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The Wishbird is written by Australian author, Gabrielle Wang. Here she tells the tale of two children, Boy and Oriole, who come from very different parts of the country and who will need one another to survive.
Oriole must leave The Forest of the Birds to save her beloved wishbird, Mellow.
She must go to the city of Soulless to seek the king's help, but her way is fraught with danger.
Her greatest hope is the young, light-fingered orphan, Boy.
Boy is from the city of Soulless (formerly Solace) and, as the name suggests, this city is bereft of song, light and joy. Boy has been raised by a Fagin-like character called Panther who has skilled this orphan to be the best 'light finger' in the city.
Oriole comes from the Forest of the Birds and has been raised by Mellow, a wishbird. Oriole, too, is an orphan and does not know her parents.
Boy and Oriole's paths cross when she comes to the city to find the king because she knows only the king can save her beloved wishbird, Mellow who is dying. Unfortunately, Oriole is captured by the King's wicked chancellor and Boy will be her saviour.
I loved Gabrielle Wang's writing. She has crafted a beautiful fable suitable for middle and upper primary school students and, of course, for any adult who enjoys books that require one to suspend belief and wrap themselves in the imagery of Wang's writing.
Gabrielle Wang's illustrations are delicious and certainly add to the feeling and understanding of the story.
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