The Swallow who Stayed by Philip Giordano translated by Arielle Aaronson

Welcome proof that seasons may come and go, but friendship is forever. Kirkus

Opening sentences. "Every spring Iris returned to the forest where she was born. She was always the first to arrive, appearing suddenly over the tops of the cherry trees."

The seasons change and it time for the swallows to fly south but Iris is worried. 

"What happens to the forest when we leave?"

The other birds fly away but for the first time Iris sees the autumn colours of red and yellow. The oldest swallow has gifted her an acorn necklace for good luck. Winter arrives:

"Now the forest seemed to be sleeping. Iris flew through the silent skies, and it felt like she was the only bird in the world."

It is so cold. Iris lies down in the snow but someone has seen the sparkling acorn - a squirrel named Sam. He gives her a warm home and comfort during the long nights - he even reads to her from his big book. The final sentence of this book will warm your heart. 

This is a book I would share with very young children but also right up to age 9. Highly recommended.

The Swallow who Stayed was originally published in French with the title L'hirondelle qui voulait voir l'hiver.

If you work with older students even at a university level this book is a perfect one to use as an example of fabulous book design and visual literacy. It also has perfect text placement and page turns. You can see more art from this book on the Canadian publisher page.

Here are some other books about bird migration that I highly recommend:

Lucy Goosey

Is this Panama?

Philip Giordano is an Italian illustrator born in a small coastal town in Liguria, of Philippine and Swiss descent. He attended the Brera Fine Arts Academy in Milan, the IED (European Institute of Design) and subsequently gained a Masters in Animation Techniques in Turin. He now lives in Japan. You can see pages from his book I Ate Sunshine for Breakfast here.

My friend spied this book The Swallow who Stayed in a bookstore in Canada - Tanner's Books. We were both very restricted with our luggage and so had to limit our purchases of picture books, especially hardcover ones. This is one of the three books my friend decided to buy and bring home. Here in Australia this book is over AUS$35 while in Canada it was CAN$24.

A modern fable about an iconoclastic swallow who decides to stay. YS Book Reviews

The Swallow who Stayed is not a Canadian picture book (although the English edition is from a Canadian publisher), but it was the editor of this book that caught our eye - Kallie George. Here are some other books by Kallie George:

Find all my blog posts about Kallie George's books here

Cyril and Pat by Emily Gravett

Cheeky yet sincere. Kirkus

Cyril thought he was living alone in the park until the day he met Pat. Pat is grey and Cyril is sure Pat is another squirrel but is he? Other park dwellers can see the 'truth' but Cyril can only see a friend! Until the day someone blurts out the word rat. Does this mean the end of their friendship?

A colourful, rhyming story about friendship against the odds which is enhanced by illustrations that are witty, detailed, expressive and atmospheric. Funny and endearing, Cyril’s experience celebrates independent thought and the joy of difference. Book Trust

The really lucky thing about a charity bookfair is when people clear out their bookshelves and donate brand new books. Yes Cyril and Pat was published in 2018 but I would guess this book was only read once or twice in a family. It was purchased from a local bookstore in July 2018. I picked this book up partly because I really like books by Emily Gravett but also because this book (only AUS$4) had an intact dust jacket and the copy is in mint condition. The case reveal is wonderful (that's the surprise you find under the dust jacket) and here it is:

A fun topic to explore with your library group or class could be 'unlikely friends'. If you click the label on this post you will find more books on this theme. I especially love the two Bear and Chook books. And another book series featuring a squirrel are the books by Smriti Halls.

Emily Gravett won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2005 for her debut book Wolves and then again in 2008 for Little Mouse's book of Fears.

