When the Storks Came Home

This beautifully illustrated picture book is remarkable in many ways. Firstly, it is a work of fiction but is based on a real story. In the adventure we follow Beanie and her friend, Andy, as they try to find a way of reintroducing white storks to the United Kingdom. Beanie only hears about these birds when her baby brother arrives and friends bring new baby cards depicting storks. Do read the book to find out whether Beanie and Andy’s plan is successful!

Secondly, there is an excellent section at the back of the book explaining how white storks returned to the Knepp Estate in Horsham, Sussex, led by Isabella Tree, author and conservator. There are some amazing facts here, such as the last nesting of white storks in the UK was on St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh in 1416! Photographs of the White Stork Project and suggestions for further information about this are also included.

Finally, it was important to Isabella Tree to have the books printed on 100% recycled paper to avoid unnecessary costs and resources. In addition, they were printed in this country so that no travel was involved. At the front of the book there is a paragraph explaining why this was so important.

The illustrations throughout the story work well with the text and were drawn by Alexandra Finkeldey, a Canadian artist who specialises in drawing animals amongst other subjects.

This informative publication would be of interest to any child keen on nature, the environment and sustainability and has inspired me to learn more about the topic and to read Isabella Tree’s award-winning book, Wilding.