The Eagle Inside (Jack Manning Bancroft, illus by Bronwyn Bancroft, Little Hare)

At Jimmy the honeyeater’s first day of flying school, he quickly becomes the target of other, bigger birds, who tease and taunt him. He is the only honeyeater and far smaller than the rest. But a wise and kind eagle shows Jimmy that what he sees as weaknesses could actually be his strengths. First-time author Jack Manning Bancroft has collaborated with his mother, acclaimed Australian artist Bronwyn Bancroft, to create a colourful and meaningful modern-day fable while evoking the feel of traditional Indigenous storytelling. Although the casual prose feels slightly weak in parts, the extraordinary illustrations carry and aid the storytelling. The rich blues, golds and browns, and the detail of the birds and trees, make each page an engaging, intricate visual journey. As such, the lessons learned by this courageous little honeyeater—to have faith in yourself and your ability—sing from the pages. The Eagle Inside is suitable for all primary ages and would be an excellent addition to any school library.

Freelance writer and reviewer Sarah Coull has worked as a children’s bookseller and an editor for an educational publisher

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Category: Reviews