Reviews:
A Gift From the Birds: Charlotte Callander, Books and Publishing
A Gift from the Birds is the first middle-grade novel by picture book author Caroline Stills. Winner of the 2024 Text Prize...this sensitive, bittersweet novella follows Millie, a creative and emotionally intelligent 10-year-old girl whose friendship with a family of crows helps her cope with her mother’s illness and death...Stills has written a gentle, hopeful book grounded in courage, love and the healing presence of the natural world. With simple, age-appropriate language and thoughtfully developed themes, A Gift from the Birds is a nuanced debut and introduction to death and grief for readers aged 8–10.
A Gift From the Birds: Ashleigh Meikle, The Book Muse
Caroline Still’s debut novel with Text Publishing, and winner of the 2024 Text Prize, grapples with grief and loss at a young age. It explores how one family deals with illness and death....a quiet and gentle novel that explores what it feels like to be a child facing huge changes in life...
Millie is struggling to find comfort and talk to people. Her dad is lost as well, and Millie doesn’t know how to talk about her grief. She doesn’t know what to say, or who to speak to. So, she lets her art and connection with the birds speak for her...
It’s a reminder that we don’t have to face grief and tragedy alone at any age, and that sometimes working through things in our own way is what we need. We can get help when we need it too, and the things we lose will always find a way of coming back to us in the end.
Another wonderfully emotionally charged book from Text Publishing.
A Gift From the Birds: FHC Library
This is a gentle book for younger readers about grief, loss, and hope.
You will cry... you will smile... your heart will break... but eventually, you will know that through the hard times, good times can still come.
This is a story that will make young children facing the same trials as Millie feel seen, and for the ones who are lucky enough not to be faced with this reality, it will help them find empathy for those around them who are.
A Gift From the Birds: Janet McFadden, Magpies Magazine
Following the considerable success of her picture books for younger readers, Caroline Stills has been awarded the Text Prize (2024) for her first book for middle grade readers A Gift From the Birds...a book about loss, grief and healing. The language is appropriate for young readers, and the books offers them a sympathetic look at the reality of death and grieving, as well as the power of courage and love...The healing power of nature symbolised by the birds provides a gift of consolation, wonder and ultimately, hope.
A Gift From the Birds: Kathryn Beilby, Read Plus
(Age: 8+) Highly Recommended.
A Gift From The Birds is a thoughtful and sensitive debut novel written by Caroline Stills. This story carefully deals with the illness, death and grief that ten-year-old Millie and her father deal with when their much loved mother and wife passes away.
This is a deeply moving narrative that shares the very personal story of Millie and her journey of grief, but also the power of healing and hope that comes after such a devastating loss.
Themes: Illness, Grief, Friendship, Birds, School, Art, Community, Healing, Hope.
A Gift From the Birds: Sandy Bigna, Aussie Kids Books
When Millie’s mum becomes seriously ill, Millie struggles with overwhelming grief. But when two crows start leaving mysterious gifts, Millie begins to find glimmers of comfort and hope. This beautifully told story navigates loss and grief with great care and tenderness, shining a light on the healing power of nature, art and friendship.
A Gift From the Birds: Margot Hillel, Reading Time CBCA
The characterisation throughout the book is strong and even slightly peripheral characters such as Lisa, Millie’s mother’s best friend, are well-drawn. Dialogue is a major feature of the narrative style and this also works well. A number of the settings in which Millie lives her life – her bedroom, where she spends a lot of time, the hospital room where she visits her mother, the backyard and her classroom – are quite confined spaces and this interiority serves to emphasise the emotions Millie is feeling.
This book deals well with the themes of death and grief and learning to move forward with one’s life. Suitable for ages 9 – 12
A Gift From the Birds: Charlotte Callander, Books and Publishing
A Gift from the Birds is the first middle-grade novel by picture book author Caroline Stills. Winner of the 2024 Text Prize...this sensitive, bittersweet novella follows Millie, a creative and emotionally intelligent 10-year-old girl whose friendship with a family of crows helps her cope with her mother’s illness and death...Stills has written a gentle, hopeful book grounded in courage, love and the healing presence of the natural world. With simple, age-appropriate language and thoughtfully developed themes, A Gift from the Birds is a nuanced debut and introduction to death and grief for readers aged 8–10.
