Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
This hard covered children’s picture book is presented by two celebrated picture book creators. Margaret Wild is a recipient of the Nan Chauncy Award and Lady Cutler Award for her contribution to Australian literature. For this book she is ably assisted by internationally renowned award-winning author and illustrator, Stephen Michael King.
The front cover of the book is highlighted with gold colour befitting the title of the story.
When a fledgling golden eagle with a broken wing is taken in by two children it survives and, although it longed to fly away, its love for the children and feelings of obligation has it staying with them. Here it protects the family from the surrounding menacing wildlife.
One day the desire to fly takes it further from the house than usual leaving the children exposed to danger. On its return the children cannot be found anywhere as they had hidden to stay safe. The bird is punished for putting them in danger and takes its fate seriously, even endangering its own survival. Thereafter it remains with the children.
The illustrations dominate the page with the words taking up only a small part of the page. These illustrations could become a talking point to encourage young readers to think more about the text provided.
The back cover tells the reader that this is a story about love, nature and forgiveness yet I cannot help but feel sorry for the bird who through his love for the children, blocks all natural desires to follow the instincts he was created with to be with his own kind.
For me the book and its contents have a distinctly European feel, yet Margaret Wild is an Australian children’s writer. She has written more than 40 books for children, and her work has been published around the world.
This is a beautifully presented story which I am sure young children will really enjoy.
The Enchantment of Golden Eagle
(2025)
by Margaret Wild
Illustrated by Stephen Michael King
Allen & Unwin
ISBN:978-1761181078
$24.99;36pp