Strange Birds

by Judith Heide Gilliland

On Monday, eleven-year-old Anna is a perfectly happy child.
In a few days, her parents will return from their sailing trip and
give her a horse of her own! The terrible news arrives on
Tuesday, sweeping over Anna like a dense fog: her parents are
lost at sea. Things get worse. Cold-hearted Aunt Formaldy
becomes Anna's guardian and exiles her to a tiny sewing room.
Anna is numb with grief; her only place of respite is a
mysterious tree right outside her window. But when the tree
becomes home to a herd of miniature winged horses whose
existence becomes threatened, because of traitors and villains,
Anna must act. Discovering that the tree's "nutberries" can
make her as tiny as the horses themselves, she risks becoming
miniature and leads her beloved horses on an amazing journey
that will change her life forever.
With its courageous young heroine and distinctive storytelling
voice, this empowering, contemporary fantasy will captivate
and inspire young readers.

Genres: Childrens, Fantasy

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 18, 2006

Reviews

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think more of a tween read. This is a story you might make up for your sister or daughter at night as they are falling asleep. Cute, predictable, and easy.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended by a coworker, as the author is local to town. It’s a very sweet read, great for the age group it’s intended for. It didn’t translate to a “wonderful” read as an adult, but I would recommend it to some young readers I know.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was transported back to my eleven-year-old self in love with horses and in love with that special tree. Didn't we all dream of a tree like that!? A secret place furnished with books and the comforts of childhood, to dream and fly away into our own world of fantasy. "Strange Birds" took me to right into this place, with a villain we love to hate, a best friend, magical horses, and challenges to overcome. I would highly recommend this novel, perfect for tweens and for all ages.

[Ariana Renna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a kid and LOVED it. I may be a little biased because my grandma is a good friend of the author so when i saw it at her house i had to read it again. Wow it brought back so many memories and i truly loved reading it again. I love that it’s based in New Hampshire since i grew up there. Such a good read!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at my library’s annual book sale and bought it for just a quarter. It was easily one of my favorite books of my childhood and I often credit this book for being the reason I love the fantasy genre so much. Maybe I will reread it now that I’m older.

[Alaska · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was 10 years old when this book fell off the shelf at my schools library. I'm totally horse crazy, love anything that has to do it horses so I read it. Although I wasn't really able to discuss how the characters where developed...
Sense then 4 year past and I haven't read the book again (don't have the book), but as I remember I loved it really much.
I'd recommend it to anyone around the age of 8-12.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book for the first time probably in 2nd or 3rd grade, and it was a magical experience. Now, as an adult, I've read it many times since and still appreciate the allur of the magic in this fantasy (Esp the notion of the secret room in the tree!) that was so captivating to me in my childhood. A wonderful way to experience the simplistic beauty of a childhood memory. Highly recommended!

[Laura Corbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was very interesting. I enjoyed the imagination of the author. I could picture every little detail. very easy read and a good one.

[Diane Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book: it has a very appealing main character, a villain it is a joy to hate, and an original magical theme involving flying horses and disappearances. This book is a winner.

[India · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book it's filled with fantasy,suspense, and comedy,