What do you think?
Rate this book
The Song of Lewis Carmichael
"Matthew stood on the snowy peak and stared out at the world spread before him. Every picture in his books had been limited by the size of the page, contained within frames. Here, there was no frame. Here, the picture didn't end. Beyond those icy plains, the sea, and beyond the sea, a land that floated on the ice, drifting northwards. Matthew put the binoculars to his eyes and saw valleys and cliffs and rivers all made of snow. Everywhere was white."
Matthew has dreamed and read and thought about the North Pole for as long as he can remember. And he has done it secretly. It is a place that cannot be tarnished by the world in which he lives - a world in which he struggles to find answers and make friends, while everything seems to come easily to other children.
But one day, a crow called Lewis Carmichael lands at Matthew's window - a crow who believes in Matthew in the most simple and ordinary ways. Soon, the unexpected voyage of a lifetime begins - and it will change everything...
An unforgettable adventure story from award-winning children's book author Sofie Laguna, with enchanting illustrations by Marc McBride.
Matthew has dreamed and read and thought about the North Pole for as long as he can remember. And he has done it secretly. It is a place that cannot be tarnished by the world in which he lives - a world in which he struggles to find answers and make friends, while everything seems to come easily to other children.
But one day, a crow called Lewis Carmichael lands at Matthew's window - a crow who believes in Matthew in the most simple and ordinary ways. Soon, the unexpected voyage of a lifetime begins - and it will change everything...
An unforgettable adventure story from award-winning children's book author Sofie Laguna, with enchanting illustrations by Marc McBride.
192 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2021
3 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Laguna
33 books393 followersSofie Laguna originally studied to be a lawyer at the University of New South Wales, but after deciding law was not for her, she moved to Melbourne to train as an actor. Sofie worked for a number of years as an actor at the same time as completing a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Sofie is now an author and playright writing for both adults and children.
Her many books for young people have been named Honour Books and Notable Books in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards and have been shortlisted in the Queensland Premier’s Awards. She has been published in the US and the UK and in translation throughout Europe and Asia.
Her picture book, On Our Way to the Beach, was included in the White Raven 2005 annual selection of outstanding international children’s books by the International Youth Library (Associated Project if UNESCO)
In 2008 Sofie released her first novel for adults, One Foot Wrong, to international acclaim. It was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and long-listed for the Miles Franklin Award. Screen rights for the book have been optioned and Sofie has recently completed the screenplay.
Sofie continues to write for a wide readership, from picture books for very young children, to series for older readers, to novels for adults.
Sofie lives in Melbourne with her partner and their young son.
Her many books for young people have been named Honour Books and Notable Books in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards and have been shortlisted in the Queensland Premier’s Awards. She has been published in the US and the UK and in translation throughout Europe and Asia.
Her picture book, On Our Way to the Beach, was included in the White Raven 2005 annual selection of outstanding international children’s books by the International Youth Library (Associated Project if UNESCO)
In 2008 Sofie released her first novel for adults, One Foot Wrong, to international acclaim. It was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and long-listed for the Miles Franklin Award. Screen rights for the book have been optioned and Sofie has recently completed the screenplay.
Sofie continues to write for a wide readership, from picture books for very young children, to series for older readers, to novels for adults.
Sofie lives in Melbourne with her partner and their young son.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 19, 2021
Matthew was a quiet child, withdrawn, unable to make friends and always felt like he didn’t belong. He loved to read, and his favourite books were all about the North Pole. One day while sitting on a bench reading, with other children playing on swings and other equipment, a crow with a broken wing settled near him. Matthew gave him some of the cupcake his mother had packed for him. That night while Matthew was trying to sleep, he heard a tapping on the window. The black crow was there and he introduced himself as Lewis Carmichael – once Matthew got over his shock at a bird talking, Lewis persuaded him to step into the hot air balloon which was resting on the roof, so they could fly to the North Pole.
