Luke and his big brother Ben spend the summer on the banks of Cabbage Tree Creek. Quiet Luke sketches birds, while Ben leaps off the Jumping Tree. The boys couldn’t be more different, but they share a special bond. When a local competition to win a boat is announced, the brothers spring into action, dreaming of exploring the creek together. But then Ben starts high school, bringing unfamiliar changes into their lives. Slowly, the boys start to drift apart as the contest approaches.

The opening paragraphs instantly make you sit up and take notice; no gentle introduction here. The language is spare but every word counts and you can instantly picture the sunlit creek and the sights and sounds of long summer days. Both the boys love nature in their different ways and the book is full of tiny line drawings of the rich Australian birdlife which surrounds them on their doorstep.

This is a beautiful exploration of the fraternal relationship and how with love and trust it can survive the ups and downs life throws at it. At only 180 pages and with short chapters it is an accessible read and would be a great “where next” for fans of M G Leonard’s Twitch. For schools it would be a good choice to read aloud and ideal for small schools with a whole KS2 class. Pushkin Press have a reputation for publishing high quality books which are that little bit different, and this is no exception.

(Review by Nicola)