Birdlands

About this book

The future looks bleak for Herman, Pidge and Beaky. Herman has a broken wing, Pidge’s mind has been damaged so he is terrified of flying and Beaky, as his name suggests, has a twisted beak that makes eating difficult. 

Unable to compete with the healthy birds, they are hungry and helpless, slowly starving to death. But then Herman tells the others about Dump: a magical place where there is all the food you can eat. To get there you just need to follow the setting sun. 

And so, the trio set out on foot for a destination they may never reach. On a journey fraught with danger, they must outwit a bloodthirsty dog, a murderous stoat a one-eyed cat and a very patient and persistent goshawk. 

There is a gentle humour in this absorbing tale of three imperfect, mismatched companions who initially have little in common but their vulnerability. It is the story of a quest that is both heartbreaking and uplifting and, while it does have some upsetting scenes, it does not dwell on negativity.  

This is a very special book that tackles diverse themes: disability, love, hope, determination, survival, friendship and loyalty. 

About the author