We meet the chick resting in a tree hollow nest, fluffy and vulnerable. We see the mother bring food. As winter becomes spring, the chick forms firmer feathers. A predatory python makes an attempt on the nest, but both father and mother bird are fierce defenders. As cicadas fill the summer skies, it’s time for the father to coax the little one up out of the nest to take flight. The growing baby bird is not keen to leave, but mum and dad, and nature itself, have some tricks ready to encourage the chick to come out into the world.

This is a deceptively simple narrative, which draws the reader into cheering for this little family without personification of the birds. The parenting ‘tricks’ include holding food at the top of the tree hollow to entice the youngster out rather than providing a delivery. The hollow itself also becomes very hot and fly infested over time, providing a natural motivation for the bird to seek fresh air. In short, nature is quite marvellous and gentle books like this can lead into further research and observation of a child’s own natural environment.

Additionally, the language in this book is a real delight. Every sentence has a pleasing rhythm, with vivid sensory descriptions, whilst still using short and often decodable words.

Covered in tufts of yellow fluff, a hungry tummy rumbles. But not for long. 

On loping wings she comes with seedy stuff and grubby mush. Whyeela! 

Beaks meet – eat, eat, eat!

This is a useful addition to any narrative nonfiction collection from preschoolers up. It could be used for exploration of poetic language (without rhyme) across many reading levels.

Windy Hollow Books 2024

Kaye Baillie 

Max Hamilton