The Song of the Sun
The Song of the Sun is a luxuriously illustrated picturebook following the first southward migration of a young swallow, Flick. While sharing a nest with other swallows in the Northern hemisphere, Flick listens to the tales of migration from older swallow, Greytail. Flick is very nervous, but Greytail guides her as they start their journey south. However, when Greytail has to leave her, Flick must find her own way to follow the song of the sun.
The story, on one level, is about the incredible migration undertaken by swallows every year, but the metaphors are quite subtle – in other ways, at its heart this is a gentle tale about overcoming worry, looking for help and finding your own way. The story and writing style are quite complex and descriptive in parts, meaning that this book might be more appealing for older children who are interested in learning more about the natural world. The descriptions of the journey are exquisitely complemented by the illustrations, which are so engrossing. Much of the illustrations are on two-page spreads, that really make readers feel like they’re part of the moment, whether it’s a lush vineyard, a seaside town or a cool desert at night.
With a section at the end with real-life facts about swallows’ migration and lifestyle, this a great book for young readers interested in nature.
