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Птица по кличке Уйди
Вот она, птица по прозвищу Уйди: дымчатый гребень, пушок на груди. Одна за другой к ней на дерево подсаживаются птички и зовут полетать, поклевать ягоды или просто поболтать. Однако неприветливая птица лишь мотает головой и прогоняет их прочь. Но однажды в небе появляется огромная, тёмная – хищная птица…
Книга знаменитой детской писательницы Джулии Дональдсон и художницы
Кэтрин Рейнер, обладательницы медали имени Кейт Гринуэй, присуждаемой лучшим иллюстраторам Великобритании, рассказывает о дружелюбии и пользе
сотрудничества.
Книга знаменитой детской писательницы Джулии Дональдсон и художницы
Кэтрин Рейнер, обладательницы медали имени Кейт Гринуэй, присуждаемой лучшим иллюстраторам Великобритании, рассказывает о дружелюбии и пользе
сотрудничества.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2019
About the author
Julia Donaldson
1,239 books1,971 followersGrowing up
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).
Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.
I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.
Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.
The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.
I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.
One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.
My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.
I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.
Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.
When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 18, 2019
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Julia Donaldson’s name is always synonymous with delightful picture books for children and she doesn’t disappoint with her latest offering The Go-Away Bird.
The Go-Away Bird is a beautifully crafted hard cover picture book with blue foil lettering and highlights on the birds wings on the cover, giving it additional shelf appeal.
On the title page the star of the story stills alone, just how she likes it, in an exquisitely illustrated tree.
Different birds drop by to engage the Go-Away bird but each time she shakes her head and with a few mean words tells each little bird, not too kindly, to go away. Then a very large Get-You bird comes by and he doesn’t listen to the Go-Away bird, instead shouting “I’m going to get you, get you. The Go-Away bird was getting very scared now until one little bird called for all the other birds to come back and together they chased the big bird away.
Sometimes you feel like being left alone but you shouldn’t be mean and hurtful to others, it’s always good to have friends close by when you are feeling scared. There is also a lesson on forgiving someone who is angry and mean and giving them a second chance.
The children loved this story of friendship and working together and are happy to have it read over and over joining in with the story.
The watercolour illustrations are bright and engaging. The rhyming is fun and the prose flow seamlessly. The repetition of key words makes it easy for children to join in which in turn makes the story more engaging.
*I received a copy from the publisher to read.
Julia Donaldson’s name is always synonymous with delightful picture books for children and she doesn’t disappoint with her latest offering The Go-Away Bird.
The Go-Away Bird is a beautifully crafted hard cover picture book with blue foil lettering and highlights on the birds wings on the cover, giving it additional shelf appeal.
On the title page the star of the story stills alone, just how she likes it, in an exquisitely illustrated tree.
Different birds drop by to engage the Go-Away bird but each time she shakes her head and with a few mean words tells each little bird, not too kindly, to go away. Then a very large Get-You bird comes by and he doesn’t listen to the Go-Away bird, instead shouting “I’m going to get you, get you. The Go-Away bird was getting very scared now until one little bird called for all the other birds to come back and together they chased the big bird away.
Sometimes you feel like being left alone but you shouldn’t be mean and hurtful to others, it’s always good to have friends close by when you are feeling scared. There is also a lesson on forgiving someone who is angry and mean and giving them a second chance.
The children loved this story of friendship and working together and are happy to have it read over and over joining in with the story.
The watercolour illustrations are bright and engaging. The rhyming is fun and the prose flow seamlessly. The repetition of key words makes it easy for children to join in which in turn makes the story more engaging.
*I received a copy from the publisher to read.
September 2, 2019
While I understand the presented messages regarding the importance and even the at times obvious necessity of sociableness and friendship contained in Julia Donaldson's (once again) sweetly and engagingly poetic The Go-Away Bird and yes indeed also do very much appreciate that the bird in question is actually based on an African bird whose call does seem to sound as though the bird were telling everyone to "go away" (and indeed that in The Go-Away Bird, the erstwhile so curmudgeonly Go-Away bird finally realises that she does need avian companions after the friends whom she had previously and rather haughtily, even nastily repeatedly told to "go away, go away, go away" collectively save her from being attacked and eaten by the huge and predatory Get-You bird), as someone rather introverted who does in fact often enjoy her solitude (and activities such as reading and/or writing alone and in silence) considerably and lastingly more so than being sociable and extrovertedly friendly, I do very much wish that the message of needing friends and being sociable in The Go-Away Bird had also been somewhat tempered by the author to not been so (in my opinion) one-sided and in one's proverbial face so to speak with regard to the necessity of doing things with one's friends, of being sociable.
