Description
A boy and his beloved budgie are thrust into an epic adventure that could change everything. Absolutely everything.
Birds.
Lots of birds.
The people of the world are puzzled. Their feathered friends are trying to tell them something, and they're not sure what it is.
Then a boy and his pet budgie discover the secret.
Join Jay and Clyde, and their friends Maxine and Dora, on an exciting, funny, risky journey to save their families.
And every other family too.
Review
A typically thought-provoking and beautiful story from Morris Gleitzman, with a strong environmental theme.
Jay’s parents are world-renowned bird experts, and are often away discovering things in Africa. This time there has been no communication with them for weeks, and Jay is certain that something terrible has happened to them.
Jay is left in the care of his Poppa, and his best friend Clyde the budgie, when strange things start to happen. Birds all over the world are upsetting progress by protesting and standing in the way of huge machinery. How are the birds communicating so well with each other?
The authorities are sure that Jay’s parents must know what is going on, but even they can’t locate them. When his Poppa dies suddenly from a heart attack, Jay is taken into care and the authorities take him to London to see if he can help find his parents. Clyde is left behind and locked in his cage. But Clyde has other ideas ... and he soon escapes and makes friends with Dora, a wild bird.
Together they embark on the long flight to Africa determined to find Jay’s parents. It’s a huge journey. Will Clyde be able to help reunite his family? And, more importantly, is the world ready to hear the message that the birds are trying to send them - before it is too late?
This is a terrific novel, tackling themes of caring for the environment, working together, being brave and having hope. It is best suited to upper primary readers aged 10-12, and is sure to become a favourite.
Reviewed by Rob