Kirkus Star review

Kirkus Star review

I recently read this wonderful book for readers aged 10+:

Vicky and June: Friends at Play

This 64- page, early chapter book, shares five short stories

about these two friends. Short sentence structure,

repetitive elements, and accessible vocabulary

make this book a wonderful choice for

​kids learning to read on their very own. Patricia Toht

Yes this book does have short sentences, accessible vocabulary etc but forget about that - it is not a reader - this book is a real story that young, newly independent readers are sure to enjoy and laugh over and perhaps even relate to as these unlikely friends - hedgehog (June) and squirrel (Vicky) discover that it is okay to like different things - blue or red, cake or biscuits, reading or playing, and follow the leader or hide and seek. Going back to those colour differences - wait a minute red and blue make purple - that's a great colour too!

You may know that I am always on the look out for junior or beginner or easy chapter books with satisfying stories and hopefully full colour illustrations. The Vicky and June series fit these criteria. Yes, these books are a little expensive here in Australia (AUS$18) but if you can find the money I highly recommend you consider adding these to your library.

Bookseller blurb: Join Vicky and June - the very best of friends - as they play, chat and laugh together in this first book in a charming new chapter book series from beloved author Patricia Toht. Vicky the squirrel likes games that are loud and fast, like follow the leader (and she's always the leader). June the hedgehog prefers to read, or play quiet games like hide and seek. But Vicky thinks June is a little too good at hiding! Vicky and June like different things, but they are best friends, and best friends can always find something they both enjoy. ... Vicky and June's beautifully illustrated adventures are full of warmth, humour and sweet, treasured moments. Join these best friends as they explore their cosy woodland world across four charming chapters in the first book in this brand-new series. Perfect to read aloud together, or for children who are just starting to read by themselves.

The second book in this series is coming soon:

Too many Carrots by Katy Hudson

Rabbit loves carrots. He loves them so much that his whole burrow is full of carrots, and there's no room for him to sleep there anymore. What will he do? Rabbit has lots of friends, and they keep offering him a place to stay - but every time, Rabbit brings his carrots with him. Now there's no room at anyone's house! Finally, Rabbit finds the solution and realises that sharing with friends is more important than hoarding things. Book Trust

Two of my favourite things to do are 1. Visit a Lifeline Bookfair and 2. Visit with my friend from Kinderbookswitheverything.  She spied this book and knew I was making a collection of picture books for a country Preschool.

I hope the preschool staff linger over the title page double spread - it is filled with fun - Keep Calm and Carrot On; To do eat carrots, plant carrots, collect carrots, eat carrots; and on the bookshelf Carrot Poetry, Carrot Desserts, Carrot Diaries and 'An ode to the Carrot'. And on a different shelf I spied the classic story 'War and Carrot'. 

The story here is a familiar one. Rabbit's house is too crowded - it is filled with carrots. His friends offer to share their homes but each one of these ends in disaster. Rabbit needs to 'learn a lesson' about sharing and friendship. There would be plenty to talk about at the end of this book and then everyone could munch on a carrot!

Barnaby Unboxed! by The Fan Brothers

We all wanted Barnaby to go on a hero’s journey: facing disillusionment, obstacles, and various ordeals, but in the end coming back to his home, 

transformed for the better by his experiences. Fan Brothers

Barnaby is half mouse, half elephant with a dash of flamingo. He has been living in a box on the shelf of a toy shop. His box says he is a perfect pet and fully trained. There are so many perfect pet boxes to choose from. It seems no one is noticing that he is perfect until one day a young girl arrives. Barnaby becomes her very special friend. They do everything together. Best of all they enjoy watching the television series 'Barnaby and Friends'. Sadly though, it is this show that leads to a devastating change. The Perfect Pet company release a new Rainbow Barnaby. 

"The next day, the little girl asked her father if she could have a Rainbow Barnaby."

"The answer was no. Barnaby felt a wave of relief wash over him. But after that, the girl no longer played with him quite as often as she used to ..."

Do you recognise this plot idea - I love you Blue Kangaroo; Ducky's Nest; Arnold, the Prickly Teddy; The Sea Saw; and Finding Monkey Moon.

The little girl no longer takes Barnaby for walks. And one day her father fails to notice that Barnaby is left behind. It is raining and dark and Barnaby is lost. Will he ever find his way back home? And after weeks outside in the rain and dirt will the little girl even recognise him? Is there someone who can help him? 

