Growing up is rarely straightforward with childhood often feeling like it is a constant maze of different challenges to navigate. While a lot of these challenges are difficult, among the most difficult of these is bullying, a problem that continues to affect children in countless ways. Bullying is not confined to the playground or classroom; in today’s digital age, it can weave its way it our homes and personal spaces through those screens we are all addicted to and our online spaces, leaving children vulnerable even in what should be their safest environment. Bullies tend to thrive on fear, silence and any perceived weakness or differences, using intimidation or their physical strength with the intention of causing embarrassment or harm, which leaves their victim often left feeling powerless. Yet, that wonderful medium of literature reminds us that even the smallest voice can rise up against cruelty. Children’s books, in particular, play a vital role in helping to teach resilience, empathy and the importance of speaking out to stand up to bullies. And The Songbird Army, by Julia Blackburn, embraces this theme with a warm and a unique creativity that shows young readers how with courage and unity you can overcome intimidation.
The Songbird Army is a heartwarming adventure for middle-grade readers (8-12 years and beyond). With themes of bullying, bravery and standing up for yourself, your friends and your community, young readers get to explore the power of courage, friendship and standing up to bullies using a cast of garden birds.
Welcome to Riverside Garden, where a charming and varied community of songbirds call home. The story centres around the character of Rube the robin, a gentle soul who prefers singing to leading, despite being the head of the Songbird Choir. His quiet existence is disrupted when the Magpie Mafia, a gang of bullying magpies who are running a protection racket, ups their price and demands an egg from each and every nest. Faced with this frightening ultimatum, Rube must discover courage he never knew he had, stepping reluctantly into the role of protector. Alongside his friends, who must band together when their peaceful lives are threatened, he learns that standing up to bullies is not about being the biggest or strongest, but about refusing to surrender to fear and banding together for a common goal.
Overall, The Songbird Army is an absolutely wonderful story of adventure, community and struggle – and standing up to bullies. Using birds to represent the dynamics of bullying, the story has a deep meaning while still being easy to understand by its young readers. The magpies, larger and more aggressive, are an excellent embodiment of the bullies that children may face in real life, while the smaller songbirds reflect the struggles of those who feel powerless. With a theme of bullying and dealing with, it mirrors the emotional journey many children may have already faced when confronted by bullies: the hesitation to speak out, the temptation to remain silent and the eventual realisation that action is necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones. The result is a relatable story that children will take a lot from, but is also one that doesn’t diminish the seriousness of the subject, and the result is a tale that is entertaining, engaging and thought-provoking. It is a fantastic story, maybe slightly violent in places (especially for younger readers), but it’s an exciting read and once I started, I just couldn’t stop reading.
What makes this story all the more memorable is its cast of characters. Rube the robin is joined by Hula, a blind bullfinch who proves that disability does not diminish bravery; Phil the song thrush, whose loyalty never wavers; and Parus, the scatterbrained blue tit who brings humour and levity to tense moments. Plus there are other figures that I can’t forget to mention; Fruggie the damaged but courageous crow, the pair of flamboyant peacocks and the menacing magpie army, all who help to enrich the story adding in variety and depth. And it’s not all about the birds, there are also the human characters with Bird Boy and his father Gunman, who help to bridge the gap between the natural and human worlds, adding another small and dynamic layer to the story. This collective of garden voices band together and form the “Songbird Army,” a group of friends that superbly demonstrates just how unity and friendship can overcome even the most intimidating adversaries.
Another nice touch is how natural history is seamlessly woven into the story that not only help set the scenes but also educate. Through Bird Boy’s notebook (using facts under each chapter heading) and the observations that are woven into the plot, young readers will gain insights into bird behaviour and their habitats. These are small but thoughtful touches that help to enrich the story but without interfering with the tale, slowing its pace or adding in unnecessary page filler, making it both educational and engaging. At 164 pages it moves along quickly, with double-line spacing that will help emerging and reluctant readers, offering a great balance for middle-grade readers – substantial enough to feel rewarding while not being overwhelming.
Being a middle-grade reader it deals with the theme of bullying in more depth than a picture book. The battles between the songbirds and magpies are thrilling and exciting, although occasionally violent (not it a gory or detailed way), and it does not shy away from exploring themes of death and grief (albeit briefly). But these harsher moments are perfectly balanced with humour, tenderness and hope. Together, they help to deliver the very clear message that bullies might be loud, intimidating and even frightening, but kindness, courage and unity can drown out their noise. Written with a tension and warmth it remains age-appropriate and suitable for its intended audience.
I found The Songbird Army to be a delightful surprise, so much more than I expected it to be. It is more than a simple nature-inspired adventure; it is a heartwarming story that does an excellent job of encouraging children to find their voice and stand up to bullies. Featuring a strong message and engaging characters, it is a book that belongs in every child’s library or classroom as it can help spark those important conversations about courage, friendship and resilience, while reminding young page turners that bravery is not about physical size or strength, but about refusing to let bullies win.
The Songbird Army is a thoroughly enjoyable story with a deeply meaningful message. I think that it is a story that will inspire young readers to sing loudly, stand tall and never be silenced.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £6.99 (Paperback) / £1.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit www.juliablackburn.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
