The Sparrow Who Fell to the Ground / Anthony DeStefano

A little bird with a broken wing. A storm-swept valley. A journey of courage.

This unforgettable, heartwarming adventure from bestselling author Anthony DeStefano features a tiny sparrow born in the “Valley of Tears” — a place where light and darkness, joy and hardship exist side by side. Afraid to fly because of his damaged wing, he watches the world from below, longing for the sky but fearing the inevitable fall. Yet one day, despite his fears, he spreads his wings and takes flight — setting off on a journey that will change him forever.

At first glance, this is a delightful and humorous children’s tale. But beneath the surface, it is much more. Inspired by the Gospel of Matthew, this book — magnificently illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey — echoes the great themes of classic literature: perseverance through suffering, the paradox of strength in weakness, and the universal longing for redemption.

In this stirring story, the little sparrow struggles, stumbles, and falls before he can soar. His falls are not failures but necessary steps along the path to victory — just as, in life, the road to growth, sanctity, and even Heaven itself requires first confronting our own brokenness.

And this is the great truth at the heart of this book: like the sparrow, we are all born wounded. Just as gravity pulls him down, so too are we drawn toward failure, fear, and hopelessness. Yet the sparrow’s story reminds us that grace is always at work — even in our falls and despite our weaknesses. But through perseverance and trust, we can always rise from the ashes.

With its engaging pace, profound message, and combination of humor and thrilling moments, The Sparrow Who Fell to the Ground is destined to become a modern classic — one that children will love, parents will cherish, and readers of all ages will never forget.