‘Amira’s Magpie’ is a wistful story in which young Amira connects with a magpie that visits and warbles his song to her. Amira is longing for her far away homeland where her grandfather once bought her shoes that are now too small. There is no explicit story, but a gentle connection between a homeland and family left behind and missed. The reader shares these moments of connection initially captured in the endpapers where Amira, like the magpie, soars, inviting the reader into her story.
The illustrations reflect the quiet, contemplative story with its shades of grey and cream set against white space that reflects deep emotions. The occasional touch of pastel adds an emotional connection between the reader and Amira. The text is simple yet rich, provoking the reader to look and listen intently while the magpie majestically swoops across the page. There is a thoughtful moment when the magpie and Amira’s emotions reflect each other. Here the text is gentle, thoughtful and lyrical, capturing a special moment of understanding between the two: ‘His eyes are black pearls. The white on his feathers makes her think, Perhaps, He has daubed his wings with paint, To write messages in the sky, Love letter to her, Because she is his friend.’ The magpie is then pictured greeting Amira’s grandfather thus making a connection with family and a homeland that Amira greatly misses.
Although memories of her Grandfather’s face are fading, Amira now has a new homeland and the magpie, her beautiful friend. Readers have come to expect colourful picture books. Here the cream, grey and occasional touch of colour suits the quiet, contemplative nature of this story about remembering a homeland and loved ones left behind.
NCACL Cultural Diversity Database
