Little Bones

by Sandy Bigna, Tamlyn Teow (Illustrator)

Since the accident, eleven-year-old Bones spends her time drawing animal skeletons and scavenging for dead things to add to her collection. She’s drifted away from her friends and doesn’t want to make new ones.

One night, Bones wishes on a full moon and unintentionally resurrects the skeleton of a baby bird. Bird wants to return to his natural (dead) state, so Bones agrees to reverse the curse – not that she knows how. As she and Bird work out the secrets of the magic, Bones remembers what it’s like to have a friend. How can she let Bird go when she doesn’t want to say goodbye?

With gorgeous greyscale illustrations of Bones’s collected items scattered throughout, this book is perfect for big-hearted readers of Karen Foxlee and Zana Fraillon.

Genres: Middle Grade, Friendship, Grief, Young Adult, Family, Fantasy, Childrens

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[DianaRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

a favorite read of 2025🩵

a beautiful and heartbreaking novel in verse about grief and death, yet entirely quirky and full of life, all told through the eyes of a sister left behind

——

i’ve heard many good things, so i’m excited to read💖

[Suz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a verse novel? This will delight your senses taking you into a world where times are easier, where children roam and discover what matters and when to let go of what holds us back.

I was transported into little Bones world, who lives with her grandma while her beloved mum works far away. A proudly original girl, her collection of dead things is her passion, she’s a creative and draws as well. This shows us her grieving process.

When the magic happens she’s forced to confront what she’s holding onto for her own benefit, and how this makes her feel in the short term. These are big lessons for someone so young, and the beauty in her journey captured me with surprising emotion.

Resurrecting a beautiful bird creates a conundrum Bones must face, which her new quirky friend steps in to help with a vengeance. Not only is Bones dealing with immeasurable loss, she’s navigating friendships at a tough time in life.

Bones and skeletons are just creepy
But she's wrong.
The inside of us
is way more beautiful
than the outside.

Little Bones is wonderfully accessible, the writing lyrical, flowing, magical. Among the heaviness Sandy Bigna maintains a buoyancy of hope. It truly a beautiful experience.

This came into our lives at the right time for my non reading son. The gift of the verse novel format allowed us dip in and out, and helped us with complex issues we ourselves are facing. And this my friends, is proof of the joy of reading.

Thank you UQP for my review copy, this book comes with my most high recommendation, for ages from 9 to 90 and beyond. I promise you will be delighted.

[kaitlyns_library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that a children’s book was written in verse but that when read, didn’t feel like it. It made it easy for me to read and dive in. This book dealt with grief well. I really enjoyed this one.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verse novel. Grief novel.

It's good.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bones has been left behind.

Left behind by her mother, who has taken a cleaning job in the mines up north.

Left behind after the death of her nine year old brother.

Left behind be her closest friend, who falls in with the new girl.

Bones is dubbed her nickname for also looking down, into the earth for what has been, or left behind.

Living with her grandmother (Nonna), in a rundown, government housing commission flat, in a less desirable part of town (Brisbane?), Bones has finished primary school and the hot, dry summer school holidays ahead of her.

The arrival of new neighbours, the discovery of an intact bird skeleton and a voicing of wish create a situation that causes Bones to face her fears and painful past.

Written as a verse novel, this reminded me of big-themed novels I read in the 1980s and 1990s growing up (Brian Caswell’s ‘Merrill of the stones’, or ‘A little fear’ by Patricia Wrightson’ - magic, creepiness and gritty, everyday human struggles). Featuring quotes from Karen Foxlee and Zana Fraillon on the cover, you know there’s going be fantasy and big feels.

Who should read this? Anyone aged 12+ years old who wants to finish reading a complete novel. Anyone who loves magic realism and family dramas. Anyone who appreciates exquisite writing. Anyone who wants to ride the emotional roller coaster of grief and loss.

But, the reanimation of the bird skeleton in this story may sit uncomfortably with sections of the community who do not care for such things in children’s books.

