Silver Leaves
Gladys Milroy
Silver Leaves
Gladys Milroy
A beautiful story about conservation, working together and hope.
Owl and Night Parrot are nocturnal. They have a lovely big tree well away from all the noisy birds … until one day they are woken up by the birds fighting over space in their tree. Owl is very angry, until they discover the poor birds’ trees have been cut down.
After a meeting, Night Parrot suggests they look for a seed to grow a tree big enough for everyone. Crow comes back with the biggest gumnut and they plant it, water it and sit around it waiting for it to grow. Meanwhile Night Parrot meets lonely Goanna who is guarding the last red berry bush. When Night Parrot tells Goanna their story, Goanna cries silver tears. It is these silver tears that Goanna leaves for Night Parrot to take back to water the gumnut.
Magically, the gumnut grows overnight into a magnificent tree with room for everyone - and the leaves on top of the tree are silver - like a beacon for all other birds who need refuge.
Age range 6+
Review
Athina Clarke
A catastrophic event forces noisy daytime birds into the quiet gum tree of the nocturnal Owl and Night Parrot. Initially vexed but soon realising the birds are homeless, Owl and Night Parrot happily share their tree despite its limitations. Eventually, collaboration, tenacity (and a mystic touch) creates a home for all.
Gladys Milroy’s fable has a mythic quality, with emphasis on the importance of stories and a poignant reminder to care for the environment and all who share its bounty. Ultimately, the ‘Silver Leaves’ of the title offer a shimmering beacon of hope, signifying a refuge for the lost and homeless. Milroy’s illustrative technique is also striking; the stylised images of flora and fauna have a childlike quality that beckons and enriches young readers.
This handsome, cloth bound treasure is a wonderful addition to the family library and highly recommended as a read-aloud story for children aged 4 and up and as an independent read for ages 6 and up.
Athina Clarke is from Readings Malvern
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