The Bird Within Me is a compact gem of a book that is based on the life of Swedish Artist Berta Hansson. Raised in a small farming community, she is expected to help, leaving little time for the art she loves. Whenever she can, Berta does paintings and little sculptures for her sick mother, in the hope they will make her better. The doctor, who is an art lover, thinks she should go to art school. But in an age when education isn’t considered a priority for girls, her father says no, she is needed on the farm.

This beautiful book is a sensitive rendition of Berta’s life, and shows how inspiringly brilliant books can be, particularly illustrated biographies for children. For ages 9+.

Alexa Dretzke is the assistant manager and children’s book buyer at Readings Hawthorn.