by A.M. Dassu
illustrated by Joe Lillington
 
A collection of 5 adventure stories, set in different countries, from Egypt to the UK, via the forests of Asturias.  Visual and narrative connections between the chapters offer several reading 'arcs' which translate in to a satisfying read. All star a 10-year-old child who undertakes outward and inner journeys to new discoveries of self and place. At the centre of these transformations is the beating heart of family, whatever shape that family takes, from step families to carer-refugee families. The protagonists’ explorations are mimicked by starlings, solo or in flocks, peppering the skies with their own swirling journeys and a single feather -introduced in the first story- appears in each subsequent one. 
 
The formatting and illustrations are beautiful. The page numbers all have a motif-surround which changes with every chapter, leaning in to each story’s core. Lillington uses a simple orange/black/white palette to sketch out different geographical tapestries while a delicate monochrome pen conjures up mists of murmurations which seem to saturate the pages themselves. [Includes Black, mixed Egyptian and Syrian protagonists]. Age 7-11, Paperback 134pp
 
Themes: Refugees and Migration Themes: Diverse Families