For sorry, but when I was reading The Go-Away Bird, I for one often did frustratingly feel more than a bit uncomfortably as though Julia Donaldson really seems to basically consider those of us who are more introverted and not always all that keen on having many friends and/or engaging in activities with one's friends on a regular and recurring basis as somehow strange and annoying curmudgeons at best. And really, even though I do agree with the friendship is important lesson in The Go-Away Bird, personally that Julia Donaldson seems to at least in my opinion rather overtly insinuate that there supposedly might even be something always and inherently wrong with birds, with anyone desiring solitude and to be left alone, as someone who often does desire and even sometimes needs to be left alone, that has really angered and also very much saddened me (to the point that I can truly only give two stars maximum for Julia Donaldson's presented narrative in The Go-Away Bird, but indeed, I have albeit a bit grudgingly rounded my ranking for The Go-Away Bird up to three stars, as I still do appreciate the authorial sentiment behind showing the importance of friendship and that yes and certainly, Catherine Rayner's accompanying illustrations, they are truly and utterly wonderful, expressive, colourful and with regard to how she depicts birds, delightfully realistic but still expressively imaginative).
For sorry, but when I was reading The Go-Away Bird, I for one often did frustratingly feel more than a bit uncomfortably as though Julia Donaldson really seems to basically consider those of us who are more introverted and not always all that keen on having many friends and/or engaging in activities with one's friends on a regular and recurring basis as somehow strange and annoying curmudgeons at best. And really, even though I do agree with the friendship is important lesson in The Go-Away Bird, personally that Julia Donaldson seems to at least in my opinion rather overtly insinuate that there supposedly might even be something always and inherently wrong with birds, with anyone desiring solitude and to be left alone, as someone who often does desire and even sometimes needs to be left alone, that has really angered and also very much saddened me (to the point that I can truly only give two stars maximum for Julia Donaldson's presented narrative in The Go-Away Bird, but indeed, I have albeit a bit grudgingly rounded my ranking for The Go-Away Bird up to three stars, as I still do appreciate the authorial sentiment behind showing the importance of friendship and that yes and certainly, Catherine Rayner's accompanying illustrations, they are truly and utterly wonderful, expressive, colourful and with regard to how she depicts birds, delightfully realistic but still expressively imaginative).
March 15, 2019
Julia Donaldson can officially do NO WRONG when it comes to writing AMAZING children's books! They are all SO MUCH FUN!
The Go-Away bird is the story of a very grumpy bird! "GO AWAY" he yells at all the nice birds that come near her! She isn't interested in friends! However, she may soon need some!
Beautiful message, beautiful story and GORGEOUS illustrations, The Go-Away bird is a pleasure to read to the kids!
>The illustrations are wonderful and colourful. The birds are beautiful and jump out of the page!
What do my kids think of The Go-Away Bird?
My two kids enjoy reading this book together. My 5 year old LOVES yelling "GO-AWAY!" with the grumpy bird, and my daughter loves copying everything her brother does, so this book always ends up with us all having a great laugh!
Although my daughter is a bit too young to appreciate the story, she loves the pictures and she loves watching and mimicking her brothers reactions. It is absolutely delightful!
Would I recommend The Go -Away Bird?
Absolutely! It will make a wonderful addition to your children's collection, a fantastic gift, or great for yourself if you appreciate beautiful books!
>So many thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a copy of The Go-Away Bird for my kids and I to enjoy and review!
The Go-Away bird is the story of a very grumpy bird! "GO AWAY" he yells at all the nice birds that come near her! She isn't interested in friends! However, she may soon need some!
Beautiful message, beautiful story and GORGEOUS illustrations, The Go-Away bird is a pleasure to read to the kids!
