Grandma Bird; Benji Davies

From Benji Davies, author of the The Storm Whale, comes a new story that eventually sees the joy that the young find in spending time with the old.

It is summer and Noi is going to stay at his Grandma’s but he is far from excited. Grandma lives on her own on a small and windswept island with only the birds for company. Everything is strange with Grandma - strange food, Grandma has strange habits and they have to share a bed under the itchy blankets.

Finding Grandma lost in her own world and going about her own business and too busy to play, Noi finds himself going on his own adventure. But when Noi finds himself trapped out at sea it is Grandma that comes to the rescue and this will be the start of a beautiful relationship.

This is a delightful adventure story with plenty of drama, danger and excitement. Noi is having very little fun with his Grandma and it is this that sees him head off to explore his surroundings whereby he finds a cave. Whilst in his cave a storm brews and a surprise visitor drops from the sky in need of help. Through the nursing of this bird and several others that Noi and his Grandma rescue, the two bond. From this moment on the two feel much closer and they then enjoy adventures together and spend their days exploring in the company of each other.

Grandma Bird is a clever exploration of the emotions that young children will often experience when staying away from home with a relative for the first time. Having to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings and missing the comforts and familiarities of home are very big deals for lots of children. The development of the relationship between Noi and his Grandma changes throughout the story. From Noi feeling distant and disconnected in the early part of the narrative to forming a close and meaningful bond by the end.

The illustrations are gorgeous and fit perfectly with this charming and warm-hearted read that any child who enjoys spending time with Grandma will dearly love.

Recommended for 5+.