The ‘bar-tailed Godwit’ has the longest migratory flight of any bird. Each year they migrate from their breeding grounds in Alaska to their wintering grounds in Australia or New Zealand, a trip of 11,000kms each way. Sadly, their much-needed resting or staging sites throughout Asia are disappearing through development and environmental destruction.
‘The Godwits’ presents a dual narrative approach to the godwits story. Told as apposing stories on a double page spread on one side, we met Wei a young Chinese boy fighting to save his favourite bird watching site from development and on the other is a flock of godwits at their wintering ground in Australia nearing the time they must make their long arduous flight.
The godwits have a new leader Gowie, who must lead them in their flight to Alaska to breed. A task requiring patience and understanding of the welfare of the others and trusting of his instincts. Wei succeeds in his fight with the help of his family and CAMBA (China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement) and his rewarded by the arrival of a flight of bar-tailed godwits his favourite bird at the site and Gowie has safely found a staging place for his flock to rest.
Illustrator Lorraine Robertson has created two contrasting styles for the two apposing stories. Wei’s fight against the development of the bird site is in black and white, the people shown in a cartoonish style. These contrast to the beautiful watercolour artwork of the godwits tale. These combined with the anthropomorphic elements of the story make it very relatable and empathic to the reader. At the back of the book various facts about the godwits and the migratory flight path is included.
Another book about the godwits migratory story is ‘Circle’ by Jeannie Baker. It is listed in this database.
Picture Books for Older Readers