[Elena Kaloudis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first verse novel. Deeply moving and a beautiful look at grief and they it manifests.

[Kim Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written verse novel about grief, guilt, acceptance and moving on.

[Delilah Dexter]

Loved it was very interesting and heartfelt ♥️

[Alex Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in verses, which was a refreshing way of reading I’ve never experienced before - this charming children’s book on grief and letting go is a genius look at the impact that grief can have when you’re not aware of it.

I found my younger self in the main character Bones. She becomes completely internal, feeling small and unsure of how to deal with the uncomfortable and panic inducing feelings she has after the death of her brother, Nico, in an unfortunate accident. She faces the fear of not wanting to burden anyone by expressing the turmoil she is experiencing, to be perceived while also wanting to run as fast and as far away from what she’s truly feeling. A great exploration of denial at play here.

I also related heavily to the trauma the event caused, with Bones having to revisit the site that the incident happened and the lingering PTSD you pick up on before that with the flashes of the incident clouding Bones vision and thinking and Nico acting as a haunting voice who speaks to her throughout these trying times, but fading away when the the trauma is right in front of her eyes, as the survival instincts and the processes of letting go make the present moment almost too clear for her.

I think this book is an important read for children, with Bird being the tough but loving voice expressing how hurtful it is to Bones to keep Bird here and the painful, terrifying and confronting but ultimately loving act of letting someone you love go can feel like, especially when it’s coming from a talking skeleton of a bird. What’s more confronting than that.

While Bones’ friend, Tenny, is the optimism, unexpressed love and the only one who truly saw and supported her. A guiding light for Bones to be able to open up and accept these feelings. How hard they are to express, especially as a child, and that it’s okay for the process of grieving to feel so messy and vulnerable. A rough around the edges psychopomp of sorts who shows accepting who you truly are and being loud and proud about it while exploding in a beautiful rainbow of colours, which was great juxtaposition to Bones’ darker colour scheme.

The family system around Bones was an extremely valuable lesson that showed that while it impacted her grandma and mom heavily, that not everyone experiences grief the same way. They all managed to connect in different ways over this horrible incident and shared loss and I really appreciate that being in this book.

One conclusion I can take is I really wish I had this story when I was younger, and I hope that this story can help kids deal with grief, loss and letting go in a healthy way and understand that they’re not a problem or a burden for going through tough experiences like what Bones had to experience. That we all have a bird to put to rest and set free, and sometimes many, but that love will colour our world again and connection will always come back to us, whether that’s with ourselves or the people around us.

Also shoutout to the artist Tam Teow. The illustrations throughout the book made it very easy to see how bones perceived the beauty in the morbid and as someone who relates to Bones, they added a beautiful element I didn’t know I needed as a reader.

[ALPHAreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't mind me, just a ridiculously proud literary agent dropping truth-bomb celebrations on Goodreads!

I met Sandy at KidLitVic in 2023 (online), where I requested to read the whole manuscript of what would become Little Bones, from a small sample of a Middle Grade verse-novel I was sent. And I just thought it was magnificent; I had approximately zero chill in reaching out to Sandy and offering her representation because I just *needed* to see this manuscript become a book, and I desperately wanted to be part of Sandy's author journey (because I knew that would be epic too.)

This is a magical-realism middle-grade verse novel; a meditation on grief, friendship, and the power of remembering. And I still think it's as special now in its final form, as when I first read its bare bones polished draft that Sandy sent me ... And I knew that as agent, my job was going to be to help Sandy find a home for Bones, and a publisher that would immediately understand what an instant-classic this book would be, how tender and tragic but hopeful and beautiful it is too. We found that tenfold with UQP, who have been truly magnificent in honing Sandy's debut - and finding illustrator Tamlyn Teow to help bring the book to life was a stroke of genius.

