Swoop

Description

Age range 5 to 9 Magpie has one job, one desire, one purpose: KEEP THE EGGS SAFE. Always on alert for danger, will Magpie's determination be enough when rock-carrying intruders arrive? Why do magpies swoop and why do we have such a fascination with them? Discover more about these clever, cheeky and charming songbirds through this delightful book.

Nicole Godwin is an award-winning children's writer and the author of Jelly-Boy (Walker Books). She shines a light on environmental and animal rights issues and helps people think more deeply about the interconnected world around them. Susannah Crispe is an Australian children's book and wildlife illustrator. Largely self-taught, she works primarily in watercolour and digital collage. Susannah studied Art History at the University of Sydney and Zoology at the University of New England.

"I love the brevity of Godwin's text, with short, punchy sentences and a pattern around repetition of the word 'swoop'. And in Crispe's vibrant illustrations, Magpie's bold, proud image, with animated facial expressions, occupies centre stage alongside the busy activity of the park visitors and set against soft greys and greens of a lush Australian park background. [...] I highly recommend this book for 6-9 year olds, especially as a teaching resource to introduce discussions about birds or animal behaviour in general. There are teaching notes on the publisher's website." -- Barbara Swartz * CBCA Reading Time * "Crispe's illustrations are simply stunning. With beautiful soft colours and details galore, in only one setting (Magpie's tree at the park). Crisp creates an entire world, with multiple characters that have stories of their own lovingly weaved into their expressions, clothing and accessories. It's truly a delight to turn each page, meet a new character and imagine who they are and what has brought them to the park." -- Shayne Wardrop * Kids Book Review * "This glorious picture book written by Nicole Godwin will become a firm favourite of younger readers. The striking end papers and bold illustrations by Susannah Crispe will delight the reader and perfectly complement the simple yet captivating text." -- Kathryn Beilby * ReadPlus * "Coupled with explanatory notes at the end and thorough teaching ideas which cover science, English, ethics and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, this is a book that must be shared with every young student so they understand why magpies swoop, and that they are just like human parents in their desire to keep their babies safe." * The Bottom Shelf *