A Gift From the Birds: Ashleigh Meikle, The Book Muse
Caroline Still’s debut novel with Text Publishing, and winner of the 2024 Text Prize, grapples with grief and loss at a young age. It explores how one family deals with illness and death....a quiet and gentle novel that explores what it feels like to be a child facing huge changes in life...
Millie is struggling to find comfort and talk to people. Her dad is lost as well, and Millie doesn’t know how to talk about her grief. She doesn’t know what to say, or who to speak to. So, she lets her art and connection with the birds speak for her...
It’s a reminder that we don’t have to face grief and tragedy alone at any age, and that sometimes working through things in our own way is what we need. We can get help when we need it too, and the things we lose will always find a way of coming back to us in the end.
Another wonderfully emotionally charged book from Text Publishing.
A Gift From the Birds: FHC Library
This is a gentle book for younger readers about grief, loss, and hope.
You will cry... you will smile... your heart will break... but eventually, you will know that through the hard times, good times can still come.
This is a story that will make young children facing the same trials as Millie feel seen, and for the ones who are lucky enough not to be faced with this reality, it will help them find empathy for those around them who are.
A Gift From the Birds: Janet McFadden, Magpies Magazine
Following the considerable success of her picture books for younger readers, Caroline Stills has been awarded the Text Prize (2024) for her first book for middle grade readers A Gift From the Birds...a book about loss, grief and healing. The language is appropriate for young readers, and the books offers them a sympathetic look at the reality of death and grieving, as well as the power of courage and love...The healing power of nature symbolised by the birds provides a gift of consolation, wonder and ultimately, hope.
A Gift From the Birds: Kathryn Beilby, Read Plus
(Age: 8+) Highly Recommended.
A Gift From The Birds is a thoughtful and sensitive debut novel written by Caroline Stills. This story carefully deals with the illness, death and grief that ten-year-old Millie and her father deal with when their much loved mother and wife passes away.
This is a deeply moving narrative that shares the very personal story of Millie and her journey of grief, but also the power of healing and hope that comes after such a devastating loss.
Themes: Illness, Grief, Friendship, Birds, School, Art, Community, Healing, Hope.
A Gift From the Birds: Sandy Bigna, Aussie Kids Books
When Millie’s mum becomes seriously ill, Millie struggles with overwhelming grief. But when two crows start leaving mysterious gifts, Millie begins to find glimmers of comfort and hope. This beautifully told story navigates loss and grief with great care and tenderness, shining a light on the healing power of nature, art and friendship.
A Gift From the Birds: Margot Hillel, Reading Time CBCA
The characterisation throughout the book is strong and even slightly peripheral characters such as Lisa, Millie’s mother’s best friend, are well-drawn. Dialogue is a major feature of the narrative style and this also works well. A number of the settings in which Millie lives her life – her bedroom, where she spends a lot of time, the hospital room where she visits her mother, the backyard and her classroom – are quite confined spaces and this interiority serves to emphasise the emotions Millie is feeling.
This book deals well with the themes of death and grief and learning to move forward with one’s life. Suitable for ages 9 – 12
10 Little Circus Mice: Kids Book Review
"Simply adorable illustrations and simple text make this ideal for the very young."
10 Little Circus Mice: Fran Knight, Read Plus
"A counting book with a difference, the 10 mice turn their household chores into practice for their circus events as they count down from 10 to one on the verso, and count up from 1 to 10 on the recto. Each page is full of colour and movement as each chore is turned into an event. 9 mice tidy their bedroom, while one mouse somersaults, 8 mice cook, while two mice juggle and so on...The possibilities of using this book at home or in the classroom are endless."
An A to Z of Fairies: Barbara Braxton, Read Plus.
"Do YOU know who's living at the bottom of your garden??? If you read this delightful book by Caroline Stills, then you might have a sneak peek, without having to wait for midnight on a still moonlit night. There might be brownies, elves, fairies, gnomes, leprechauns, pixies and nixies and a whole host of other little folk that you never knew existed, just ready to take you and your imagination away into a wonderful world of fantasy. And while you're meeting them all, if you look closely you will see three familiar fairy friends keeping you safe on each page. Can you find them? If not, there's help at the back of the book...When Miss 5 comes to visit she is transported to fairyland ... this book went from first-read to favourite in five minutes. We read it over and over finding something new on every page."
