by Joseph Coelho
illustrated by David Barrow
 
There's a lovely, sticky-barked pine tree next to Miles' estate and he loves scaling up it with his mate Chris. But grumpy elderly neighbour, Mr Buxton, has appointed himself the estate's tree protector and he won't take any nonsense. So, when Miles takes in an injured poorly budgie, only to grieve at its untimely death, he's surprised to find Mr Buxton knocking at his door with some kind words. A magical story which challenges the assumptions we make about others. Children's Laureate Coelho's language is always beautiful, conjuring up the budgie with "the bright sunburst of its head, the apple candy of its tummy"! Barrow's soft, smudgy illustrations plump out the fuzzy warmth of the story. Lovely, also, to see a single parent family represented on an everyday UK estate as well as an 'older' (mixed race) gay male couple. From publishers Barrington Stoke's Little Gems series: "super readable… with a chunky format ideal for little hands and activities hiding in the jacket flaps".

'Everything about this charming little book is wonderful! Beautiful and lyrical language and lovely illustrations. A depiction of a 'normal' and warm family and I love Mr Spoiler of Fun- Buxton!' (Jayne, Primary Inclusion Manager, Letterbox Library reviewer) Age 5-8, Paperback 83pp
 
Themes: Diverse Families   Themes: LGBTQ+