The Boy Who Became an Eagle

To be able to fly is a form of freedom, and suddenly to find that he has this gift frees the unnamed boy in this beautifully produced picture book from the physical hardships which seem to be part of his life. That is, until he is found by the owner of a travelling circus and he loses his freedom when he becomes the star act in the show. How he regains his liberty is the climax of a book which hints at much more than is described. We do not know who the boy is or where he comes from, other than that it is mountainous and very cold in winter. Cross-hatched lines and washed colours have the appearance of hand-tinted nineteenth-century etchings, giving a period atmosphere to the story. Double spreads give a feeling of space, especially in scenes where the boy flies. This is a somewhat unusual book, and one which will repay close consideration.