What do you think?
Rate this book
The Silent Spillbills
Stuttering and self-conscious, Katerina Farnsworth enjoys watching a species of bird that she names, but she must face her fears when these birds are implicated in the crash of a prototype jet from her grandfather's company.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 7, 2022
The Silent Spillbills is a unique juvenile fiction novel about a young birdwatching enthusiast, the stunning discovery she makes of a new shorebird species, and the trouble she faces when the birds’ habitat comes into conflict with the plans being made by her family’s multimillion-dollar aviation company.
On one hand, Katerina’s very wealthy family environment is difficult to relate to for just about everyone. On the other, she has multiple down-to-earth problems, including a stutter which has resulted in chronic shyness and difficulty relating to others. Her task to try and save the silent spillbill birds is truly a monumental one, when she has to face down her tyrannical grandfather on whose land the birds inconveniently live.
I was pleasantly surprised that Katerina avoids eating chickens, extending her love of birds to her diet, as well. That’s not something you see in most animal-related fiction for either kids or adults. I was less enthusiastic about how, immediately after disclosing this fact, the text puts down chickens—perhaps to reassure the chicken-eaters in the reading audience. Despite the text’s claim, scientific study shows that chickens are indeed thinking creatures with an intelligence comparable to many other species that we tend to regard and treat much better.
The way this book was structured was odd. Some of the major events of the story, such as the discovery of the birds, are told in flashback form. There were several very convenient coincidences. In addition, things resolved themselves a bit too tidily, but that’s a feature of juvenile fiction in general, so we shouldn’t be too hard on it.
Overall, this is a thoughtful story that emphasizes the need to stand up for what is right, even—perhaps especially—when it’s difficult.
On one hand, Katerina’s very wealthy family environment is difficult to relate to for just about everyone. On the other, she has multiple down-to-earth problems, including a stutter which has resulted in chronic shyness and difficulty relating to others. Her task to try and save the silent spillbill birds is truly a monumental one, when she has to face down her tyrannical grandfather on whose land the birds inconveniently live.
I was pleasantly surprised that Katerina avoids eating chickens, extending her love of birds to her diet, as well. That’s not something you see in most animal-related fiction for either kids or adults. I was less enthusiastic about how, immediately after disclosing this fact, the text puts down chickens—perhaps to reassure the chicken-eaters in the reading audience. Despite the text’s claim, scientific study shows that chickens are indeed thinking creatures with an intelligence comparable to many other species that we tend to regard and treat much better.
The way this book was structured was odd. Some of the major events of the story, such as the discovery of the birds, are told in flashback form. There were several very convenient coincidences. In addition, things resolved themselves a bit too tidily, but that’s a feature of juvenile fiction in general, so we shouldn’t be too hard on it.
Overall, this is a thoughtful story that emphasizes the need to stand up for what is right, even—perhaps especially—when it’s difficult.
May 27, 2020
It’s been a month and I could only read 25% of this book. I started reading it because it was assigned to my 9 year old daughter by her 4th grade teacher.
She also could not finish it. B-O-R-I-N-G Maybe it’s because the story has a lot to do with airplanes and birds, both of which I’m not really interested in. It uses a lot of unfamiliar terminology due to the airplane and bird subject matter. It just did not hold my attention to make me want to read any further.
She also could not finish it. B-O-R-I-N-G Maybe it’s because the story has a lot to do with airplanes and birds, both of which I’m not really interested in. It uses a lot of unfamiliar terminology due to the airplane and bird subject matter. It just did not hold my attention to make me want to read any further.
June 4, 2018
I bought the book think our grandchildren would enjoy it, but first I read it and found it well written, worthy of reading. I brings one to reflect on choices and relationships. The young people take on challenges and overcome personal hesitations and misgivings. Nothing condescending about this book and rewarding to read.
July 2, 2008
This is such a sweet inspiration. I have family who suffer as the heroine does and to see her overcome it in such simple means was truly a joy. It is not fantasy by any means and I think it holds true to life very well.
February 26, 2012
A very well-written story! Interesting characters and a good plot. I would have liked it better if it wasn't all about saving bird species. I enjoy nature, but I don't think that a bird's life is equal to a man's life. Birds have no souls.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews