Starbird's songs weave the richest dreams and delight all who hear him. But when the Moon King traps him in a cage, the colour and life in his voice being to drip away. What follows is a story with the feel of a timeless myth, with the message that captivity dims even the brightest star.
Author Sharon King-Chai not only writes an incredible story, her illustrations are exquisite.
Starbird is a visual feast. It shimmers with shiny silver foil throughout its pages. But the glitzy glitter isn't a cover to distract you. King-Chai's paper cuttings are beautiful. The cover - a simple bird or a more powerful motif featuring a pair of hands - is a great example of the beauty within. King-Chai knows how to use negative space to tell a story.
There are numerous double spreads within the book that would make for incredible artworks on your wall. The detail, patterns, and bold colours are beautiful. As Starbird immerses itself in different environments, the magic really shines. The pages beg you to pore over them, encouraging the reader to think differently.
The story itself is also wonderfully crafted. Starbird is an original fable about freedom and love. It is brimming with metaphor and rich language that makes it a delight to read aloud. Reading aids writing and children who get to enjoy this book will certainly come away richer for it.
This is a book that will transcend age groups. It is a heartfelt, lyrical story and a stunning book that will delight all who read it.
Reviewer: Rebekah Fraser
MacMillan Publishers, RRP $27.99