>The illustrations are wonderful and colourful. The birds are beautiful and jump out of the page!
What do my kids think of The Go-Away Bird?
My two kids enjoy reading this book together. My 5 year old LOVES yelling "GO-AWAY!" with the grumpy bird, and my daughter loves copying everything her brother does, so this book always ends up with us all having a great laugh!
Although my daughter is a bit too young to appreciate the story, she loves the pictures and she loves watching and mimicking her brothers reactions. It is absolutely delightful!
Would I recommend The Go -Away Bird?
Absolutely! It will make a wonderful addition to your children's collection, a fantastic gift, or great for yourself if you appreciate beautiful books!
>So many thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia for a copy of The Go-Away Bird for my kids and I to enjoy and review!
January 28, 2019
What an absolutely delightful story, the fine grey, Go-Away bird, doesn’t want to be bothered by the other birds, they make her dizzy, seedy, and batty.....Go-Away Go-Away.....
But then along comes the Get-You bird, it’s big, brown and scary...what’s going to happen ? Phew, luckily, thanks to the Come-Back bird, the other birds fly back and together they send the Get-You bird on its way. A charming tale of teamwork and friendship, sometimes we just need others for a little help. A beautiful tale with stunning illustrations
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
But then along comes the Get-You bird, it’s big, brown and scary...what’s going to happen ? Phew, luckily, thanks to the Come-Back bird, the other birds fly back and together they send the Get-You bird on its way. A charming tale of teamwork and friendship, sometimes we just need others for a little help. A beautiful tale with stunning illustrations
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
March 8, 2019
This is another fantastic children's book from this highly talented duo. It is engaging, entertaining, educational and, most of all, a fun read that children really enjoy. The beautiful illustrations enhance the story and promote the engagement of youngsters whether they can read or not. The repetitive lines in the story encourage children to join in with the telling of the story, something many children love.
The story is essentially that there is a bird who is called 'The Go Away Bird' because that is what it says to any other birds trying to visit, regardless of the reason for that visit. However, when the 'Get You' bird threatens to get the Go Away bird it discovers that friends really can help you and shouldn't always be sent away.
I enjoyed the story and was intrigued by the factual information after it. It was a delightful read, one that I believe children will enjoy sharing with a grown up until they are able to read it independently - and even then they'll enjoy sharing it with others! A fun read with an inspirational message that I have no hesitation in highly recommending.I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
The story is essentially that there is a bird who is called 'The Go Away Bird' because that is what it says to any other birds trying to visit, regardless of the reason for that visit. However, when the 'Get You' bird threatens to get the Go Away bird it discovers that friends really can help you and shouldn't always be sent away.
I enjoyed the story and was intrigued by the factual information after it. It was a delightful read, one that I believe children will enjoy sharing with a grown up until they are able to read it independently - and even then they'll enjoy sharing it with others! A fun read with an inspirational message that I have no hesitation in highly recommending.I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
September 10, 2025
A short but sweet read (particularly good for nights after a long tiring day ) about friendship, relationship and working together as a team.
The Go-Away Bird is in no mood to talk and hence rebuffs every attempt from her fellow tree residents to socialize in a fairly ride manner. But, when the Get-You bird arrives and makes up his mind that it is the Get-Away bird that he wants to make a meal out of, her feathery friends come to her aid and she has a change of heart. It's important to make this distinction to kids that they do have the choice whether to participate/ or not in the group activities. But, they must realise two very important things.
(1) They have every right to choose for themselves if they want to participate in some activity or not, whether to accept an invitation to play or not. It is important, however, to communicate their choice in a way that isn't condescending/insulting. And communicating no with respect comes with practice, doesn't happen overnight.
(2) Social relationships do demand some sort of participation & reciprocation from us. This is trickier to explain to kids without making them feel scared about social interactions. Only reaching out to friends and family when we need them is not a sign of healthy relationships. This part we have not elaborated a lot, I will be honest. We will be doing it in future.
