1. Acceptance
2. Animals
3. Art techniques
4. Birds
5. Communication
6. Family
7. Fear
8. Identity
9. Literary techniques
10. Relationships
11. Self-esteem

With its medieval setting and fantasy elements, this is a compelling picture book for older readers. It tells the story of young Berens whose blacksmithing father cannot look him in the eye because of his son’s supernatural ability to communicate with animals.

His father’s fear of the unknown and the effect this might have on their family fortunes permeates the story. It is cleverly interpreted in Woolman’s illustrations, with the face of Berens not revealed to the reader until the end of the book, when his father finally accepts his son for who he is––supernatural abilities and all.

Berens’ power is revealed to the reader when the family looks after a hawk which had belonged to the son of the local earl. After the death of the earl’s most beloved son, the hawk was passed on to the younger son, who is rejected by both the hawk and his grieving father. While it is set in a medieval world, the story is firmly grounded in the real world of fraught family relationships.

Woolman embraces the medieval setting in his subdued, detailed and intricate illustrations. There are echoes of medieval manuscripts in the ornate lettering and framing, and he pays great attention to the historical dress, accoutrements and domestic items. Carmody’s detailed text is also elaborate and evocative of the time and place, with fairy tale cadences.

This is an important book for exploring the importance of accepting people for who they really are, rather than for who you would like them to be and for treating all creatures with respect.

1. Kia Carrington-Russell February 22, 2021. Interview with Isobelle Carmody. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aalU4QXz-ho
2. TLC Books April 27, 2011. Isabelle Carmody interviewed by Tanya Caunce. Author Interview with Isobelle Carmody | TLC Books (wordpress.com)
3. Penguin Presents—Isobelle Carmody, September 16, 2011. https://isobellecarmody.net.au/914-2/
4. Rowena Cory Daniells, January 7, 2012. Interview with Isobelle Carmody. Meet Isobelle Carmody… | (rowena-cory-daniells.com)
5. Steven Woolman Biographical information. https://biography.jrank.org/pages/1835/Woolman-Steven-1969-2004.html