I have read this book many, many times and the warm happy ending still makes me so emotional. 

Joy, despair, reunion, community—delightfully, all here. Kirkus

Barnaby Unboxed is a simple story, with universal themes, and it is told beautifully. The possibility of interesting and important conversations about exploitation would be a bonus. Just Imagine

There are some valuable themes of found family, what home means, self-worth and finding (and appreciating) what we have. It's a profound little book, and told in age appropriate language, all accompanied by luminous impressionist inspired artwork throughout. Nonstop Reader

It will be exciting to show this book to a group of Teacher-Librarians at a conference next month. The case reveal (pulling off the dust jacket to reveal the image underneath) is a spectacular surprise. And then I can show the brilliant end papers. (You can see these parts of this book here). School libraries here in Australia have very limited budgets but these two books should be added to every collection - yes they are that special! See inside Barnaby Unboxed here. Check out all the books by The Fan Brothers - I have talked about nearly all of them here on this blog. Here is a generous interview between The Fan Brothers and Betsy Bird. 

I previously talked about The Barnabas Project which is the companion volume to Barnaby Unboxed. 

The Barnabus Project

Barnaby Unboxed might make you think of Toy Story. Older readers should look for this middle grade series:

They threw us away

And this powerful book too:

Ollie's Odyssey

Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire by LM Wilkinson illustrated by Lavanya Naidu

Bookseller blurb: Titch and Huckleberry are on an epic quest. They have followed their hearts ... right into the path of a terrifying swamp monster, and a village full of brainwashed squirrels! Maybe their hearts aren't to be trusted? Maybe Titch is just an ordinary little mouse and not Bravepaw after all ...? But Bravepaw or not, Titch is not about to give up. Can she defeat the greedy turtle controlling the squirrels, and discover what his glowing green gem has to do with the legend of Bravepaw and her quest to save Alluria?

This is the swamp monster called a Bogbungler

It is wonderful scene when this slimy loathsome creature is defeated 

by Titch, Huckleberry and their new brave friend, a squirrel named Briar.

Image source: Instagram Lavanya Naidu

This book opens with the prophecy that you might remember from book one:

When the sky fills with shadows

And all is turned to grey

Bravepaw will come.

When hope turns to ashes

And all have lost their way

Bravepaw will come.

The Heart will light the dark

Night will turn to day

When Bravepaw comes.

Titch and Huckleberry have set out on their journey. They find themselves lost in a swampy area. Luckily a new friend named Briar arrives to help them but she then shows them something terrible. This area is a terrific place to find mulberries but somehow all the local squirrels have been enslaved by an evil turtle named Muskeg. Muskeg has a gem around his neck and this seems to be where is power comes from. Titch realised this is connect with the dreadful curseworms you might remember from the first book. At this point I need to stop and say you do need to read Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria in order to make sense of this second installment. So once again Titch and her friends have to defeat several enemies and then find a way to continue their journey and fulfil the prophecy. 

Last night I re-entered the world of Bravepaw and the heroes Titch, Huckleberry and little Dollop. This is the second book in the series but so far I cannot find out how many more are planned. We discover in this second instalment that Titch and her team have to find all the 'Gems of Harmony'.  In this book they have found and restored the Clawstone. We also know they now have to go to the library city of Lexhelm where they will find clues about the other missing gems. So the way is open now for book three!

I was so disappointed Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria did not make the 2025 CBCA Younger Readers Notable list but now it is even more important that you don't lose sight of this series. They should be added to your school library - a great quest, terrific writing, memorable characters, inviting covers, Australian, and perfect for junior readers aged 7+. 

