Swallows Swirl written by Christina Wilsdon and illustrated by Jess Mason is a story about the beauty of swallows as one young girl experiences them. “Down the hill I run, rain-booted and sweater-free. A warm breeze brushes my cheek. And all around me, swallows swirl.”
The writer and illustrator make sure that young readers understand that swallows love movement. Barn swallows can be found everywhere in the spring as they move through the morning sky. The little girl in this story loves their energy so much that she joins them with her own skipping and twirling fun.
As this tale unfolds swallows begin preparing a nest for their babies. The charming illustrations show the little girl’s love for this process full of noisy hungry babies and busy dutiful parents.
The author and the artist work beautifully together to describe what takes place when these birds move through the months and finally ready themselves for their flight to warmer climates. The girl is seen waving goodbye to the swallows as she gets on the bus for school. This is a sweet story. The back material includes interesting Barn Swallow Basics as well as Barn Swallow Migration.
Swallows Swirl is perfect for children 4-8 years of age (Sleeping Bear Press, 2024.
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. Links to the podcast and the activity questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Activity Questions for Swallows Swirl
Study the opening picture of the young girl as she plays like she is a swallow swirling, dipping and diving. Then, find an open place in your house or garden where you can dive, dip and whirl like a swallow. Have fun!
Play like you are a hungry baby swallow opening its mouth to eat the bugs that mom and dad swallows bring you. Add the sounds that you think baby swallows would make. Remember, baby swallows are very hungry and very loud!
Study the final double page illustration in this book. If you were to give this beautiful picture a title, what would it be? Why?
