Circle (Big Books)

From the creator of the critically acclaimed Where the Forest Meets the Sea and Mirror, comes a poetic, eco-conscious picture book which explores the complex, interdependency of nature. This is the story of the little-known Bar-tailed Godwit who, following invisible pathways that have been used for thousands of years, undertakes the longest unbroken migration of any bird, a total of 11,000 kilometres, flying from their breeding grounds in Alaska across the Pacific Ocean to Australia or New Zealand. Facing hunger and treacherous conditions to reach their destination, their flight is one of bravery, tenacity and strength, and Jeannie’s stunning mixed media collages, inspired first-hand by the spectacular landscapes of Alaska and China, will amaze readers, and take them on an extraordinary visual journey to the corners of our Earth.

Review

“Simply stunning.” * Carousel * This breathtaking picture book describes the winter migration of Godwits from Alaska to Australia and New Zealand. A deceptively simple text is enhanced by beautiful collage illustrations, and together they provide a clear message about the fragility of our planet. * The Bookseller * if you and your child have never heard of the godwit, prepare to be amazed by Jeannie Baker’s Circle. * Newbury Weekly News * The text is sparse yet informative allowing space for the illustrations to tell the story. These are in Baker’s recognisable collage style and convey the vastness of the journey. Double page spreads allow the reader to sense the scope of this epic flight; they fill the pages with a perspective that shows the earth’s curvature. […]The book opens with a small boy saying “I wish I could fly” – it certainly makes you feel you’ve experienced a little of what it would be like to be airborne. * Armadillo * Baker’s style features a dazzling display of collage, whole scenes constructed from a wide selection of mixed media. The book, full of wonders about this extraordinary bird which in its lifetime may fly further than from the Earth to the Moon and back, would be a valuable addition to any Library of classroom book-shelf. –* The School Librarian *

About the Author

Jeannie Baker is the author and illustrator of a number of children’s picture books, including the award-winning Where the Forest Meets the Sea and the critically acclaimed dual language picture book Mirror. Her characteristic use of mixed media to create detailed and elaborate collages is stunning and unique. Originally from the UK, Jeannie lives in Australia. Find Jeannie online at www.jeanniebaker.com.