Titch, Huckleberry and Briar are some of my favourite characters in contemporary children’s literature, and a series like this shows that children’s books can be timeless, they can be the kind of book that doesn’t attach themselves to a specific time or era. These can be very powerful, because rather than connecting with readers through a time, place, or items they can recognise, they use themes and what makes us who we are to connect us with the story and the characters.  The Book Muse

Better Reading list three reasons to read Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire:

1. Who says you need to be a giant warrior to be a hero? Titch proves that even the smallest creatures can have the biggest hearts! She might be unsure at first, maybe she’s not Bravepaw after all, but one thing’s for sure: Titch won’t back down. She’s a great example that even when you feel small or ordinary, you’ve still got the power to be a hero. Plus, there are some magical gems along the way that might help too. Extra sparkles for that heroic flair!

2. The best part of any fantasy adventure? Magical prophecies that might come true! Titch needs to discover the truth about her quest, the legendary Bravepaw and the mysterious glowing green gem the turtle is wearing. What’s its connection to the fate of Alluria? How do the Gems of Harmony fit in? 

3. There’s so much mystery and wonder, you’ll want to unravel every single secret hidden in the pages.

Sure, there are monsters and gems, but the real magic in Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is the unbreakable friendship between Titch and Huckleberry. They stick together, face dangers head-on and remind us that being brave isn’t just about fighting—it’s about supporting your friends, no matter what. This story shows that the strongest heroes are those who can rely on their loyal friends!

When I read the first Bravepaw book I immediately thought of the Redwall series (and other heroic animal stories) and it seems this was one of the inspirations for Lili Wilkinson. That's great but I do hope she only plans to write three or perhaps four books for her series. There are 22 books in the Redwall series - I think I read about four or five before I lost my stamina.

Here is a quote from the teachers notes for the first book:

‘Bravepaw sprung into existence over breakfast with my fabulous publisher Susannah Chambers. Our kids are besties, and we were discussing their reading and play. My kid Banjo loves reading funny, silly books like the Treehouse series and Real Pigeons, but when he plays, it’s deadly serious, high-stakes adventure. I found myself longing to introduce him to the classic children’s fantasy that I loved as a child – Brian Jacques’ Redwall, Tamora Pierce’s Alanna and Isobelle Carmody’s Obernewtyn. But at the time he was still a bit too young for those. The Bravepaw series is an introduction to high fantasy for junior fiction readers. It’s got all the tropes, all the adventure, but packaged in an easy to read, early chapter book format, complete with Lavanya Naidu’s stunning illustrations.'

Hat Cat by Troy Wilson illustrated by Eve Coy

An old man lives alone. His only companions are the local squirrels. Each day he puts peanuts on his hat and then he sits still on his back verandah waiting for the squirrels to come. One day, as he lifts up his hat, he finds a young cat. He names the cat Hat, and he takes the cat inside his house. Hat becomes a new member of the family. He is fed and cuddled but he is never allowed outside because the old man is concerned that Hat might eat the squirrels. Then one day the man disappears. Some other people eventually arrive and they feed Hat but he is still trapped inside until the day when the youngest child leaves the door open.

This is a gentle story based on the author's own Grandfather and the way he fed the local squirrels after his retirement. It is also a slightly puzzling story which might lead to an interesting discussion with your young reading companion (aged 6+). Why did the old man leave? What did you think might happen when the door was left open? Can you explain the dilemma Hat faces when he does manage to go outside? How and why does the point of view change on the second last page? Who are the people who come to feed Hat?

Here is an interview with the illustrator Eve Coy. She says: I love adding in the background story through the pictures. For example the empty second chair in the sitting room shows the old man didn’t always live alone and it gently hints at an accepted loneliness without being too upsetting.

A sweet peek at the bond between a man and his cat. Kirkus

Wilson doesn’t need many words to tell the story, not only because he cleverly says a lot by saying a little, but mainly because the illustrations by Eve Coy express so much. The illustrator’s beautiful watercolour images give off a sense of tranquility all while bringing to life the love between and old man and his animal friends—this tale of patience, family, and kindness is the perfect bedtime story... DC Canada Education

This book reminded me of these:

A Home for Gnomes

Old Fellow

The Biscuit Maker

Heart and Soul

Troy Wilson says he was inspired by this book - Waiting for the Whales.

