House for Hermit Crab (Carle).”—Youth Services Book Review

“[A] nice picture book with a simple – and important – message about self image. The author has also included 'A Note about Trash in the Ocean' asking young readers to help reduce waste and help protect wildlife.”—Metroland

“Sue Macartney tackles a lot of big issues in Benjamin’s Blue Feet while maintaining a sweet story about a curious bird who finds novelty in junk....Benjamin may be surreal as a blue-footed booby who talks and can manipulate man-made junk, but the problem of ocean garbage and negative body image are not. They are dangerous challenges to our world and ourselves and teaching young children about them via an amiable bird reflects well on Sue Macartney and Benjamin both.”—CanLit for LittleCanadians

“This book is a joy to read! Self-reflection and self-worth are two crucial skills to have at any age. In the classroom, I would use this book to help my students understand what traits help make them uniquely wonderful. Good self-esteem (a good reflection), will always help you appreciate your self-worth. The book is also notable in that it helps children understand the effects of littering; another lesson in itself for young readers.”—Mr. Alex’s Bookshelf

“I really loved the inside cover with the Galapagos creatures inside and the note at the end about waste in the oceans…the overall message of finding what you are good at and embracing being different is just perfect. I love that message.”—Mrs. Book Dragon

“I liked this book for the story and the pictures, and I think that any kid will enjoy it.”—Lydia, Age 6, Kids’ BookBuzz