Sil: A Novel

Sil is a bird with a remarkable gift; he's a brilliant singer and a talented composer. He's enthusiastic and often takes great risks without thinking through the consequences of his actions. As a result he puts himself and others in grave danger. When a group of magpies turn up in the tuis valley with evil intentions they plot to devastate the valley where Sil and his family and friends live Sils world is torn apart. This story is about doing what is important to you, no matter the consequences. Its about making mistakes but recovering from them, partly with the help of others. And its about pulling together to overcome a terrible danger. Sil is superbly told: lyrical, exhilarating and engaging. Jill Harris paints a clear and well-researched picture of one of our best known birds, the tui, and couples it with her own love of things musical. Sue Edmonds. Sil won an Honour Award in the 2006 New Zealand Post Childrens Book Awards.