Pip struggles at school, especially when it comes to concentrating; he's also worried that his best friend is finding new friends. The one thing Pip loves is nature, particularly birds. As with every winter, Pip is excited about the annual swanfall, a time when the arctic swans make their way back to the wetlands where he lives with his mum. It's his mum's job, with him, to record the arrival of the birds and catalogue exactly which birds arrive, using their distinctive markings to help. But this year, Pip's mum is called away and Pip is inadvertently left home alone when the swanfall begins. And along with it comes a feeling that Pip is being watched. Something is different and feels wrong and it's going to be up to Pip to discover exactly what is going on.

I love Sophie's books, a quick flick back through my blogs will show you that (in fact, I remember reading The Haunting of Fortune Farm whilst on holiday this time last year, so I was thrilled when I stumbled across Swanfall on NetGalley whilst on holiday last week.

Sophie has a way of writing books that link so nicely with folklore which gives her stories a timeless fell to them and Swanfall is no exception. The links with the poems in the book Pip finds, the songs and the legends that are woven into the plot all contribute to creating a novel that will definitely stand the test of time.

I love Pip as a character, especially his love of nature and the way he embraces what he loves; however, I also like the exploration of friends expanding their friendship circle whilst others feel left behind - it's natural for Pip to worry about Tommo; this is something that happens in school and in life) and it was lovely to see it explored here; it will open up discussions and will help readers to understand that it's ok.

Swanfall is a beautifully woven story that embraces legend and nature in a plot that will captivate readers. It's a story about being brave, being yourself and trusting your instincts.

Publishing, 6th November, Swanfall is the perfect book to curl up with when it's cold and wintery outside. It's another guaranteed hit for Sophie that will warm your heart.

Swanfall is a gorgeous combination of folklore and friendship. I adored Sophie Kirtley’s other books but this is her best yet! Alternating between a modern story of bird conservation, wetland management and the enchanting beauty of nature and strange writing found in a mysterious old book telling the story of three children who went missing hundreds of years earlier, it draws readers in with intrigue and the unknown. This is the perfect mystery for late autumn evenings as winter draws near – ideal for a Christmas gift or a December / January Upper Key Stage 2 class read.

11-year-old Pip has lived on the wetlands with his mum and sister for 4 years. They moved to Keeper’s Cottage for his mum’s work with the wetlands – environmental conservation and protection of animal species. What Pip loves most about living there is the return of the migrating swans every December. In the days before Christmas, with a tingle in the sparkling air, Arctic swans return to Rushy Lake from Siberia. This “swanfall” is magical. Pip’s favourite swans are three he’s named “Midnight”, “Silver” and “Moonshadow”. He strains to hear their swan song on the wind and always recognises them when they arrive.

When Pip’s Year 6 class has the chance to visit the Book Bus and borrow something new to read, he’s completely enchanted by a trunk of old books that have been donated by Mrs de Plume at the manor house. He discovers a book of poetry that tells the tale of the Children on Lir. As he reads, he realises it is the voices of the children telling their story – how their mother died, their father was enchanted by a witch disguised as a beautiful woman and how this woman got rid of the children. Missing pages mean Pip can’t read the full story so he’s determined to find out what actually happened to the three siblings.

As Pip embarks on his quest to uncover the truth of the Children of Lir and eagerly awaits the return of the swans, secrets of the past come to light. Together with his friends, he must confront perilous trials, very real danger and challenges to their friendship. A witch’s curse, the haunting beauty of the swans, and a fierce snowstorm weave together into a chilling tale of loss, hope and love.

This heartfelt story of friendship and respect for nature alternating with such haunting, lyrical poetry creates a unique, timeless story that will be loved for years.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books and NetGalleyUK for an early copy of this lovely book!