As Matthew’s adventure began, he knew he must be dreaming. None of it could possibly be real. But as Lewis and Matthew journeyed closer to the North pole, with Lewis singing quietly beside him, and Matthew saw the many things which he’d previously seen in his books, he was fascinated. Lewis’ faith in Matthew’s ability to fly the balloon, to prepare their food – it gave Matthew a confidence he’d never felt before. And when they arrived, the adventure continued…
The Song of Lewis Carmichael is an absolutely delightful children’s book by Australian author Sophie Laguna and illustrated by her husband, illustrator Marc McBride. The illustrations are beautifully done; the story is poignant and heartwarming. The Song of Lewis Carmichael is a highly recommended story for children around 10 to 12 years of age.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As Matthew’s adventure began, he knew he must be dreaming. None of it could possibly be real. But as Lewis and Matthew journeyed closer to the North pole, with Lewis singing quietly beside him, and Matthew saw the many things which he’d previously seen in his books, he was fascinated. Lewis’ faith in Matthew’s ability to fly the balloon, to prepare their food – it gave Matthew a confidence he’d never felt before. And when they arrived, the adventure continued…
The Song of Lewis Carmichael is an absolutely delightful children’s book by Australian author Sophie Laguna and illustrated by her husband, illustrator Marc McBride. The illustrations are beautifully done; the story is poignant and heartwarming. The Song of Lewis Carmichael is a highly recommended story for children around 10 to 12 years of age.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2021
I don’t read a lot of children’s books these days now that my own three are all on the cusp of adulthood. I do miss reading aloud children’s chapter books, fantastical adventures that had all of them pleading for ‘one more chapter please’. All three of mine would have loved this story if it had been read to them when they were younger and it’s this knowledge that has me rating it with five stars, thinking of the story from the point of view of a child filled with wonder, rather than coming to it as an adult. When you’re a child, you don’t think of the logistics of flying to the North Pole in a hot air balloon, nor do you question the existence of talking birds. You just settle back and enjoy the ride. Oh, to be young again! I actually would have really loved this book when I was a kid too, thinking back. I was really into stories like this, adventures that took you out of the real world. The less realistic, the better. And I loved talking animals. That was a deal breaker when I was a kid.
I’m deliberately not going to pick this story apart and examine all of the themes and their proposed meaning. Rather, I’m just going to recommend it to parents and grandparents as a beautiful chapter book for children to read themselves or have read to them. Readership skews ages eight to twelve, give or take depending on your child’s reading ability and interests. In essence, the story is about a boy (Matthew) who feels like he is less than everyone around him. He feels the burden of his parents worry for him. They want him to go to the park to play, yet don’t want him to stay there too long in case something happens to him. In going on his adventure to the North Pole, Matthew is forced to take care of himself, make decisions, do things that his parents would normally do for him, and when faced with danger, no one is holding him back to protect him, he is left to use his judgement and protect himself. When Matthew returns from his adventure, it’s with a new sense of confidence within himself, a shedding of fear, in a way, and possessed with a motivation to experience things that he would previously have backed away from. There is a gentle reminder to parents who may be reading the book that children are like sponges, they absorb your energy, be it positive or negative. It’s hard not to think the worst is always around the corner. Yet children really do need to play and explore and just exist without bearing the burden of that worry for as long as they can. Goodness knows, once they reach adulthood, it’s all that’s facing them for the rest of their lives.