And it has been *electrifying* and very emotional to read other people responding to this book now that it's making its way out into the world ... To give you an idea of that type of praise; UQP sold North American rights to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and the publisher there described Little Bones thus; ‘It immediately brought me back to the novels I adored as a child—The Velveteen Rabbit, Charlotte’s Web, The Little Prince —stories of profound loss and hope and the special friendships that help us along the way. I’m thrilled this beautiful story landed on my desk and honoured to share it with US readers of all ages.'

That's it, completely. A new Children's Classic from a rising-star author who I can't wait to read everything from.

[Dani Ringrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this gorgeous little book. I bought it because of its beautiful cover and read it soon after my dog passed away. I had to keep taking breaks from it to ensure I didn't rip quickly through it. It's a sharp, beautiful story about loss and finding new friendships, and being brave to say goodbye to something you love. The illustrations made the story, loved seeing non-binary characters, and confirms my love for YA verse novels.

"Then finally the day would come
when my
bird would push off my hand
and flutter up
towards the sun

without ever looking back."

"'I never dreamt
I'd get to see a summer sky again.'
'Lucky you can still see,' I comment.
'I mean, seeing as you have no... um...'
Bird regards me with his empty eye sockets.
'No what?'
I shake my head.
'Uh... nothing.'"

"I remember finding Bird
and cupping those tiny bones in my hands.
Maybe a cat or a fox had carried him
down to the wetlands
and his bones
had rested there,
waiting for me to find them."

"Something in the hollows of its eye sockets
makes me think of Bird:
that same look of knowing -
like it can see things
that no one
else can."

"Tenny and I don't mention
what happened last night.
It feels dreamlike and hazy
in my mind now.
I guess when Aiko's not around
we'll speak about it.
But
right now
we're just three kids
rummaging in rubbish
digging with sticks
laughing under a lazy sea-blue sky."

"As Nonna Frankie talks
I'm almost shocked
to hear that her voice is rough,
coming from a place
that's the colour of bruises."

"Did you know that bones
keep on renewing themselves
every few years
in both humans and animals?
Over time all our bones
are completely replaced.
The old parts disappear
and new parts grow
in their place."

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

t the end of primary school where she is friendless since the death of her younger brother Nico nearly a year ago, Bones is not looking forward to the Summer. When she finds a bird skeleton, she wishes it were still alive, and, under the light of the full moon, the wish come true. The little bird can talk and she loves the companionship but the wish is really a curse since the bird is living a half-life it didn’t ask for. New neighbour, Tenny, who has no gender assigned in the book, accepts Bones' idiosyncrasies, and has a few of their own, and helps her seek the book on moon magic that Nico had hidden.

This is an odd book that is hard to categorise for recommendation. It is a gentle story of dealing with grief, loneliness and tackling fear - Bones must tackle challenges that were easy for Nico but hard for her - and in the process she becomes stronger and more self-reliant. She also becomes more reconciled with her brother's death and understanding of her mother's need to work through this process far away. The sense of belonging within her small tenement community is a delightful.
The free verse is beautifully written and evocative and carries the story well. Personally, I found the use of gender-free pronouns for Tenny irritating and could see no real reason for their application as this was only applied to Tenny, and as an 11 year old i am not convinced that this would have been a major issues for the character - was it an attempt to show an awareness of political correctness?

CBCA 2026 Younger Reader Notable title.

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally don't like the novel-in-verse, but this was good. For the most part, I didn't notice the format and it read well as "regular" text, and in other places the format added appropriate emphasis.

Some readers may like to know that this story contains spellwork.

The LGBTQ element is a character referred to with they/them pronouns, but it's not something that is commented on or made a big deal of, which is a nice change - it allows the reader to think for themselves as to whether the character may be "nonbinary" or whether it's just a way for the author to leave it up to the reader as to whether they read the character as male or female (I read him as male). It was slightly odd, though, that this character who would be male or female was left ambiguous when the bird skeleton, who really IS ambiguous, was presented as a "him". I would have done it the other way around (character - him; skeleton - they).

