Free

As he observes the birds around the feeder through the window one morning, the boy narrator notices that one of their number is injured. He and his Grandad nurse him carefully until he seems ready to go back out into the garden. “He won’t want to be cooped up in here,” Grandad insists putting it outside; but the bird has other ideas.

Back it comes at breakfast time, lunchtime and teatime, and the boy grows increasingly attached to their visitor, urging Grandad to let the creature stay. Grandad’s wisdom prevails: he insists freedom is what it needs and showing the lad a picture of a large tree, tells him they must help the bird find a new home. With rucksacks packed off they go. After a long climb, they find the perfect tree and it’s absolutely teeming with Bird’s avian friends singing a welcome song and ready to share a fruity feast.

A lovely warm-hearted story to add to Sam Usher’s smashing series of Boy and Grandpa adventures that mix fantasy with everyday reality so beautifully, portraying the very special relationship that exists between the two. I love the closely observed domestic details of Grandpa’s home: capacious bookshelves, over-stuffed fridge and cupboards stacked high with mugs, tins and jars as well as the outdoor fantasy scenes.