From the author of Skellig, the story of Paper Boat, Paper Bird is an unlikely tale of finding friendship in unlikely places. When Mina and her mother travel to Japan, the unfamiliar language and intriguing sights fuel her imagination, especially when she is gifted an origami boat and bird by a kind woman on the bus. When Mina decides to write a message on her new origami gift and leaves it on a river in the temple gardens, she couldn’t predict that it would find its way to a young boy who was in need of a friend of his own. Easy-to-read, with striking black, white and red illustrations, Paper Boat, Paper Bird is a perfect addition to any KS2 library or classroom. Anyone who has travelled will understand the wonder and hope that comes with visiting a new place and discovering its wonders, and the reader feels this through Mina and her own journey in Japan. David Almond’s poetic storytelling also allows for readers to touch on what could otherwise be difficult topics: the loss of a parent, dealing with life changes, new members to a family. Kirsti Beautyman’s illustrations add to the layers of meaning beautifully. I particularly liked that this was not a long book and that it was broken up by the wonderful illustrations: many children in schools can find reading daunting, however the layout and structure of the story makes this book accessible to most children in KS2 and is perfect for those that are transitioning from smaller picture books. Reviewer: Christine Ivory