A blackbird sings a song to the man (the author) in response to the world’s sadness, a song about hope, care and forgiveness in which everyone can join.
Blackbird from the treetop in the garden sings to pass his excellent idea to all the creatures on this planet. It starts with the fox that cries it out to deer crossing the water, followed by many cows, grasshoppers, and scampering mice, all too welcome its beauty. Sing from faraway coasts to the savannah where the elephants celebrate it, the lions appreciate it, and wild dogs hoot it. Then the sun hears it and brings the song to the dessert to be joined by “even camel, who rarely joined in anything, thought this is the best and most beautiful idea he had ever heard.”
In the author’s note, Michael Morpurgo shows that he wrote the book during the first lockdown of Covid-19 in the UK. In sad times, we are reminded that everyone is responsible for the well-being of our planet, which suffers the consequences of our actions. However, there is hope that the world can be marvellous if humans care gently for other living things.
The story celebrates the diversity of our universe, both in the animal kingdom and the community, skillfully mastered in Emily Gravett’s illustration. Book-provoking thoughts to older primary children about the impact of everyone’s actions on the planet and engaging reading for animal lovers can make the story an addition to the Earth’s Day repertoire in school.
The Stats:
- Title: A Song of Gladness
- Author and Illustrator: Michael Morpurgo and Emily Gravett
- ISBN: 978-1-5290-6331-8
- Publication Date: 2021
- Page Count: 36
- Publisher: Two Hoots
- Recommended age: 5-8
- Categories/Topic: Animals, planet Earth, song
Further Information:
If you loved A Song of Gladness, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
Where to Find it:
- Buy on Amazon: A Song of Gladness
- Find on: Goodreads
