Using gentle easy to understand language for readers 4 - 8 years old there is just the right amount of intrigue as we read how Mother Bird and Father Bird who are waiting not so patiently for their eggs to hatch, discover one morning that there is an extra egg.

Neither Mother Bird nor Father Bird have any idea where this last egg came from, but Mother Bird says they should look after it like it is their own. It has been given to them. Their own eggs hatch, the chicks learn to fend for themselves and to fly but this last egg is still intact. The problem the family has is that it is now time for them to fly away as the season is changing and to leave their nest as they go in search of warmer weather.

Mother Bird is not prepared to leave this last egg alone, but when will it hatch? A good example here for young readers is learning to have patience while following the story and not abandoning their charge - the last egg, as the chicks fly off on their own. Their parents will find them later.

Meanwhile it's getting colder, so cold, the snow is falling and Father Bird is too cold to go and find food. Soon there is a noise, the cracking of an eggshell and Mother Bird is so excited but she can't awaken Father Bird. She gets a big surprise, a good surprise. Hers and Father Bird's patience and loving care will be well rewarded. The remainder of this story is heartwarming and a terrific example of what is means to be a good and caring person.

A book to make you smile.

The author

Sofie Langua's many books for young people have been published in the US, the UK, and in translation throughout Europe and Asia. She has been shortlisted for the Queensland Premier's Awards, and twice been awarded Honour Book by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA). She is also a highly acclaimed author for adults. Sofie lives in Melbourne with her husband, Marc McBride, and their two sons. You can find several reviews for books by Sofie Laguna in schooldaysmagazine.

The illustrator

Jess RAcklyeft creates a variety of illustrated, picture books, paintings, prints, pins and cards - mainly in watercolours. She works from her studio at the beautiful Abbotsford Convent, and regularly has picnic lunches watching the neighbouring sheep and horses!  Sometimes she writes the books as well. Jess worked in publishing sales for almost a decade before making the leap to full-time illustration and writing, and since then has won several illustration accolades including CBCA Picture Book of the Year for Iceberg (written by Claire Saxby). Her days are happily spent in a messy studio creating books or visiting schools.

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