SWOOP
Written by Nicole Godwin, published by CSIRO Publishing, September 2022
A charming, cheeky story about a magpie with one very important job!
Magpie has one job, one desire, one purpose: KEEP THE EGGS SAFE. Always on alert for danger, will Magpie's determination be enough when rock-carrying intruders arrive?
Why do magpies swoop and why do we have such a fascination with them? Discover more about these clever, cheeky and charming songbirds through this delightful book.
See more of author Nicole Godwin's brilliant work here.
Visual humour abounds in this book, including the marvellously inventive array of optimistic "anti-magpie" headwear sported by the people in Magpie's firing-line...This is a fabulous way to help young people appreciate a magnificent bird that is an important part of our urban environment.
- The Canberra Times
I adored this picture book. Absolutely loved it. It explores a topic that is soooo relatable to basically everyone, & I just love how Crispe injects the hilarious truth of magpie avoidance into her illustrations... Crispe creates an entire world, with multiple characters that have stories of their own lovingly weaved into their expressions, clothing and accessories. It’s truly a delight to turn each page... It’s fun, joyful, funny & relatable. It’s a perfect picture book that kids will love, love, love.
- Kids' Book Review
This glorious picture book written by Nicole Godwin will become a firm favourite of younger readers. The striking end papers and bold illustrations by Susannah Crispe will delight the reader and perfectly complement the simple yet captivating text.
- Read Plus
Throughout, Nicole Godwin’s story is told from the point of view of the magpie. It is clear and simple but uses a pleasing variety of vocabulary and inference. Susannah Crispe’s characteristic clean but decorative illustrations enhance the text but also tell their own story.
- Living Arts Canberra
FREE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING RESOURCES
Click the images to the right to download printable PDFs of the Swooping Magpie craft or Decorate the Magpie Eggs sheet.
SWOOP -THEMED CRAFT AND PLAY
Here are a few Swoop related things we've enjoyed doing together. The Swooping Magpie activity sheet can be found at the top of the page - it's a huge hit at home and in the classroom. My son loved the process of blowing and painting eggs to look like magpie eggs and can't wait to make more for Easter. I couldn't resist putting an Australian spin on nest cookies and choosing magpie egg coloured chocolate eggs. And of course, I had to share my homemade magpie wings which I made for the launch and which accompany me on all my school visits and events.
This glorious picture book written by Nicole Godwin will become a firm favourite of younger readers. The striking end papers and bold illustrations by Susannah Crispe will delight the reader and perfectly complement the simple yet captivating text.
- Read Plus
Throughout, Nicole Godwin’s story is told from the point of view of the magpie. It is clear and simple but uses a pleasing variety of vocabulary and inference. Susannah Crispe’s characteristic clean but decorative illustrations enhance the text but also tell their own story.
- Living Arts Canberra