Illustrated by Marc McBride (Deltora Quest, World of Monsters) the story is brought to life in the most magical way. The illustrations are just exquisite, beautifully detailed and absolutely captivating. The book itself is truly gorgeous, printed in blue ink, both text and illustrations, a lovely touch that sets it apart from other chapter books. A compromise between being a colour picture book and a black and white chapter book, if you like. It must have been such a wonderful thing for Sofie and Mark to collaborate for this book and for Sofie to see her story come to life with each illustration Mark created. The magnificent Aurora borealis double page illustration definitely stole the show. A poster version of that to accompany the book would be a brilliant gift pack idea. I do highly recommend this book if you have children in your life. It is sure to become a treasured favourite for many.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
I’m deliberately not going to pick this story apart and examine all of the themes and their proposed meaning. Rather, I’m just going to recommend it to parents and grandparents as a beautiful chapter book for children to read themselves or have read to them. Readership skews ages eight to twelve, give or take depending on your child’s reading ability and interests. In essence, the story is about a boy (Matthew) who feels like he is less than everyone around him. He feels the burden of his parents worry for him. They want him to go to the park to play, yet don’t want him to stay there too long in case something happens to him. In going on his adventure to the North Pole, Matthew is forced to take care of himself, make decisions, do things that his parents would normally do for him, and when faced with danger, no one is holding him back to protect him, he is left to use his judgement and protect himself. When Matthew returns from his adventure, it’s with a new sense of confidence within himself, a shedding of fear, in a way, and possessed with a motivation to experience things that he would previously have backed away from. There is a gentle reminder to parents who may be reading the book that children are like sponges, they absorb your energy, be it positive or negative. It’s hard not to think the worst is always around the corner. Yet children really do need to play and explore and just exist without bearing the burden of that worry for as long as they can. Goodness knows, once they reach adulthood, it’s all that’s facing them for the rest of their lives.
Illustrated by Marc McBride (Deltora Quest, World of Monsters) the story is brought to life in the most magical way. The illustrations are just exquisite, beautifully detailed and absolutely captivating. The book itself is truly gorgeous, printed in blue ink, both text and illustrations, a lovely touch that sets it apart from other chapter books. A compromise between being a colour picture book and a black and white chapter book, if you like. It must have been such a wonderful thing for Sofie and Mark to collaborate for this book and for Sofie to see her story come to life with each illustration Mark created. The magnificent Aurora borealis double page illustration definitely stole the show. A poster version of that to accompany the book would be a brilliant gift pack idea. I do highly recommend this book if you have children in your life. It is sure to become a treasured favourite for many.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
May 4, 2022
Matthew Zajac loves his books. Especially the ones he’s borrowed from the library about the North Pole. The expanses of frozen tundra, theThe Song of Lewis Carmichael Book Review Cover birds soaring in the sky and the animals that roam the ice and snow fascinate him. He doesn’t tell anyone else though. His mum and dad already squabble behind closed doors about him keeping to himself too often.
He doesn’t tell his classmates because his parents are right to worry. He does find it difficult to join in, not good at climbing and running and the other things the kids do in the park. But one day something amazing does happen at the park – not that he knows it at the time. Sitting, reading one of his books, he shares a muffin with a crow that has a broken wing.
A tap tap tap on his bedroom window that night makes Matthew wipe the foggy glass. There stands the crow he saw at the park. An even bigger surprise comes when it introduces itself. “I am Lewis. Lewis Carmichael.”
Lewis is about to take Matthew on the adventure he has always dreamed of – to the ice and wonder of the North Pole.
Matthew is frightened at first, not even sure how to climb out the window, but Lewis shows him all that he can be and do, what is deep down inside him, and has been all along.
The blue font on the pages instead of the usual black is the first surprise in this wonder of a story. The accompanying pencil sketch style illustrations are also in blue and simply beautiful.
A small boy, unsure of himself and where he fits in the world (outside of his library books) experiences an adventure to one of the most inhospitable places on earth, but also the land of his dreams. Each encounter, from controlling a hot air balloon, to meeting dangerous animals on the ice of the North Pole, makes Matthew a little more… everything he has always wanted to be.
A wonderful adventure for all those who dream of exotic places and finding the courage to embrace all they have to offer.
Illustrator – Marc McBride
Age – 7+
He doesn’t tell his classmates because his parents are right to worry. He does find it difficult to join in, not good at climbing and running and the other things the kids do in the park. But one day something amazing does happen at the park – not that he knows it at the time. Sitting, reading one of his books, he shares a muffin with a crow that has a broken wing.
A tap tap tap on his bedroom window that night makes Matthew wipe the foggy glass. There stands the crow he saw at the park. An even bigger surprise comes when it introduces itself. “I am Lewis. Lewis Carmichael.”
Lewis is about to take Matthew on the adventure he has always dreamed of – to the ice and wonder of the North Pole.
