By Gill Lewis (author)
"Beautiful, moving novel from our finest writer of animal stories"
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Interest Age 8+ Reading Age 8
Gill Lewis is contemporary children’s literature’s nature writer par excellence, telling moving stories of human encounters with wild animals that powerfully connect readers with the natural world. Swan Song tells the story of Dylan, expelled from his school and struggling with depression until he moves with his mother to her family home in a tiny Welsh village. In the peace and quiet of days on his grandfather’s boat, Dylan begins to find himself again, but it is the discovery of an injured Whooper swan that is life-saving, and shown to be literally so. Written for dyslexia specialist Barrington Stoke, this short novel will be accessible to all readers and its message of the healing power of nature and community more important now than it’s ever been.
The LoveReading LitFest invited Gill Lewis to the festival to talk about Swan Song , and green reads for kids with fellow author Konnie Huq.
The digitally native, all year round, online literature and books festival, with new content released every week is a free-for-all-users festival.
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Dylan is struggling. Since he started high school, everything has become too much to handle. Now he's been expelled and is forced to move to the tiny village in Wales where his grandad lives.
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But when Grandad invites Dylan out on his boat to watch the Whooper swans return to their winter feeding ground, things begin to change. Grandad doesn't judge or question; he just lets Dylan be. Out on the water, with no distractions or pressure, Dylan begins to feel like himself again. But when the swans and their home are threatened, and tragedy strikes at home, can Dylan keep going when it feels like everything is slipping out of control again?
From award-winning author Gill Lewis comes Swan Song – anemotive and poignant story which brilliantly handles issues of depression and anxiety in young people whilst exploring topical themes of wildlife protection. With a relatable protagonist, Gill gently explores these heavier themes in an approachable and accessible way.
This nature-led tale perfectly compliments Gill's other touching stories, Run Wild and Eagle Warrior , that all skillfully weave together nature and healing. A timely and topical read for young people coping with the pressures of lockdown restrictions, anxiety and the growing pressures of school.
Gill Lewis has adored animals for as long as she can remember. From building a mini hospital for insects in her garden as a child, to working as a vet in the wilds of Africa, her life has been full of fascinating wildlife adventures. She now lives in Somerset with her family and their pets, which include dogs, chickens, and a rescued Shetland pony. She dreams up stories in her treehouse, surrounded by squirrels and plates of biscuits. Her books have won and been shortlisted for numerous awards. A Street Dog Named Pup is the first book that she has also illustrated herself.
Gill’s writing has earned her numerous awards such as the UKLA Children’s Book Award and the Little Rebel Award, and several nominations for prestigious awards including the CILIP Carnegie Medal.
Gill lives in Somerset.
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Dylan is struggling. Since he started high school, everything has become too much to handle.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Swan Song and determined it is suitable for children aged 7-10 years old
Swan Song features in the following genres: Animal Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Interviews with Authors and Illustrators, Recommendations, Dyslexia Friendly Books for Interest age 7+, Dyslexia Friendly Books for Interest age 9+, Featured Books for 9+ readers, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 7+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Swan Song was written by Gill Lewis and published by Barrington Stoke Ltd
Swan Song has 119 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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