This rather simple story is about a girl dealing with deep loss - the death of her brother, her mother moving away and leaving her in the care of her Nonna, and the loss of friendship after her brother's death.
She inadvertently brings the skeleton of a baby bird to life and, with the help of a new neighbour, must find a way to return the bird to death. But letting go of this relationship with Bird might be just another loss that's too hard to bear...

The end is chiefly about processing grief and recognising that others are affected by loss just as much as you are, as well as repairing friendships, and that life is really about being open to being hurt.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Bones was my introduction to the verse novel and it was brilliant. The beautifully flowing writing style, engaging characters and snippets of the natural world made for a compelling read.

Eleven year old Bones lives with her Nonna Frankie while her mum works away. She’s drifted away from her friends as her interests in nature and in particular animal skeletons, no longer match theirs. When she accidentally resurrects the skeleton of a baby bird, she needs to figure out how to return him to his natural state. However, the longer she is around Bird, the less she wants to let her new friend go.

Little Bones was a heartwarming story about being different and embracing the natural world. Filled with magic and hope, it’s a wonderful read for all ages but will aid with discussing grief, friendships and teamwork with middle grade readers.

I just wanted to share this superb quote with you:

“I want to tell her that
dead things still matter,
that they show us
what the animal had once been,
that by looking at their bones we can imagine
where they had lived,
and the things they would be doing
if they were still alive.
It was my way of
honouring
them.”

[Rebecca Fung · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm generally wary of verse novels, often they aren't done well and seem to be an opportunity to look like "good writing" or "special" without actually adding to the style, and avoiding substance.

This verse novel was very readable and while I'm generally a fan of more traditional structures in verse, this free verse worked nicely so it didn't feel forced. The writing is simple, sparse in most places, and expressive.

The story explores the very emotional topic of grief and sadness and has the mystic element of a resurrected bird. These emotional and mystical elements make the format suitable as it's very much about feeling, not so much about lots of action.

Kids who really like to get to know a character may be very moved by this. I think Bigna did a good job of conveying that. There may be some others who think there should be more happening but that's clearly not the objective of the story.

The use of subheadings to break the verse up makes it very easy to read.

[Bernadette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful verse novel for children aged 10 plus. You could read it aloud to younger children. It allows us to look into how children and adults deal with grief and the changes it can make to friendships. The verse novel format means that this story is accessible for both good and emergent readers. Poetic techniques are used in telling this compelling story, especially acrostic poems. The characters are easily identifiable if you think back to your own childhood. The adults are all flawed and doing their best, second chances is a strong theme throughout the story.

The death of a child, Nico, is treated with gentleness. The circumstances of his death is revealed bit by bit by Bones to Tenny and the reader. Bird plays a big part in allowing Bones to heal as the anniversary of Nico’s death comes around.

Nature, light and dark are themes explored in this story.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely mesmerising verse novel featuring Bones, a young girl who lives with her grandma while her mum has moved up to the mines to make enough money for them to start their lives over after a catastrophic death in the family.

Bones is struggling at school as she removes herself from her previous friendships. She immerses herself in nature, and especially her collection of old bones. When she discovers a full skeleton of a small bird, she is powerfully drawn to it. She is also drawn to her new neighbour, the independent and bubbly Lenny. Lenny doesn't judge Bones like her old friends do, and the two become fast friends.

It is at this point that the story takes a magical twist - depending on how you read it. It is definitely NOT a fantasy novel, but there is a mystical element which is captivating and powerful.

