Birdsong

Following a traumatic accident, a special friendship helps talented musician Annie heal and rediscover her love of music in this stunning novella from celebrated author Katya Balen. The blackbirds’ song uplifts and restores in this captivating novella from one of the most exciting voices in children’s fiction. After a devastating car crash, Annie is unable to play her flute and retreats from the music she’s always loved. She exists in a world of angry silence – furious with her mum and furious she can’t seem to play her beloved flute any more. Then she meets Noah, who shows her the blackbirds’ nest hidden in the scrubland near their flats. As their friendship grows, the blackbirds’ glorious song reignites Annie’s passion for music. But when tragedy strikes again, will her fragile progress be put at risk? BIRDSONG by Katya Balen is a short, yet powerful exploration of the human spirit, emotions, and the healing power of music. It's a top pick for parents looking to introduce their kids to themes of health, resilience, and the importance of social connexions. For fans of Matt Goodfellow (The Final Year), Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Leila and the Blue Fox), Katherine Rundell (The Wolf Wilder), Sf Said (The Outlaw Varjak Paw), and Hiba Noor Khan (How To Spaghettify Your Dog). HarperCollins 2024