Noah loves birds. He spends hours watching them, drawing them, studying them and will often help one if injured or sick. His dad doesn’t understand his love of all things avian. Not that he’s been round much as Noah’s knowledge of birds has grown.

Dad now lives in New York with his new family, and the distance in miles has also increased the distance between them as father and son.

Noah is surprised when his mother invites his father to his upcoming Bar Mitzvah, and even more surprised that his father will travel all the way back to the UK to attend.

When Dad arrives and wants to spend time with Noah, it’s awkward and mostly silence. Noah feels the gap even more when Dad laughs at his request for binoculars instead of highly sought after clothing or footwear.

But Dad does make an effort, planning a trip into the countryside where he knows Noah is happiest. Noah is quiet the entire trip and even quieter in the woods as he takes in Nature all around him. Dad however is striding forward in his new boots and gear, wanting to conquer the walk ahead of them.

It’s almost too late when Noah sees the Nightjar on the ground. Can this little sick bird help heal this rift before Noah’s special ceremony only days away?

Finally, Noah’s tension, hurt, loss and true self bursts open in front of his father and there is much to be pondered between them before beginning to rebuild their relationship.

A beautiful tale of father and son and first steps being made to repair their relationship. A parent living in another city or even country as in Noah’s case is a common part of modern family life, and it is often difficult to keep family bonds resilient to distance.

Noah has grown apart from his father, and the awkwardness between them is painful on the page. Heading towards his Bar Mitzvah (a Jewish ceremony for 12-13 year old boys where they are said to become a man), Noah is excited and nervous in equal measure, and an unexpected visit from the US by his father throws Noah off kilter. This is beautifully written by this Award winning and talented author.

Nature and a tiny bird is Noah’s salve in this situation and ultimately gives him the strength he needs to say how he feels.

Beautiful.

Author – Katya Balen

Illustrator – Richard Johnson

Dyslexic Title

Reading Age 8 – Interest Age 9+

Read a review for the 1st in this duology (Click on the Cover)

(2023, Harper Collins, Dyslexia, Dyslexic, Reluctant Readers, Family, Fathers and Sons, Relationships, Hurt, Loss, Distance, Distant fathers, Bar Mitzvah, Jewish Ceremony, Tension, Birds, Avian, Bird watcher, Drawing, Nightjar, Love, Animals)