Magpie's Treasure by Kate Slater

Magpie's Treasure by Kate Slater
Buy Magpie's Treasure by Kate Slater at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: For Sharing
Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
Summary: A great debut children's book from Kate Slater. Her beautiful illustrations are the highlight, but there's also a sweet and gentle message that will strike a chord with young book fans.
Buy? Maybe	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 32	Date: October 2010
Publisher: Andersen Press
External links: Author's website
ISBN: 978-1849390088
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Magnus Magpie, like so many of his fellow magpies, loves collecting shiny things, including a pinnacle from the Taj Mahal and the queen's emerald egg cup. What he wants most of all is the beautiful, shining moon, so off he flies...

Magpie's Treasure is Kate Slater's first children's book, and it has an awful lot going for it. It's a charming and heart-warming tale, as Magnus discovers that the grass isn't always greener (or should that be shinier?) on the other side. He also realises just what true happiness is. On a first reading, the idea of a magpie flying to the moon didn't sit entirely comfortably with me - whilst it's not a rigidly realistic tale, that seemed a step too far for me. A more robust plot wouldn't have gone amiss, but on subsequent readings, I was willing to let that slide a little and go with the flow, mostly because I was so engaged by the beautiful illustrations.

It is these illustrations that are the undoubted star here. They're collages, awash with all Magnus' collected shiny treasure, and they're an absolute joy. Each page is a magical treat - I particularly enjoyed the view of Earth from space. You can see examples for yourself at Kate Slater's website, and I highly recommend that you take some time to rummage around. She's a real talent, and I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing what she produces in the future.

The text flows well, and keeps the audience entertained. The vocabulary is intriguing and exciting, yet entirely suitable for its young audience. With its sweet and gentle message, magical notes, and particularly its beauty, Magpie's Treasure is ideal for bedtime reading. There's something particularly touching about it that you'll really like. It's well worth a look.

My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.

Birdsong by Ellie Sandall and The Girl With The Bird's Nest Hair by Sarah Dyer also feature lots of birds and gorgeous illustrations. Slightly older children will love The Boy Who Climbed Into The Moon by David Almond - this time it's a boy who loves the moon.

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You can read more book reviews or buy Magpie's Treasure by Kate Slater at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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