About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a significant loss or a feeling of deep isolation after a family upheaval. It is a contemplative choice for middle-grade readers who find solace in the outdoors but feel like outsiders in their own lives. The story follows Simon, an orphaned boy sent to live on a remote Australian farm with elderly cousins. As he navigates his grief, he discovers ancient, elemental spirits from Aboriginal mythology that have inhabited the land for millennia. This is a slow-burn, atmospheric fantasy that focuses on the healing power of nature and the perspective gained from connecting with something much older and larger than oneself. It is ideal for 10 to 14 year olds who appreciate a quiet, respectful approach to heavy emotions and a sense of wonder that feels grounded in reality.