The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers

Dave Eggers makes it clear from the first sentence that our story narrator is a dog. 

"I turn I turn I turn before I lie to sleep and rise before the Sun."

This is confirmed in the second paragraph:

"I am a dog called Johannes and I have seen you. I have seen you in this park, my home. If you have come to this park, my vast green windblown park by the sea, I have seen you."

This park is a wild environment but it is also a place frequented by humans for all sorts of activities many of which are a mystery to Johannes and his friends. Living in the park, behind a high fence, there are three Bison. I guess they are there as a draw-card for visitors but Johannes and the other animals know Freya, Meredith and Samuel are really the Keepers of the Equilibrium. Johannes is a free dog, a wild dog which means he can roam around the park. He has the important job of the Eyes reporting on all the park activities to the Bison. His friends are Bertrand a huge seagull; Sonja a squirrel; Yolanda a pelican; and Angus a raccoon. This team are the Assistant Eyes. All of them report to the Johannes and he then talks to Freya, Meredith and Samuel. Each of the animal characters has a very distinct personality. 

Yoland "like all pelicans, prefers to fly low low over the water, inches above the surface of the water. Yolanda also happens to be the only one among us who can read human written language, a gift she wear lightly."

Sonja "has a habit of showing up without saying hello, as if she's barged in on a private meeting. She's been on of the Assistants coming meet us on our rock, for probably six hundred years, so we cannot understand this, the way she persists with this initial shyness. She is missing an  eye, and the easy answer would be that this missing eye, lost in a fight with a crow, has caused her reticence."

Things are changing in the park. It is not exactly specified but I gathered the new building is an art gallery. The problem is, Johannes finds the art mesmerising and this means he puts himself in danger from the park authorities and the control-the-animals-people. Johannes is captured but it is by some hippies. This is a terrifying scene and a heroic rescue. Then a huge herd goats arrive to clear a large area of spiky weeds. His capture has made Johannes think about freedom and so he makes the huge decision to set the Bison free. This will take a huge team effort and while it seems completely impossible the outcome is sure to surprise you.

I held my breath when I looked to see IF Betsy Bird had read this book and then to see if she loved it as much as I did - YES she sure did! Here is an extract but please read her whole review - it is, as usual, eloquent and perfect. "You will find a thoroughly well-written, occasionally touching, funny, strange little book that sticks both its landing and in your memory. "

A confident writer that is confident for good reason is deeply satisfying. ... I devoured this book in a single sitting and would reread it happily if asked to do so, which I cannot say for every kids book I pick up. It’s the writing, man. It dares to be better, but doesn’t lose young readers along the way. There’s excitement and goats and near drownings and ridiculous disguises. It’s a legitimately fun book that soaked itself in great writing and isn’t afraid to show that writing off. I don’t know if it has what it takes to become a massive hit. I don’t know if other adult gatekeepers will agree with me on what it is doing (and how well). Fuse 8 SLJ Betsy Bird

There is a deeper story here, too, about being yourself and finding freedom. It is hinted at in the natural beauty of the deluxe version of the book, with its solid-wood front and back covers, and in Shawn Harris’s sublime illustrations. New York Times

Listen to an audio sample from the first chapter here. And the trailer is here. I highly recommend you share this trailer with a group of students when you introduce this wonderful book. More review comments here. 

One of the aspects of this writing that I found utterly delicious were the brilliant words and phrases used by Dave Eggers. Here are some examples: odorous, reticence, gravitas, all the hassles inherent in highly concentrated humanity, partake, maniacal, enumerate, privy to our deliberations and  judgements, sutured, paragon of valour, and validity. 

This book would be a perfect read aloud to a Grade 5 or 6 class. I wish I could, right now, put this book into the hands of a skilled teacher. This book is also perfect for animal lovers and readers who enjoy exploring a different perspective. In some ways this is a moving and serious story but there are so many quietly funny moments such as the way Johannes has absolutely no idea about numbers which means he exaggerates every time he talks about time or about the number of creatures in the park, especially the goats. Oh, and there is also the running joke about ducks and loons. 

