Swanfall is a gorgeous combination of folklore and friendship. I adored Sophie Kirtley’s other books but this is her best yet! Alternating between a modern story of bird conservation, wetland management and the enchanting beauty of nature and strange writing found in a mysterious old book telling the story of three children who went missing hundreds of years earlier, it draws readers in with intrigue and the unknown. This is the perfect mystery for late autumn evenings as winter draws near – ideal for a Christmas gift or a December / January Upper Key Stage 2 class read.
11-year-old Pip has lived on the wetlands with his mum and sister for 4 years. They moved to Keeper’s Cottage for his mum’s work with the wetlands – environmental conservation and protection of animal species. What Pip loves most about living there is the return of the migrating swans every December. In the days before Christmas, with a tingle in the sparkling air, Arctic swans return to Rushy Lake from Siberia. This “swanfall” is magical. Pip’s favourite swans are three he’s named “Midnight”, “Silver” and “Moonshadow”. He strains to hear their swan song on the wind and always recognises them when they arrive.
When Pip’s Year 6 class has the chance to visit the Book Bus and borrow something new to read, he’s completely enchanted by a trunk of old books that have been donated by Mrs de Plume at the manor house. He discovers a book of poetry that tells the tale of the Children on Lir. As he reads, he realises it is the voices of the children telling their story – how their mother died, their father was enchanted by a witch disguised as a beautiful woman and how this woman got rid of the children. Missing pages mean Pip can’t read the full story so he’s determined to find out what actually happened to the three siblings.
As Pip embarks on his quest to uncover the truth of the Children of Lir and eagerly awaits the return of the swans, secrets of the past come to light. Together with his friends, he must confront perilous trials, very real danger and challenges to their friendship. A witch’s curse, the haunting beauty of the swans, and a fierce snowstorm weave together into a chilling tale of loss, hope and love.
This heartfelt story of friendship and respect for nature alternating with such haunting, lyrical poetry creates a unique, timeless story that will be loved for years.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books and NetGalleyUK for an early copy of this lovely book!
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