Wild Journey is a set of five short stories about five children in different countries who all have some sort of journey to make, and all are connected by the flight of starlings migrating in their murmuration. Jamal in Egypt nursing an injured starling back to full health; Ella on holiday in Marrakech who becomes separated from her family during an overnight trek on camels in the Sarah Desert; Aaron on the edge of a forest in Asturias in Spain who helps a wolf; Isabelle in Ludes, France visiting her grand-père listening to a bedtime story about her uncle; Yusuf a refugee from Syria who begins his first day at school in England without being able to speak the language.
Each story can be read independently but all are connected both in the theme of journeys. I love watching murmurations and I'm lucky enough to live close to a field where I can stand and watch the spectacle (in fact, I often see them gathering on the roofs of the houses opposite me); it's a sight I will never tire of and one that always fascinates me and I love that Az has used this to connect her stories in this wonderful book. It's the idea of hundreds of tiny birds working together as a team to make incredibly journeys; their resilience is to be admired.
With the children in Wild Journeys, none are expecting the journey they end up making in their story, and all grow in strength and character from their journey (both internally as well as outwardly); whether that's learning when to let go; learning when to trust their instincts; developing inner strength; accepting when they get things wrong; developing an appreciation of those around them - each story is different but with very strong messages from which children can learn.
The book is beautifully written and celebrates diverse backgrounds and family set-ups. Resilience appears in every story as does empathy and hope (something Az does brilliantly in each of her books).
I have to mention the striking illustrations by Joe Lillington that perfectly compliment the book; the colour pallet and the double page illustrations in particular are lovely.
Publishing on the 6th November, Wild Journey is a stunning book that will soar into readers' hearts and will sweep them away on their own journey around the world. It's a book that readers will return to again and again, and one that I will definitely use in school. I can't wait to celebrate this book on Wednesday with Az at the launch.
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