I can't recommend this book highly enough!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare that I choose a book written in verse, but I took a chance on this one because the subject was so captivating. I'm glad I did!
"Little Bones" is perfect for anyone who was "that weird kid" or has become "that weird adult." The ones who like darker things, don't shy away from difficult topics, march to the beat of their own drum.
But more than that, it's a tale of friendship and learning how to grieve and let go. The verse format works incredibly well for this story because it forces readers to slow down, to breathe between thoughts, to sit with whatever feeling is happening in that moment.
My only wish is that it was longer, but, like this book teaches us, there comes a time when we must say goodbye.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a privilege to receive a copy of Sandy Bigna's stunning debut verse novel Little Bones. The writing is beautiful, spare and direct, without a word wasted in painting a story about 11-year-old Bones, who is struggling with the loss of her brother, Nico, and unexpectedly resurrects a tiny dead bird under a full moon and must set things right again. Grief, loss, bullying, new friendships, poverty, broken families and healing are all covered in sensitively-nuanced, age-appropriate language that will have middle grade readers, parents, teachers and librarians racing to find out what happened to Nico and, ultimately, Bird's fate. I was reading through tears from page 208 onwards. With thanks to UQP and the author for a copy of this glorious debut.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, Sandy, is a beautiful friend of mine. I am so proud and excited for her to have this book published.

I've just read my copy of Little Bones and finished it with tears rolling down my face. Good tears with a hint of sadness for the journey Bones had to go on in the book.

When I first started reading it, I felt weepy for the memories of feeling just like Bones at school, and even at work at times. Then I laughed and fell in love with Bird. And I couldn't put their story down. Everything in it resonated with me.

I will be re-reading this book many times, even though I'm in my 50's. So many emotions and I'm just in awe at a brilliantly written book by someone very special to me.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book. It is written in verse but after a few pages you don't even notice, the story just pulls you in. There are also tiny illustrations of skeletons and other lovely things scattered throughout the book. It made it a wonderful reading experience. I loved all these characters (except maybe Edie, but we don't have much to do with her), we spend most of our time with Bones, Bird and Tenny. Bird is a delight! Sandy is a brilliant writer, I could really see everything that was happening, Bird snuggling in bed with Bones, them all hanging out in the wetlands, their apartment complex with their support network around them. The book is about loss and grief and it is a great example of it. Would recommend this to everyone!

[Jen Nishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this a full galaxy of stars. Between this beautiful novel in verse of perfection and the poetic prose of Kate Gordon’s My Brother Finch I have been spoiled over my spring break for beautiful hearty wrenching books. It took a while to get here from Australia but it was totally worth the wait.

Little bones was beautifully written with gravity and worth put into each word on the page. Bones broke my heart but then also built it back up. It was a wondrously unique read that I am still thinking about this morning. I cannot recommend this novel in verse enough.

[Mel Langan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written novel in verse exploring friendship, grief & loss from the point of view of 11-year-old Bones. I read this in one sitting, not being able to put it down because I needed to know how Bones's story ended. Sandy has created a beautiful world with well-crafted characters & a touch of magic.

I hadn't read a novel in this format before & I soon got to appreciate the efforts in editing & appearance which goes into creating a novel like this. The short sections make it easy to read for the book's intended audience.

[Fiona White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The voice of the main character, Bones, had me absorbed in her story from the very first words. Little Bones is a middle-grade verse novel with strong characters who are working their way through some heart-breaking issues. It captured the rawness of living and the dogged ghosts of loss. I finished this book this afternoon and already miss the characters so much I’m going to start reading it again. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lyrical and delicate verse novel taking us through the journey of an 11 year old following the death of her brother. A magical twist when a dead bird comes back to life and helps her process her grief. A new friend (they/them pronouns not essential to the plot) also brings new light into her darkness as her sorrow starts to lessen .. poignant and a little feisty this book will warm your heart.

[Shona Prince · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant young adult book which beautifully captures loss, love, friendship and family. As an adult reading this book, I was transported to the time at the end of primary school and all the feelings of that time. Sandy captures the emotions beautifully and her descriptions are very evocative. A beautiful debut work.

[TBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
This book pulled at my heart & will always stay with me. It is a wonderful verse novel that deals with grief & friendship with the utmost respect for a child's preceptive.
Definitely recommend!

[CeCe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, original and moving.

[Katie Montinaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a beautiful novel about a young person dealing with grief. I devoured it in one sitting!

[Ella Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars straight up. I loved it! It was so beautiful!