The Magpie's Nest: A Treasury of Bird Folk Tales

by Taffy Thomas, Becca Hall (Illustrator)

From crowded train stations to quiet woods and from city centres to our own back gardens, birds remind us that nature is everywhere. But do you know which is the king of the birds? Has anyone ever told you how the brave swallow got its forked tail? And what of the owl, who was really a baker’s daughter? Take a look inside The Magpie’s Nest, where a hoard of stories, riddles and rhymes is waiting for you. Suitable for all ages and charmingly illustrated by Lakeland artist Becca Hall, this is an essential collection of stories for all who love the natural world.

Genres: Birds, Folklore

128 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2019

Reviews

[George Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little book! A collection of folk tales all about birds. Probably meant for younger readers and I think would be lovely to read aloud to some kiddies however there's something for everyone here. Legends and folk tales about nature are dead interesting and I will be spreading these stories when I go back to work ☺️

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of bird related short stories.

I thought some of these pieces were clever.

Reading time around ninety minutes.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute collection of folk tales about birds with beautiful illustration. A lovely selection of stories to read aloud with younger readers!

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a collection of folk tales and myths about birds, then this collection by master storyteller Taffy Thomas is perfect.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Folk tales about birds in England and my favorite was a true story about a passenger pigeon during WWI.

[Sophy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated book all about our feathered friends.

Taffy Thomas is indeed a natural storyteller, bringing together collections of folk stories and legends about how birds got their names and nicknames, and how their relationships with humans have been interpreted.

A very quick but ultimately lovely and uplifting read.

[Sophie O'Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute read! it was a bit sparse compared to what I was looking for, but it was a pleasant, easy read nonetheless. well suited for YA or adult readers! 🐓🤍

[Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little book with lovely illustrations.

[Kevin Luy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magpie, blackbird, cockerel, curlew tales were my favs

[Erin]

"I talk with the Sun said the Wren
As soon as he starts to shine
I talk with the Sun said the Wren
And the day is mine"

"The Wren, the Wren is the King of All Birds
St Stephen's Day she was stuck in the furze
Although she was little, her wit it was great
If you boast like an eagle, you might share his fate"