Jackie Kerin (text) and Milly Formby (illustrator), A Shorebird Flying Adventure, CSIRO Publishing, June 2022, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781486314492
Microlight Milly is a pilot and zoologist who likes to draw and loves birds. This book invites readers to go on a flying adventure with her to discover migratory shorebirds. It mirrors Milly’s real-life adventure as she flies her microlight around Australia to raise awareness for migratory shorebirds in May–November 2022.
The narrator’s voice is enthusiastic and perfectly pitched to the audience, encouraging readers to be curious and interact with the text. The pages offer just the right amount of information, with attractive illustrations, infographics, captions, maps, and bitesize fact boxes. There is a “Words to Remember” glossary at the back and information about the author and illustrator. Readers will learn about endangered shorebirds, precious habitats, and the importance of healthy ecosystems. This book will be a springboard to inspire readers to investigate further. The teacher notes and the link to Milly’s site offer rich resources for further research.
I highly recommend this book for home and school libraries and bird enthusiasts of all ages.
Reviewed by Sharon Seymour
