Windcatcher: Migration of the Short-Tailed Shearwater

by Diane Jackson Hill, Craig Smith (Illustrations)

A short-tailed shearwater flies from the edge of the Southern Ocean to the rim of the Arctic Circle – and back – every year. This remarkable 30,000 kilometre journey is driven by seabird law. Instinct and community will guide her. A wingspan the size of a child’s outstretched arms will support her. But first, she must catch the wind … Based on birds that live on Griffiths Island, near Port Fairy, Victoria, Windcatcher is a tale of migration, conservation and survival that begins with one small bird called Hope. Written by award-winning children’s author Diane Jackson Hill and illustrated by Craig Smith, one of Australia’s most prolific and popular illustrators, Windcatcher explores the mysteries of seabird migration. For primary aged readers.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 17, 2019

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated book about the migration of the short-tailed shearwater (a bird I know as a mutton bird) from the south of Australia to the arctic region and back each year. It touches on geographic concepts (oceans and regions of the world), scientific concepts about bird life cycles and migration, and threats to these birds, including fishing nets and plastics in the ocean. I docked one star from my rating because I wasn’t really drawn in as much as I would have liked by the narrative. That said, it would be a good starting point for discussion about the themes mentioned above and the language was somewhat poetic when describing the seasonal changes and the environment. I would recommend it for children age 7 and up.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding piece of illustration. The text is great too. Really liked it.