Coming Home

A robin travels alone for many miles to reach his mate by Christmas. In beautifully poetic language, Morpurgo portrays the urgency of the bird's longing to return home...A highly unusual picture book to satisfy the heart of anyone who enjoys making the natural world part of a Christmas celebration.

The pictures, with varying perspectives, enable readers to more easily understand the hazardous conditions faced by the small bird. The robin's return home, which has been anticipated by more than just his mate, makes for a satisfying addition to holiday collections.

In this sophisticated story with a tangential holiday theme, understated text and art follow a Scandinavian robin on its annual Christmastime migration from its northern homeland to Britain. (An introductory note offers the scientific basis for the story.) Morpurgo's free verse ("Take me home, my wings, carry me home") captures the bird's resolve and resilience as he escapes the clutches of a hawk and battles inclement weather to reach his destination, where a loved one awaits him. A mutation of thrushes invite him to join them, temporarily easing his angst. Then he loses the birds in the fog and flies "blind in a world of white, / Lost and quite alone," until he lands on a boat pitching in wild seas and finally reunites with his mate. Digitally composed pictures by Hyndman (Survivors) feature a cool palette (save the robin's scarlet breast) and position crisp, lifelike images of birds against more abstract, loosely drawn natural backdrops. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

This poetic tale leads us on an amazing journey. —Story Monsters Ink