New and recommended books for children.

Tweet Maurice Gleitzman

This is a truly unique story told from the perspectives of Clyde, a budgie who is learning to become human, and his eleven-year-old owner, Jay.

Jay is staying with his grandfather while his bird scientist parents are away on an exploration trip to Africa. However, when his Poppa falls ill and his parents do not return as expected, Jay finds himself on a mission to find them. He is pursued by a worried Clyde who has previously only ever flown across the lounge but now must conquer oceans.

The special bond between these two strengthens as the story progresses and they are eventually able to 'send' messages to each other by means of bird telepathy.

Meanwhile birds are gathering in great numbers throughout the world in an attempt to get the attention of humankind. They appear to be staging a silent protest, but will their message be understood and accepted or is a violent human reprisal inevitable? Clyde and Jay might be the only ones who are able to bridge the gap between the species and communicate to the world the urgent environmental message from the birds.

This is not a fast-paced story but it does keep the reader engaged. Recommended for children around 10 years.

I Really, Really Don’t Like Parties Angie Morgan

A perfect picture book for young children who prefer quieter activities. Dora is invited to a party but really does not want to go as her previous experiences have not been good. In her opinion they are far too loud. However, encouraged by her mother, she does go and finds that there are others who also enjoy less noise. She realises that she can enjoy parties in her own quietly relaxed way. This colourful, fun book reassures children that it is okay to be different.