Matthew is frightened at first, not even sure how to climb out the window, but Lewis shows him all that he can be and do, what is deep down inside him, and has been all along.
The blue font on the pages instead of the usual black is the first surprise in this wonder of a story. The accompanying pencil sketch style illustrations are also in blue and simply beautiful.
A small boy, unsure of himself and where he fits in the world (outside of his library books) experiences an adventure to one of the most inhospitable places on earth, but also the land of his dreams. Each encounter, from controlling a hot air balloon, to meeting dangerous animals on the ice of the North Pole, makes Matthew a little more… everything he has always wanted to be.
A wonderful adventure for all those who dream of exotic places and finding the courage to embrace all they have to offer.
Illustrator – Marc McBride
Age – 7+
June 22, 2021
I am conflicted on this one... it has a Polar Express / Fairy tale feel that for me never actually felt engaging. The actual writing often feels a bit clunky and I expect better from such a well respected and awarded writer. I felt the conclusion was particularly disappointing (disappointing might be the wrong word. Ableist? Pat? False?)
Spoiler:
I am fully aware that I am not the intend audience for this book so I am going to give it to a young reader in order to get a second opinion. Will update.
Spoiler:
I am fully aware that I am not the intend audience for this book so I am going to give it to a young reader in order to get a second opinion. Will update.
September 27, 2021
A gorgeous adventure story that can be enjoyed on so many levels, The Song of Lewis Carmichael is good bedtime reading for young and old alike.
Young Matthew is having trouble making friends at school. His favourite thing is to take his mind off this is to read about the explorers and wildlife of the North Pole. One night a talking bird named Lewis invites him on a hot air balloon ride to visit his beloved North Pole and soon the two are soaring over the rooftops towards adventure.
But is Matthew really flying to the north? Or is it in his imagination? And at the end of the day does it really matter? This story could be interpreted in so many ways that I found myself wanting to discuss it long afterwards.
As a bedtime read for kids aged 4-10, this story has the lot. Animal sightings, dangerous polar bears, injured animal rescues, little facts about hot air balloon travel. It's a very wholesome story with lots of chances to talk with your curious child about the world and how it works. If I was still teaching I would have no problem reading this as a classroom novel for half a term. It's quite short.
As an adult there is lots to reflect on. I felt perhaps that Matthew might have autism. That his fixation on the north pole and it's explorers was a topic he was really passionate about and that his lack of companions for his imaginary journey reflected his lack of friends in real life. I felt perhaps his parents might have lost a child and in turn Matthew had lost a brother or sister and this was his grieving process. Perhaps his journey north is just his maturing as a child grows up. Sofie has had such great experience writing young protagonists in such works as The Eye of the Sheep that I can't help but look at this story with her adult works in mind.
I must add that Marc McBrides illustrations through this book are beautiful works of art that elevate the story and open it up to a wider audience of young readers who might be daunted reading a text only chapter book for the first time. He has done a cracking job on those polar bears.
Young Matthew is having trouble making friends at school. His favourite thing is to take his mind off this is to read about the explorers and wildlife of the North Pole. One night a talking bird named Lewis invites him on a hot air balloon ride to visit his beloved North Pole and soon the two are soaring over the rooftops towards adventure.
But is Matthew really flying to the north? Or is it in his imagination? And at the end of the day does it really matter? This story could be interpreted in so many ways that I found myself wanting to discuss it long afterwards.
As a bedtime read for kids aged 4-10, this story has the lot. Animal sightings, dangerous polar bears, injured animal rescues, little facts about hot air balloon travel. It's a very wholesome story with lots of chances to talk with your curious child about the world and how it works. If I was still teaching I would have no problem reading this as a classroom novel for half a term. It's quite short.
As an adult there is lots to reflect on. I felt perhaps that Matthew might have autism. That his fixation on the north pole and it's explorers was a topic he was really passionate about and that his lack of companions for his imaginary journey reflected his lack of friends in real life. I felt perhaps his parents might have lost a child and in turn Matthew had lost a brother or sister and this was his grieving process. Perhaps his journey north is just his maturing as a child grows up. Sofie has had such great experience writing young protagonists in such works as The Eye of the Sheep that I can't help but look at this story with her adult works in mind.
