A Scandinavian robin follows his migratory instinct in this British Christmas tale. In order to escape a harsh winter, the small brown, red, and gray bird survives storms, fog, and a hawk attack during his journey to a milder climate where he'll join his mate. Told from the bird's point of view, the dangers faced are relayed in lyrical language filled with emotion. Heavy my wings and heavy my heart, / Will I ever see my home again? During a squall, with rain pouring from above and a choppy sea below, the bird takes refuge aboard a boat. A caring human gives him food, warmth, and a place to rest before sending him on his way. Digital illustrations depict the many dangers and adverse weather conditions that make the bird's flight so treacherous. The pictures, with varying perspectives, enable readers to more easily understand the hazardous conditions faced by the small bird. The robin's return home, which has been anticipated by more than just his mate, makes for a satisfying addition to holiday collections.--Maryann Owen Copyright 2018 Booklist

A robin travels alone for many miles to reach his mate by Christmas.In beautifully poetic language, Morpurgo portrays the urgency of the bird's longing to return home. The robin encounters dangers along his migration path, from rain, snow, and stormy seas to a narrow escape from a hawk. Recounting the robin's journey in first-person verse casts the bird's voice in a counterpoint to lovely illustrations of a landscape often shown literally from a bird's-eye view. Repetition of words and motifs echo the rhythm of his wings and heartbeat in a sometimes-plaintive voice: "Dream of home, think only of her, / Waiting for me, looking for me, longing for me. / Beat, my wings, beat faster. / Easy, my heart, go steady. / Steady." The robin joins a flock of thrushes "over sun-dancing sea" before, suddenly lost in a dense fog, the robin spies a fishing boat to rest on. Choppy waves and the little bird's disorientation are expertly captured in images that break from the pattern, the action slowing down as he reaches the boat, then looks up to see a person looming over him. Finally warm, fed, and rested, he's released by friendly hands over a calm sea to finish his journey. Migration information at the beginning explains that the Scandinavian robin migrates south to Britain around Christmastime.A highly unusual picture book to satisfy the heart of anyone who enjoys making the natural world part of a Christmas celebration. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

In this sophisticated story with a tangential holiday theme, understated text and art follow a Scandinavian robin on its annual Christmastime migration from its northern homeland to Britain. (An introductory note offers the scientific basis for the story.) Morpurgo's free verse ("Take me home, my wings, carry me home") captures the bird's resolve and resilience as he escapes the clutches of a hawk and battles inclement weather to reach his destination, where a loved one awaits him. A mutation of thrushes invite him to join them, temporarily easing his angst. Then he loses the birds in the fog and flies "blind in a world of white,/ Lost and quite alone," until he lands on a boat pitching in wild seas and finally reunites with his mate. Digitally composed pictures by Hyndman (Survivors) feature a cool palette (save the robin's scarlet breast) and position crisp, lifelike images of birds against more abstract, loosely drawn natural backdrops. Ages 3-7. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

A small Scandinavian robin fights rain, snow, rough terrain, and the churning sea to complete his migration to Britain. The poetic text and striking digital illustrations convey the challenge and drama of the journey. A note explains the Scandinavian robin's migratory pattern and how the Brits associate the bird with Christmastime. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.