Courage starts small.
Eddie’s sister, Scarlet, is ill and it hurts him to his very core.
When she needs to go to hospital for a big operation, Eddie is sent to stay with his Uncle John.
In the tiny attic room at the top of the house, a robin alights on the windowsill and begins to sing to Eddie. Entranced, he follows the robin into the forest towards the giant trees. Amazed to find he can clamber inside the middle of the old oak tree, Eddie at last feels safe enough to whisper his true feelings.
The thing is, he is not alone. There’s a girl in the forest too called Mari, who is as paper thin and blurred at the edges as Eddie feels but she is strong, feisty and a monster hunter!
School is different for Eddie without Scarlet’s company and bright, bold personality and Eddie feels more invisible than ever until he meets Richard.
Richard is not invisible, he demands attention, encouraging Eddie to as well and that’s when Eddie remembers his love of music, a passion he shares with his parents. Well, he had until their home became one of silence in case the noise upset Scarlet.
The week passes and under Uncle John’s care, Eddie begins to spread his wings exploring the forest still further with the robin and Mari. Encouraged by Richard, Eddie joins the choir to discover he can really sing and to the delight of his teacher, agrees to sing a solo at the school concert.
There’s only one thing Eddie always wanted and that was for his sister to be well. Now, he knows he wants his parents to be at the concert and hear him sing more than anything in the world.
How can Eddie bear it if his parents don’t turn up for him?
Who couldn’t help but root for Eddie whose caring soul has worn him down so he feels there is nothing left of who he truly is.
The wonderful descriptions of the forest in winter are a superb backdrop for this emotional read. Robin will break your heart one minute and make it soar the next.
A story of self-discovery, sibling relationships, learning to accept help and above all, of hope. Author Sarah Ann Juckes words are beautiful and the evocative black and white illustrations by Linde Faas are magical.
This would be a super book to read aloud and will offer the opportunity for many discussions.
Truly, a perfect winter’s tale.
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