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.
Reading level varies from child to child, but we recommend this book for ages 5 to 9.
Reviews:
"An informative delight with a heartwarming story! I love that we have this wonderful book out in the world to celebrate and create more understanding around these clever, cheeky and charming songbirds."
Picture Book Book Club (Instagram), 16 August 2022
"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, 01 September 2022
"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, 02 September 2022
"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, 04 September 2022
"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, 19 September 2022
"While only around 10 per cent of male magpies actually attack, their seasonal antics have becomes a part of Australian folklore. Nicole Godwin's spare, carefully crafted text provides opportunities for young readers to join in Magpie's "swooping", while Susannah Crispe's watercolour illustrations perfectly capture the character of the cheeky magpie dad <...> This is a fabulous way to help young people appreciate a magnificent bird that is an important part of our urban environment."
Stephanie Owen Reeder, Canberra Times, 3 December 2022