Deep in the hollow of an ancient tree,
three baby parrots snuggle up close.
Their downy crowns tremble as mum
feeds them sweet gum-blossom nectar.

But one morning Mum wakes up to the sound of sugar glider claws scratching on the bark of the tree. She knows that sound and when she looks two of her babies have been taken. Now only Swifty remains.

As Swifty grows, her feathers are beautifully flooded with rainbow colours and we see her zipping and zooming with the other fledglings through the lush blue gum forests of Tasmania. But, as the days get colder, all the parrots know it’s time to head north to a warmer part of Australia. That means a long, long flight, 250 kilometres across the waters of Bass Strait, but Swifty somehow keeps up with the others. She faces many threats and dangers in her travels, especially when she flies a little too fast over a sparkling harbour and a rather tall fluttering flag! Hope you make it home, Swifty.

There’s so much more to the story of these Remarkable Swift Parrots that are now critically endangered. The pages at the back of this book are full of information, even how to look after these incredible birds, if you find an injured one.

Great Teacher Notes come with this book and a fun colouring-in page for the students.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 6+