"Simply adorable illustrations and simple text make this ideal for the very young."
10 Little Circus Mice: Fran Knight, Read Plus
"A counting book with a difference, the 10 mice turn their household chores into practice for their circus events as they count down from 10 to one on the verso, and count up from 1 to 10 on the recto. Each page is full of colour and movement as each chore is turned into an event. 9 mice tidy their bedroom, while one mouse somersaults, 8 mice cook, while two mice juggle and so on...The possibilities of using this book at home or in the classroom are endless."
An A to Z of Fairies: Barbara Braxton, Read Plus.
"Do YOU know who's living at the bottom of your garden??? If you read this delightful book by Caroline Stills, then you might have a sneak peek, without having to wait for midnight on a still moonlit night. There might be brownies, elves, fairies, gnomes, leprechauns, pixies and nixies and a whole host of other little folk that you never knew existed, just ready to take you and your imagination away into a wonderful world of fantasy. And while you're meeting them all, if you look closely you will see three familiar fairy friends keeping you safe on each page. Can you find them? If not, there's help at the back of the book...When Miss 5 comes to visit she is transported to fairyland ... this book went from first-read to favourite in five minutes. We read it over and over finding something new on every page."
The House of 12 Bunnies: The Bulletin of The Center for Children's Books, US. March 2012
"Based on a story by her then-nine-year-old daughter, Stills’ bunny tale is a richer alternative (both textually and visually) to the more commercial seek and find books on the market for this age group, and its additional conceptual elements add to its utility...use it to inspire kids to write their own similar stories, or pop it in an Easter basket for a sugar-free sweet treat."
The House of 12 Bunnies: Kirkus Review, US. March 2012
"Twelve adorable bunnies, each with a different color or pattern of fur, play together in their rambling Victorian house in this sweet counting book...A pleasant way to practice counting skills, with additional beginning math concepts quietly woven into both text and illustrations.
The House of 12 Bunnies: Barbara Braxton, Read Plus
"This book works on so many levels. Its storyline is engaging and intriguing because the readers doesn't know what Sophia has lost so has to predict; its illustrations are rich and detailed and as well as finding all the items, they have to be counted to ensure they are all there; there's scope to explore colours, patterns and designs; and each page has a different preposition of position (maths and mapping) to explore. It's very clever and reflects a sound understanding of the needs of this age group, so while it entertains it subtly educates. It can be read over and over with something new to focus on each time, and just cries out for all sorts of follow-up activities, both at home and at school.
Linking literacy, numeracy and information literacy can be a challenge but this book nails it."
"Based on a story by her then-nine-year-old daughter, Stills’ bunny tale is a richer alternative (both textually and visually) to the more commercial seek and find books on the market for this age group, and its additional conceptual elements add to its utility...use it to inspire kids to write their own similar stories, or pop it in an Easter basket for a sugar-free sweet treat."
The House of 12 Bunnies: Kirkus Review, US. March 2012
"Twelve adorable bunnies, each with a different color or pattern of fur, play together in their rambling Victorian house in this sweet counting book...A pleasant way to practice counting skills, with additional beginning math concepts quietly woven into both text and illustrations.
The House of 12 Bunnies: Barbara Braxton, Read Plus
"This book works on so many levels. Its storyline is engaging and intriguing because the readers doesn't know what Sophia has lost so has to predict; its illustrations are rich and detailed and as well as finding all the items, they have to be counted to ensure they are all there; there's scope to explore colours, patterns and designs; and each page has a different preposition of position (maths and mapping) to explore. It's very clever and reflects a sound understanding of the needs of this age group, so while it entertains it subtly educates. It can be read over and over with something new to focus on each time, and just cries out for all sorts of follow-up activities, both at home and at school.
Linking literacy, numeracy and information literacy can be a challenge but this book nails it."
An ABC of Pirates: Cindy Vallar
"An ABC of Pirates" is one of the best alphabet books I've read. It's great fun and a fabulous treasure to cherish." 5 stars.
An ABC of Pirates: National Library of New Zealand - Services to Schools
"a brilliant, witty, original ABC of Pirates. The zany illustrations are full of humorous subtexts and sly humour...Each page is a riotous complement to the buccaneering verse. Caroline Stills manages to produce rhyming stanzas that aren't contrived, read aloud fluidly and challenge your pirate vocabulary....Pour yourself a tot of rum and relax until (your little pirates) demand you read it again….and again."