We certainly enjoyed reading this one, because the story was relatable, easy to follow and not complicated. ♥️
The Go-Away Bird is in no mood to talk and hence rebuffs every attempt from her fellow tree residents to socialize in a fairly ride manner. But, when the Get-You bird arrives and makes up his mind that it is the Get-Away bird that he wants to make a meal out of, her feathery friends come to her aid and she has a change of heart. It's important to make this distinction to kids that they do have the choice whether to participate/ or not in the group activities. But, they must realise two very important things.
(1) They have every right to choose for themselves if they want to participate in some activity or not, whether to accept an invitation to play or not. It is important, however, to communicate their choice in a way that isn't condescending/insulting. And communicating no with respect comes with practice, doesn't happen overnight.
(2) Social relationships do demand some sort of participation & reciprocation from us. This is trickier to explain to kids without making them feel scared about social interactions. Only reaching out to friends and family when we need them is not a sign of healthy relationships. This part we have not elaborated a lot, I will be honest. We will be doing it in future.
We certainly enjoyed reading this one, because the story was relatable, easy to follow and not complicated. ♥️
March 13, 2019
The grey go-away-bird is a real African species (so named because of what its call sounds like it is saying), but here Donaldson imagines it as a loner who shoos away all potential friends, until realizing that it can be helpful to have other birds around for back-up. The text is full of counting, rhymes, alliteration and onomatopoeia, so should be perfect for reading aloud with children. (Apart from the go-away bird itself, the other birds pictured are not necessarily recognizable species, which may annoy birding pedants.)
August 18, 2025
Bit scary when the “I’m gonna get you” bird comes… but got through it like a champ. Great story though
January 28, 2019
Many thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an arc for my honest review.
As a mother I have loved Julia Donaldson's books, to read to my children. As an aunt, I have ensured my nephews have received many of her books so they can enjoy them in Finland. As a teacher, I have used her stories to enhance learning and entrance my students with her beautifully crafted stories.
I always love the underlying messages in the stories, and The Go-Away Bird is no different.
Using flowing rhyming verse to tell the story of a rather pompous bird who seems to think itself too good for all the other birds who wish to befriend it. Yet in its hour of need, those same birds come back to help him.
A story of friendship, and learning to look beyond the 'cover' of a person, to discover the real goodness inside.
I really enjoyed the premise of the book, and the illustrations by Catherine Rayner are simply stunning.
Definitely a book I would read to my class, to encourage friendship, no matter what.
Many thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an arc for my honest review.
As a mother I have loved Julia Donaldson's books, to read to my children. As an aunt, I have ensured my nephews have received many of her books so they can enjoy them in Finland. As a teacher, I have used her stories to enhance learning and entrance my students with her beautifully crafted stories.
I always love the underlying messages in the stories, and The Go-Away Bird is no different.
Using flowing rhyming verse to tell the story of a rather pompous bird who seems to think itself too good for all the other birds who wish to befriend it. Yet in its hour of need, those same birds come back to help him.
A story of friendship, and learning to look beyond the 'cover' of a person, to discover the real goodness inside.
I really enjoyed the premise of the book, and the illustrations by Catherine Rayner are simply stunning.
Definitely a book I would read to my class, to encourage friendship, no matter what.
Many thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an arc for my honest review.
March 3, 2019
My thanks to Pan Macmillan/Macmillan Children’s Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Go-Away Bird’ written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Catherine Rayner.
This enchanting story, told in rhyming verse, is about a standoffish bird that learns the value of friendship and working together. Being a bit insular myself I found it heartwarming and a reminder of the importance of having meaningful connections.
According to the notes at the end of the picture book the Go-Away Bird is a real species of bird living in Africa that is known for its distinctive cry.
While I don’t have children of my own I do have friends and family who are raising children and so I am very pleased to be able to recommend this sweet tale to them.
This enchanting story, told in rhyming verse, is about a standoffish bird that learns the value of friendship and working together. Being a bit insular myself I found it heartwarming and a reminder of the importance of having meaningful connections.
According to the notes at the end of the picture book the Go-Away Bird is a real species of bird living in Africa that is known for its distinctive cry.
While I don’t have children of my own I do have friends and family who are raising children and so I am very pleased to be able to recommend this sweet tale to them.
August 11, 2019
I love Julia Donaldson, nothing else needs to be said really. Her stories are timeless and future classics.
