One Lone Swallow by Corinne Fenton illustrated by Owen Swan

This book is set in Florence, Italy and when you read this post I will be there! I am penning a series of posts for my blog ahead of time because it might be difficult to access a computer.

This is the story of a swallow who sets off across the city to find her mate. She has to leave her babies back in the nest and so there is a huge urgency to her quest. 

There are wonderful words in this book - lingered, ruffled, flimsy cobwebs, and silvery beams. And some beautiful phrases - writing music with her wings; beyond the charcoal edges of the ancient city; (the) blue velvet night draped whispers over the timeless city.

The swallow soars across 1805 Florence and we see cityscapes from all angles depicted by Owen Swan in soft shades of purple, tan pale blue and grey. Her mate is eventually found but he is tangled in shoemakers' twine. The female struggles to release him and at that moment a huge rat arrives - a moment of extreme danger.

This book would be so perfect when you talk about narrative arc - you could draw a graph of the way the story moves through low and high points before reaching that all important happy reunion and ending. Prescribed writing programs for children (I am not really a fan) use the term tightening tension. 

I also love the way the opening words are written in glorious sweeping calligraphy.  

Corinne’s text gently reveals the mother’s plight, with enough suspense to keep little minds guessing as to what might transpire for the lone swallow and her family. From piazzas and cathedrals to the foot of Michelangelo’s statue of David, the illustrations are rich with history, and Owen Swan gives a subdued colour palette life, placing the reader firmly in the landscape of Florence with an aerial view of the enchanting city at dusk. Reading Time

The angle of the city buildings and structures are brilliantly illustrated showing Italy 200 years ago.  The style is muted and dusky, showing iconic Italian landmarks from a birds-eye point of view, including the statue of Michelangelo’s David, as an integral aspect of the story. The book has a gentle and flowing rhythm that lends itself to a perfect bedtime read. Story Links

But it is not the courage and determination of the swallow in her mission that is the hallmark of this story, but the beautiful, lyrical description of her journey accompanied by the exquisite, soft illustrations that are the perfect match. The Bottom Shelf

Here is an interview with the author Corinne Fenton about her book. You can find other books by Corinne Fenton on her webpage. Pegi Williams page has a copy of the Teachers Notes, which were originally available on the publisher web site, for this book.