I must add that Marc McBrides illustrations through this book are beautiful works of art that elevate the story and open it up to a wider audience of young readers who might be daunted reading a text only chapter book for the first time. He has done a cracking job on those polar bears.
October 23, 2021
Matthew is a quiet boy, a loner and his parents despair -trying to push him out the door to interact with kids and play games, but he lacks the confidence and fears letting his parents down. Matthew is only interested in the Arctic and spends his days reading and dreaming of the North Pole. One night he is woken by Lewis Carmichael, a crippled crow with a broken wing, that he had fed in the park and the crow urges him into a glorious hot air balloon and they set sail to the North Pole. During the journey Matthew learns to do things - manage the gas, make the breakfast and look after himself and Lewis. This mystical and unexpected voyage of adventure changes the way Matthew views himself and his interactions with others. Lewis Carmichael provides the prompts, encouragements and questioning stance to help Matthew discover his inner strength to solve problems and face down adversity - polar bears, wolves and the weather for starters.
This is an adventure story told in a gentle tone, with gripping moments without being terrifying. The presentation adds a further dimension to this book. The blue font and evocative art work, also in blue, by Mark McBride, explores the imaginative qualities of this book to present an enjoyable and refreshing balance between adventure and fantasy. McBride's illustrations show a different side to his creative talents, with fascinating details interwoven into an almost mystical arctic blue world.
Many primary aged students will enjoy this story and secretly wish that it could happen to them. It would be a great class read aloud for 9 to 10 year olds and a springboard for discussion and investigation.
This is an adventure story told in a gentle tone, with gripping moments without being terrifying. The presentation adds a further dimension to this book. The blue font and evocative art work, also in blue, by Mark McBride, explores the imaginative qualities of this book to present an enjoyable and refreshing balance between adventure and fantasy. McBride's illustrations show a different side to his creative talents, with fascinating details interwoven into an almost mystical arctic blue world.
Many primary aged students will enjoy this story and secretly wish that it could happen to them. It would be a great class read aloud for 9 to 10 year olds and a springboard for discussion and investigation.
January 9, 2022
Outstanding! I hope this becomes a children's classic!
Matthew is a child who dreams of travelling to the North Pole. He is very much loved by his parents - but their love is suffocating him and stopping him from just being a boy. He's lonely, finding it hard to connect with other children, his nose always in a book.
Then one day, a talking crow named Lewis Carmichael knocks on his window and changes his world. They share an adventure in a hot-air balloon; travelling to the North Pole where they encounter polar bears and arctic wolves, and see the northern lights. Through Lewis's belief in him, Matthew discovers that he is, indeed, able to find his own way.
The text and illustrations are all printed in a soft blue which is very soothing and easy on the eyes. The illustrations by Marc McBride (Sofie Laguna's husband) are gorgeous. I only wished the book was larger so I could pour over the details more thoroughly.
Altogether this is an enchanting and moving story that will appeal to primary school aged readers and their parents. I'm sure it will become a firm favourite, to be reread and treasured.
Highly recommended.
Matthew is a child who dreams of travelling to the North Pole. He is very much loved by his parents - but their love is suffocating him and stopping him from just being a boy. He's lonely, finding it hard to connect with other children, his nose always in a book.
Then one day, a talking crow named Lewis Carmichael knocks on his window and changes his world. They share an adventure in a hot-air balloon; travelling to the North Pole where they encounter polar bears and arctic wolves, and see the northern lights. Through Lewis's belief in him, Matthew discovers that he is, indeed, able to find his own way.
...he liked the bird's words. Strong. Brave. You held your ground. The words made him want to keep going. He hadn't known that words could be so powerful.
The text and illustrations are all printed in a soft blue which is very soothing and easy on the eyes. The illustrations by Marc McBride (Sofie Laguna's husband) are gorgeous. I only wished the book was larger so I could pour over the details more thoroughly.