August 2, 2019
Quite amazing! The rhymes and the illustrations and also the story are all interesting. The story was rather deja-vu and I didn't quite understand how all the birds came to rescue The Go-Away Bird!
September 19, 2021
Another great Julia Donaldson book x
February 6, 2019
I received an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read this with my 2 year old, who is a massive fan of all Julia Donaldson books. I find most of Julia's books consist of a really strong story line with an important underlying message which allows a parent or teacher to open up a conversation about the topic.
The Go-Away Bird is a wonderful example of this, and a timely arrival for me personally as my daughter has reached the age where socialising, sharing, being kind and forming friendships are entering her small world and we are hearing the words "go away" more than we would like to as parents!
We settled down and read the story together. My daughter enjoyed pointing out the birds in the pictures and I found the rhyming text very easy to read out loud. We both enjoyed saying "go away, go away, go away" together and when the Get-you bird appeared, my daughter was immediately concerned and invested in the Go-Away bird finding help.
After we finished reading we went back through the book to look at the pictures again and I talked to my daughter about how it is important to have your own space, but how having friends is important too and it's nice to be kind to people and help them. She seemed to connect with this idea quite well and definitely understood that telling the colourful birds to go away wasn't very nice of the Go-Away bird.
I'm sure The Go-Away Bird will become a firm favourite on our shelf. It's a wonderful story, with beautiful illustrations and it provided a great jumping off point to discuss friendship themes.
I read this with my 2 year old, who is a massive fan of all Julia Donaldson books. I find most of Julia's books consist of a really strong story line with an important underlying message which allows a parent or teacher to open up a conversation about the topic.
The Go-Away Bird is a wonderful example of this, and a timely arrival for me personally as my daughter has reached the age where socialising, sharing, being kind and forming friendships are entering her small world and we are hearing the words "go away" more than we would like to as parents!
We settled down and read the story together. My daughter enjoyed pointing out the birds in the pictures and I found the rhyming text very easy to read out loud. We both enjoyed saying "go away, go away, go away" together and when the Get-you bird appeared, my daughter was immediately concerned and invested in the Go-Away bird finding help.
After we finished reading we went back through the book to look at the pictures again and I talked to my daughter about how it is important to have your own space, but how having friends is important too and it's nice to be kind to people and help them. She seemed to connect with this idea quite well and definitely understood that telling the colourful birds to go away wasn't very nice of the Go-Away bird.
I'm sure The Go-Away Bird will become a firm favourite on our shelf. It's a wonderful story, with beautiful illustrations and it provided a great jumping off point to discuss friendship themes.
June 2, 2020
The Go-Away Bird sits high up in her nest, telling each of the birds that approach her to “Go away!”. This happens repeatedly until the Get-You bird appears and the Go-Away bird requires the help of those that she had turned away. Having helped her, the Go-Away bird realises that she does want friends and declares “You can stay!”.
Due to the use of relatively simple language, rhyming and repetitive nature, the story could be read independently by younger pupils or as a larger group. The story lends itself to the teaching of phonics as pupils can practice decoding and blending for spelling and reading. Tricky words could also be identified. In addition, links could be made to PSHE with pupils using the story to discuss friendship, forgiveness and not taking others for granted. Furthermore, the illustrations could be used in Art. Catherine Rayner uses mixed-media collage to layer and add colour and texture to the pages. This could be a great technique for pupils to experiment with.
An enjoyable read with beautiful illustrations, I would recommend this book for EYFS and KS1 although it could be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.
Due to the use of relatively simple language, rhyming and repetitive nature, the story could be read independently by younger pupils or as a larger group. The story lends itself to the teaching of phonics as pupils can practice decoding and blending for spelling and reading. Tricky words could also be identified. In addition, links could be made to PSHE with pupils using the story to discuss friendship, forgiveness and not taking others for granted. Furthermore, the illustrations could be used in Art. Catherine Rayner uses mixed-media collage to layer and add colour and texture to the pages. This could be a great technique for pupils to experiment with.
An enjoyable read with beautiful illustrations, I would recommend this book for EYFS and KS1 although it could be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.