Read this description of trucks that have a reversing beep - it will show you the way Dave Eggers adds touches of humour to his story and I am guessing he also dislikes this sound:

"And here I should say that of all the horrible things human have created, the most maniacal and wrong of them all is this, this intermittent screaming sound as their vehicles go backward. All of life stops when the screaming begins. All beauty ends, all music ends, clouds cleave, hearts break, and all of the world nearby waits, with breath held, for the sound to end. Nothing can be done during this mechanical wailing. No thinking, no eating, no running, no living."

And this one of the goats:

"The way they were eating the weeds was chilling. Would they eat us too? They seemed like vegetarians, but how could we be sure? There were so many of them. A thousand? A million? They could disappear the five of us in seconds."

There are two covers at the top of this post. The one that looks like wood is actually wood! and that is the one I bought. It also has gold embossed silky page edges and rich coloured art based illustrations.  This is the most expensive middle grade book I have ever bought at AUS$50 but it sure was worth it. The cover intrigued me and the Kirkus review convinced me and today, in one huge gulp, I read the whole book of 249 pages. 

Bison are such fascinating beasts. When I lived in Alberta there were several in a paddock near the town and very occasionally I would see them from my car. 

Betsy Bird said many people are not fans of animal books but this is not true for me. I did cry in Charlotte's Web but I also loved every word and similarly The Underneath is a book that moved me so profoundly - I have read it twice. Once you have read, and YES you must read The Eyes and the Impossible - head off to your library and try to find these:

Firstborn

A Wolf called Wonder

The way of Dog

Pax

Endling - The Last

Seekers - The Quest Begins

I'm Sticking with you by Smriti Halls illustrated by Steve Small

Bear and Squirrel do everything together and they seem to be the best of friends until a small disaster with a sneeze upsets Squirrel so much she just walks away. At first Squirrel enjoys being alone but of course it does not take long for her to realise she does need her true friend.

Here is some of this text - which reads like a jolly song:

Wherever you're going, I'm going too.

Whatever you're doing, I'm sticking with you.

Whether you're grumpy, or silly, or mad,

Good times ... and bad times, happy or sad. 

Whatever you're thinking, I am ALL EARS,

I'm ready to listen to ALL your ideas.

I'm sticking with you was short listed for the Klaus Flugge Prize in 2021 and the Oscar's Book Prize. Here is an interview with the illustrator.

How did I miss this book? It is GEM - add it to your list today and then share it with a child. When I was judging the CBCA Picture Book of the Year in 2021 and 2022 we were sent so MANY book in rhyme and nearly all were, sorry to be blunt, nearly all were hopeless. This book should be supplied to authors as an exemplar of how to write a perfect rhyming picture book. The pace, page turns, and the way the rhythm is maintained are all perfect. I also marvel (again) at the way an illustrator can take a deceptively simply text and then interpret it in such a clever and very appealing way. Luckily the three books in this series are all still available. 

I have talked about the problems of rhyming in past posts.Take a look at this blog post:  Do you control the verse, or does the verse control you? by Michelle Robinson. As I already said, there is absolutely no problem with the rhyme in this book - it has been created with huge care. 

Here are the sequels - I'm Sticking with you too and Let's Stick Together.

The second book - I'm sticking with you too - is the tried and true trope of two is company three is a crowd but in this case, of course, Bear and Squirrel work out that Chicken should join their band and that a chicken can be a really good friend.

The third book - Let's stick together - blurb: Much-loved characters Bear and Squirrel are back and it's time to party! Squirrel is the expert at throwing parties and knows exactly what to do to make this the biggest and best EVER, but Bear isn't so sure and is feeling a bit shy. Can the two friends find a way to work through their worries and wobbles and stick together?

Take a look at Steve Small's web site.

Here is another book by Smriti Halls:

The Little Island