An ABC of Pirates: Kids Book Review
"Stills does a wonderful job of the text – told in rhyme, she manages to navigate the entire alphabet with buccaneering terms and idioms aplenty – and this would have been some task… there’s only so many times you can swab the decks and nip a hair of the dog, me hearties."
An ABC of Pirates: Christopher Cheng
"Here it is ... just what all pirate-lovers (of all ages) have been waiting for ... an ABC book of pirates and all things piratical!
A is for adventure on an azure-coloured sea.
Hoist the anchor, maties, 'tis a pirate's life for me.
Great rhythmic text with absolutely entrancing illustrations of pirates - rather young pirates too. Also includes a list of objects hidden in the pictures and a glossary of a few of the more complicated words (eg: zephyr, mutiny)
Ahoy there maties ... This book has to be part of any pirate day!"
An ABC of Pirates: LarissaBookGirl
"An ABC of Pirates is a whimsical and funny story full of surprises and hidden treasures. Offering hours of fun in a Where's Wally style hunt for items of the alphabet. A charming book to introduce your little Pirate or Landlubber to the alphabet.
Five out of Five Stars."
Magic Mummy: Reading Upsidedown
"A sweet book for preschoolers about mothers, Magic Mummy shares all the magic things that mothers do with their children every day – kisses and hugs that make hurts go away, a voice that tells amazing stories, delicious meals and fun games."
Magic Mummy: Aussie Reviews
"This would make a lovely Mother’s Day or new baby gift, making lovely bed time reading...a delightful picture book celebration of the bond between mother and child."
Magic Mummy: Busy Mothers
"We know that mums are magic, now you can share this book with your child so they know it too."
Guest Blogger: Read all about the book celebration for Magic Mummy here, on the black dog bytes blog.
"An ABC of Pirates" is one of the best alphabet books I've read. It's great fun and a fabulous treasure to cherish." 5 stars.
An ABC of Pirates: National Library of New Zealand - Services to Schools
"a brilliant, witty, original ABC of Pirates. The zany illustrations are full of humorous subtexts and sly humour...Each page is a riotous complement to the buccaneering verse. Caroline Stills manages to produce rhyming stanzas that aren't contrived, read aloud fluidly and challenge your pirate vocabulary....Pour yourself a tot of rum and relax until (your little pirates) demand you read it again….and again."
An ABC of Pirates: Kids Book Review
"Stills does a wonderful job of the text – told in rhyme, she manages to navigate the entire alphabet with buccaneering terms and idioms aplenty – and this would have been some task… there’s only so many times you can swab the decks and nip a hair of the dog, me hearties."
An ABC of Pirates: Christopher Cheng
"Here it is ... just what all pirate-lovers (of all ages) have been waiting for ... an ABC book of pirates and all things piratical!
A is for adventure on an azure-coloured sea.
Hoist the anchor, maties, 'tis a pirate's life for me.
Great rhythmic text with absolutely entrancing illustrations of pirates - rather young pirates too. Also includes a list of objects hidden in the pictures and a glossary of a few of the more complicated words (eg: zephyr, mutiny)
Ahoy there maties ... This book has to be part of any pirate day!"
An ABC of Pirates: LarissaBookGirl
"An ABC of Pirates is a whimsical and funny story full of surprises and hidden treasures. Offering hours of fun in a Where's Wally style hunt for items of the alphabet. A charming book to introduce your little Pirate or Landlubber to the alphabet.
Five out of Five Stars."
Magic Mummy: Reading Upsidedown
"A sweet book for preschoolers about mothers, Magic Mummy shares all the magic things that mothers do with their children every day – kisses and hugs that make hurts go away, a voice that tells amazing stories, delicious meals and fun games."
Magic Mummy: Aussie Reviews
"This would make a lovely Mother’s Day or new baby gift, making lovely bed time reading...a delightful picture book celebration of the bond between mother and child."
Magic Mummy: Busy Mothers
"We know that mums are magic, now you can share this book with your child so they know it too."
Guest Blogger: Read all about the book celebration for Magic Mummy here, on the black dog bytes blog.
