Magpie stands guard.
He has one job. One desire.
One purpose.
KEEP THE EGGS SAFE.

Have you ever been swooped on by a magpie when you’ve walked near his tree where he is nesting? Scary, isn’t it?

Magpie, the main character in this picture book, should really be called Magnificent Magpie. He is bravely protecting his mate who is sitting on three eggs in a beautifully made nest high up on a branch of a tall tree. Magpie has to stand guard and swoop those noisy egg thieves who keep coming, riding their bikes, walking their dogs and even throwing stones. But it will be all worth it in the end if three perfect little babies are born.

This is a very simple story with an ending that pulls at your heart strings.

But this book also helps us to think more deeply about these animals around us: to understand how clever they are, with their superhero hearing, listening for grubs and worms moving under the ground and their ability to recognise other magpies and people by their faces.

It’s a book to start a conversation.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 5+