The Wishbird (Gabrielle Wang, Puffin)

Boy is a street urchin in the desolate City of Soulless, who makes ends meet by stealing for the reprehensible Panther. One day Panther encourages Boy to steal treasure from the much-feared Demon Monster’s house. The mission results in a chance encounter with Oriole, a girl with a wondrous musical talent known as the ‘singing tongue’, who was raised by the King’s Wishbird in the Forest of the Birds. Oriole embarks on a quest to repair the ailing kingdom, teaming up with Boy, who has secrets of his own. What follows is a tale of adventure, courage and friendship that will appeal to male and female readers aged eight and up. Gabrielle Wang has drawn on aspects of mythology and fable to tell this poetic story, which is sure to stimulate an interest in the mythology on which it is based. The Wishbird will be a great addition to any bookshelf and is a lovely way to spend a rainy day inside.

Natalie Crawford is a freelance reviewer and works at Dymocks Claremont

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Category: Reviews