Altogether this is an enchanting and moving story that will appeal to primary school aged readers and their parents. I'm sure it will become a firm favourite, to be reread and treasured.
Highly recommended.
September 21, 2021
The Song of Lewis Carmichael by Sofie Laguna is a gentle tale of how Matthew Zajac learns to be brave. Matthew is a quiet boy who is afraid of trying new things and struggles to put his thoughts into words.
The adventure begins when a crow, with a broken wing, taps on Matthew’s window one night and invites him on a journey to the Arctic. Matthew has long been fascinated with the North Pole and pours over books of people who have been there. He loves the photos of the scenery and the wild animals. Matthew thinks he is dreaming and agrees to go with the crow who is called, Lewis Carmichael. He climbs out the window, onto the roof where there is a hot air balloon waiting with enough supplies for the journey and a three-day stay, plus warm clothes and boots.
After Matthew and the crow arrive, they explore the terrain. They meet a mother polar bear and her cub. They see reindeers, walruses and arctic wolves as well as a great variety of birds. Sofie Laguna does a great job of describing the scenery and the wildlife.
Through well-told narrative, descriptions and illustrations, The Song of Lewis Carmichael is a lovely story of friendship, resilience and imagination.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
Thanks to the Book Curator for providing a free book for review.
The adventure begins when a crow, with a broken wing, taps on Matthew’s window one night and invites him on a journey to the Arctic. Matthew has long been fascinated with the North Pole and pours over books of people who have been there. He loves the photos of the scenery and the wild animals. Matthew thinks he is dreaming and agrees to go with the crow who is called, Lewis Carmichael. He climbs out the window, onto the roof where there is a hot air balloon waiting with enough supplies for the journey and a three-day stay, plus warm clothes and boots.
After Matthew and the crow arrive, they explore the terrain. They meet a mother polar bear and her cub. They see reindeers, walruses and arctic wolves as well as a great variety of birds. Sofie Laguna does a great job of describing the scenery and the wildlife.
Through well-told narrative, descriptions and illustrations, The Song of Lewis Carmichael is a lovely story of friendship, resilience and imagination.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
Thanks to the Book Curator for providing a free book for review.
August 17, 2022
Matthew is cautious. His parents keep him sheltered and safe, and he remains unsure of his own capabilities. He is lonely and isolated, and his favourite place is the North Pole.
A surprise visit from a talking crow takes Matthew on a magical ride. What does he discover about the North Pole and himself?
I enjoyed the details about the North Pole and the main character's personal growth.
Recommended for middle-grade readers.
A surprise visit from a talking crow takes Matthew on a magical ride. What does he discover about the North Pole and himself?
I enjoyed the details about the North Pole and the main character's personal growth.
Recommended for middle-grade readers.
October 28, 2021
My heart is full after reading this divine book. A gentle, whimsical story filled with magic and adventure. Not 100% sure how I felt about the ending; think it will grow on me. This would make a gorgeous read aloud for middle primary.
nowyourjustsomenovelthatiusedtoknow
December 26, 2021This was short, sweet and surprisingly educational. Following a boy and his trek to the 'North Pole', this one has a very Storm Boy feel from the very beginning and will also pull the heart strings. Pretty spot on for its intended audience, this was a lovely story to pass an hour or two
January 20, 2022
A gentle but unforgettable read. Matthew has dreamed of the North Pole for as long as he can remember, so when a talking bird shows up at his windowsill in a hot-air balloon, they know exactly where they're going to go...
- Read by Suzie and Celeste
- Read by Suzie and Celeste
September 22, 2021
Delightful adventure story full of heart with gorgeous illustrations throughout.
February 20, 2022
3 1/2 stars
June 10, 2023
A lovely story of childhood imagination and friendship. Suitable for 8-12 year old
June 21, 2024
Beautiful illustrations.
July 5, 2021
I read an ARC. Review to come.
December 21, 2023
A gentle tale with lots of metaphor by Sofie Laguna. Lovely narration by John Voce.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews