Ian Boyd and Gary Luck’s Melody Finch is a lesson-packed children’s novel set in Australia. The illustrated book follows Melody, a young girl who is transformed into a bird. Melody’s adventures as a diamond firetail finch teach us the importance of protecting the environment in which we live.
Review
“Some things should never be forgotten.”
– Ian Boyd and Gary Luck
Indeed, there are some things that we should always remember, even if everyone around us deems us to be crazy for believing. The jaded view of the adult eyes makes us forget about the magic of childhood. By the time we grow up, most of us tend to give up our innocent perspective of life. We are unable to realize that by doing so we actually miss out on the beauty and truth of this world.
Melody Finch is one book that takes us back to our childhood. Ian Boyd and Gary Luck’s beautiful children’s novel follows a young Melody Klomp as she undertakes a journey of a lifetime. Melody always loves going around in her Nanna Bell’s boat, The Isabella, whenever she and her family spend the holidays in Goolwa. Nanna Bell’s love for the boat and the Coorong never ceases to amaze her. However, she is flabbergasted when her Nanna implies that animals can talk. She believes that she is too grown up to pay heed to such fantasies. Months later, Melody understands the folly of her assumptions. When her mother informs her that the drought is compelling Nanna Bell to sell The Isabella, she is devastated. While trying to come up with a way to save the beloved boat, a distraught Melody finds herself transformed into a diamond firetail finch.
Why did Melody get turned into a bird? Would she ever become human? What about The Isabella? Would she be able to save Nanna Bell’s beloved boat?
To find out, join Melody as she traverses the beautiful natural world of Australia to complete an all-important mission.
Through Melody’s adventure, the authors present to us a snapshot of Australia’s diverse natural life. Her trip from Charleville to Goolwa brings Melody in close proximity to myriad wildlife creatures. She befriends birds, fish, and frogs of different species. Along with Melody, we get to witness how mankind’s careless disregard for nature affects the animals around us. The presence of the cane toad in Southern Australia and Dermot Finnegan’s mindless hunt of seals for his own greed are perfect examples of this.
The authors use a vivid writing style that is bound to captivate readers. All the characters in the book are well-drawn. Ramon’s quirky nature, Belladonna’s omniscient knowledge, Peron and Banjo’s shenanigans, Ghost’s eeriness, Reginald and Dorothy’s protectiveness, and the seals’ sense of family all make us relate to the animals. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Ramon’s unlikely friendship with Buzza. The way all the seagulls agreed to rally behind Reginald touched my heart as well. Silverclaw and his master, Dermot Finnegan, gave me the hibbie jibbies.
I like how the authors dedicated the last few pages to the description of the various animals talked about in the book. For each animal, we have a picture, its scientific name, and relevant details regarding its origins and nature. I believe this is very thoughtful of Boyd and Luck as this will impart some interesting knowledge to readers, especially considering the fact that anyone would be curious about the animals after reading the story.
Ian Boyd and Gary Luck’s Melody Finch is a book of its kind. I recommend this well-edited novel to every child. Actually, I believe this book is bound to leave a lasting impression on adults as well. The engaging novel has a fast-paced plot that always keeps us on our toes. Along the way, it teaches us some valuable lessons about nature.
Book Details
- Title: Melody Finch
- Author: Ian Boyd and Gary Luck
- Genre: Children’s Literature
- Theme: Animal Love, Environmental Protection, Nature, Illustrated Book
- Publication Date: October 9 2020
- ISBN or ASIN: B08KJGCRTM
- Number of Pages: 165
- Minimum Audience Age: 8
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 0
- Religious themes: 0
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 1
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 1
- Other adult themes: 0
Children’s Book Features
- Good role models for younger ones: Yes
- Moral values: Yes
- Good social manners: Yes
- Age-appropriate language and topics: Yes
- Age-appropriate illustrations: Yes
- Gained the approval of a licensed educator or professionals in a relevant field: Not specified
- Based on scientifically-proven data or similar information: Not specified
- Produced through industry-standard research processes: Not specified
- Other relevant information.
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 5 stars
- Editing: 5 stars
- Other factors: 5 stars
- Overall: 5 out of 5
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I hope this lovely, imaginative story helps kids and adults alike that it’s in our hands to preserve and help thrive natural havens, such as the stunning Australian continent. Great review!