Authors
"What a gorgeous book. Perfect for 8-10 year olds."
I absolutely love this story. It's billed as a book for lower middle grade (8-10 year olds), but I'm a good deal older than that and I was thoroughly delighted with this book. It's full of drama, courage and the most recognisable characters, even though they are birds! Such an imaginative and unusual set up. Think Watership Down, but birds! Julia Blackburn has completely pulled this off and I'm very excited to hear that this is to become a series. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Kate Darbishire, Author of Speechless
“The writing is wonderful.”
“A wonderful feel good ending.”
“A lovely epilogue… I loved this touch.”
“This is a light and feel good read.”
“The cover is beautifully illustrated.”
Millie Spark, The Follyford Farm Mystery Series
Book Bloggers
“The Songbird Army is a heartwarming and empowering middle-grade adventure that shows children the true meaning of bravery, friendship and community.”
“By using birds to explore the dynamics of bullying, the story mirrors the emotional struggles children face while remaining engaging, accessible and full of hope.”
“A memorable cast of characters — from loyal friends to the menacing Magpie Mafia — brings warmth, humour and depth to a story with a powerful message.”
“A meaningful, age-appropriate tale that encourages young readers to find their voice, stand tall and never let bullies win.”
“Julia Blackburn’s The Songbird Army embraces the bullying theme beautifully. It is a wonderful tale small garden songbirds coming together, standing tall against bullying and intimidation.
A heartwarming adventure for middle-grade readers about standing up for yourself, your friends and your community.”
"The Songbird Army is an absolutely wonderful story of adventure, community and struggle – and even a protection racket thrown in.”
“A fantastic read that once I started, I just couldn’t put down.”
“Highly useful in a classroom situation.”
“A fast paced narrative.”
“A super sense of inclusion.”
“The vocabulary is varied and occasionally challenging.”
“The presentation of the text was inspired.”
“Plenty of white space that doesn’t daunt more reluctant young readers.”
“The little bird illustrations are simply gorgeous.”
Authors
"This one hooked me in from the first page! It's not my usual genre, but I was surprised how quickly I was hooked in."
"A tale of magic, friendship, nature, good vs bad, believing in something, and most of all believing in yourself."
"I was immediately invested in the characters – I wanted to know more about them, what makes them tick and how their part in the story will play out."
"The author isn't afraid to tackle difficult issues…sometimes books – even magical ones – need to reflect the difficulties that life throws at us."
"These issues are tackled sensitively and age appropriately in a way that helps us learn and grow within the safe pages of this magical story."
Teaching Professionals
“I loved the blend of nature and magic.”
“A gentle feel even as danger loomed over the valley.”
“Her loyalty, determination, and kindness especially stood out to me.”
“I’ve never read anything quite like this before.”
“Kept me hooked!”
“If you love nature & magic this is for you!”
Miss G (Primary School Teacher and Instagram Book Blogger)
Book Bloggers
“A powerful story about family secrets, the healing power of nature and the fight to save a dying land.”
“I absolutely loved every second of reading this book.”
“Her love of nature really shines through.”
“This is a beautiful story.”
“You will be rooting for Belle from the very start.”
“I am glad that I have had this book in my life.”