Magpie marries Luke Davies’ simple poem about a magpie attack with Inari Kiuru’s vivid illustrations. I was terrified of magpies swooping me as a kid, due to countless warnings from teachers at my creek-side primary school, so I relate strongly to this picture book!

The poem is really about the aftermath of the attack, and the sensitive actions of a father in helping his son dispell his fear. Inari Kiuru’s paintings of a father dog and son puppy illuminate and extend Davies’ nine-line poem into something even more special, using the most beautiful golden and rust colours to show the son’s fear being transformed into joy.

Magpie is a really gorgeous story of father-son togetherness.