The writing is magnificent as we follow the first person narration of 9-year-old Jasper Wilde. He’s searching for Rosie, his older sister who went off to college and never came back. Dad has only told him she “has gone to a Better Place.”

Set in England’s countryside, Jasper is sure Rosie’s Better Place is with the little song bird known as a nightingale. Birds are the main reason for the strong bond Jasper has with his sister. They wrote a journal style “Book of Birds,” full of facts about the birds they saw and listened to in parks and forests.

Jasper’s parents are so busy running their business they have ignored him for a long time. Even so, he writes them a note and takes off on his own. It’s a journey about grief and dealing with the loss of a loved one. It’s no secret that his sister has died tragically, but readers won’t know how until Jasper does.

The road toward understanding and dealing with grief is helped by the strangers Jasper meets along the way. Both old and young, they each provide much needed support. The story is sad but the depth of emotion also helps one understand the grieving process and how anxiety can effect a child.

THE HUNT FOR THE NIGHTINGALE is not an action packed tale young readers often look for, but the story will appeal to those who love nature and the gentle flow of powerful words.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: December 1, 2024 (U.S. Edition) PAGE COUNT: 272

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT HUNT FOR THE NIGHTINGALE by Sarah Ann Juckes

1. You learn so much about various birds. Each chapter begins with a bird fact and much of the narrative is focused on birds. Interesting reveals throughout.
2. The last chapter occurs a year later. Jasper reveals what has happened in his life and it is a fitting wrap to this tender story and we won’t have to endure the wait for a sequel to find out.
3. Never talk to strangers but in Jasper’s situation he meets new friends like Madge, Ibrahim, and Gan. Great characters with memorable personalities that are there to help rather than harm.
4. Illustrations of the birds are featured on many of the pages, adding a strong connection to the thoughtful story.
5. The Author’s Note is a must read, She gives readers advice if they too are experiencing some of the same worries Jasper has gone through. An excellent wrap to the story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Ann Juckes is the author of five books for young people. THE NIGHT ANIMALS (Jan 2023) was awarded Waterstones Book of the Month and The Times Children’s Book of the Week. Her other books for this age group are, THE HUNT FOR THE NIGHTINGALE, and STORM SEAL. Her YA novels include OUTSIDE (nominated for the Carnegie Medal Awards 2020) and THE WORLD BETWEEN US.

Sarah is a writing tutor and also works for Oxford University. She lives opposite a graveyard on the edge of the Cotswolds with her partner and cat.

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