January 28, 2019
Well, when it's a Julia Donaldson book you know it's going to be a winner. If you're a parent you have probably read some of these books to your children and if you haven't, then your children's school teachers most likely have.
This book tells the story of the Go-Away bird who tells every bird who tries to interact with her to go away. As someone who frequently feels like the Go-Away bird I have to confess to feeling a bit of camaraderie with her. The overall message I suppose is one about the need for friends and support (but really, it's ok to want to be alone too).
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and vibrant and if you love birds like I do, you'll like this one too. My son was a little scared by the Get-You Bird but he's scared of Sellotape and crisp packets so don't read too much into his opinions.
The text is fun and jaunty and I found myself almost turning it into a song as I was reading it. I also liked the fact that it's based on a real bird which is a fun way to spark an interest in a real life animal.
This book tells the story of the Go-Away bird who tells every bird who tries to interact with her to go away. As someone who frequently feels like the Go-Away bird I have to confess to feeling a bit of camaraderie with her. The overall message I suppose is one about the need for friends and support (but really, it's ok to want to be alone too).
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and vibrant and if you love birds like I do, you'll like this one too. My son was a little scared by the Get-You Bird but he's scared of Sellotape and crisp packets so don't read too much into his opinions.
The text is fun and jaunty and I found myself almost turning it into a song as I was reading it. I also liked the fact that it's based on a real bird which is a fun way to spark an interest in a real life animal.
June 24, 2021
We saw this book in the amazing in our local bookshop and had to buy it. My son loves birds and the beautiful illustrations drew us to this story.
The story starts when one by one different birds approach the Go-Away bird asking him to chat or eat or play. The Go-Away bird is very unfriendly however and tells them all to 'Go away!!!'
He finds himself in trouble though when the Get-You bird hovers menacingly nearby and soon the Go-Away bird realises he needs some friends and shouts 'Come back' to the other birds. Will they forgive him for being mean and come and save him?
This story has the perfect mix of stunning pictures and flowing rhyming text which is so enjoyable to read. There is a lovely underlying message that we all need a friend (or two!) as well! We loved this book and it is definitely fast becoming a favourite!
The story starts when one by one different birds approach the Go-Away bird asking him to chat or eat or play. The Go-Away bird is very unfriendly however and tells them all to 'Go away!!!'
He finds himself in trouble though when the Get-You bird hovers menacingly nearby and soon the Go-Away bird realises he needs some friends and shouts 'Come back' to the other birds. Will they forgive him for being mean and come and save him?
This story has the perfect mix of stunning pictures and flowing rhyming text which is so enjoyable to read. There is a lovely underlying message that we all need a friend (or two!) as well! We loved this book and it is definitely fast becoming a favourite!
August 28, 2024
Different birds come by an ask the Go-Away Bird if she wants to play, eat, sing... together. Of course, she tells them all to GO AWAY!
Until the Get-You Bird came and despite her cries for him to GO AWAY, he did not!
Then come along the Come-Back Bird who calls Come Back, Come Back, and all the birds come back. Together they scare away the Get-You Bird. Then the Go-Away Bird hangs her head, and says they can stay and she wants them to be her friends now.
Cute and classic story about working together. I do think it's okay to not want to play with a bunch of other birds/people when you're feeling like a Go Away Bird. I get that she was being rude in the beginning, but I don't love that it kind of felt like you have to be extroverted so you don't get eaten. But maybe I'm projecting.
It was fine.
Until the Get-You Bird came and despite her cries for him to GO AWAY, he did not!
Then come along the Come-Back Bird who calls Come Back, Come Back, and all the birds come back. Together they scare away the Get-You Bird. Then the Go-Away Bird hangs her head, and says they can stay and she wants them to be her friends now.
Cute and classic story about working together. I do think it's okay to not want to play with a bunch of other birds/people when you're feeling like a Go Away Bird. I get that she was being rude in the beginning, but I don't love that it kind of felt like you have to be extroverted so you don't get eaten. But maybe I'm projecting.
It was fine.
February 3, 2019
Three and a half stars.
In the scheme of things, this seems like a slight Julia Donaldson picture book. Inspired by an encounter with a real-life African bird, it's the simple tale of a character that shrugs off all attention and friendship – until a different kind of bird comes along. It's got just about enough drama, repetition and of course fully successful rhyme to make it appealing, but no magic to put it on the 'timeless' shelf. I didn't find much magic in the artwork, either – the way the trees are evoked through patterning, and some of the feather work, is marvellous, but the painted main characters didn't appeal. It's not bad, by any means, but I don't think this title is either of these ladies at their best.
In the scheme of things, this seems like a slight Julia Donaldson picture book. Inspired by an encounter with a real-life African bird, it's the simple tale of a character that shrugs off all attention and friendship – until a different kind of bird comes along. It's got just about enough drama, repetition and of course fully successful rhyme to make it appealing, but no magic to put it on the 'timeless' shelf. I didn't find much magic in the artwork, either – the way the trees are evoked through patterning, and some of the feather work, is marvellous, but the painted main characters didn't appeal. It's not bad, by any means, but I don't think this title is either of these ladies at their best.
February 19, 2019
Donaldson does not disappoint with this new title. Sumptuously presented in cloth and sparkling font, the hardcover format is a treasure to open. Rayner's illustrations prompt and ooh and ahh with every page turn. They are divine, beautifully depicting the real life Go-Away bird whose call sounds just like grey bird in th
She is quite content with her own company and rudely berates the special qualities each of her callers tries to share with her. It's not until the Get-You bird refuses to go-away that the Go-Away bird comes to understand and value the power of kindness and friendship.
Funny, gorgeous, and 100% kid friendly this superbly rhyming story is a joy to read and view. Highly recommended.
She is quite content with her own company and rudely berates the special qualities each of her callers tries to share with her. It's not until the Get-You bird refuses to go-away that the Go-Away bird comes to understand and value the power of kindness and friendship.
Funny, gorgeous, and 100% kid friendly this superbly rhyming story is a joy to read and view. Highly recommended.
January 29, 2019
Ah I loved this! It's charming, funny and it has a lovely rhythm to it as well as a lesson to be learned. 100% classic Julia Donaldson.
Now I'm going to admit Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the dream team of childrens books in my head (probably because their books where my son's favourites when he was little) but the pictures in The Go-Away Bird, drawn by a different artist, were beautiful and engaging and complimented the story wonderfully well forcing me to re-evaluate my knee jerk reaction that no one else can do Donaldson's books as well as he can: Catherine Rayner kicks ass.
I highly recommend this one for the little kiddos!
Now I'm going to admit Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the dream team of childrens books in my head (probably because their books where my son's favourites when he was little) but the pictures in The Go-Away Bird, drawn by a different artist, were beautiful and engaging and complimented the story wonderfully well forcing me to re-evaluate my knee jerk reaction that no one else can do Donaldson's books as well as he can: Catherine Rayner kicks ass.
I highly recommend this one for the little kiddos!
May 22, 2019
Absolutely beautiful illustrations. Includes a note in the back about go-away birds, which are a real thing! As for the story, it rhymes well enough, but the metre is too inconsistent for it to be something you can pick up and read to a kid on the first go. It's too bad because it's a nice story with beautiful illustrations, but I will have to creep some vlogs to see how other people read it before bringing it out at storytime. Maybe there's a rhythm I wasn't able to identify. Happy to get video suggestions!
Still recommended for anyone looking for different art styles in their picture books. This one is very striking and will please bird-lovers.
Still recommended for anyone looking for different art styles in their picture books. This one is very striking and will please bird-lovers.
October 22, 2020
At a time when "colour" (of skin) and colourism is at the top of our agenda, this book is (at the very least, inappropriate) negative in the extreme. The brown bird is the evil one that all the others unite to drive away. The distinguishing feature of each bird character is its colour.
Whilst there are some negative white/pale connotations in Western/UK imagery and some positive dark/black/brown ones, the main slant of the latter is to the negative.
This book presents the brown bird as the enemy, to be driven away by all the others. And that is the message that small children will take away.
Whilst there are some negative white/pale connotations in Western/UK imagery and some positive dark/black/brown ones, the main slant of the latter is to the negative.
This book presents the brown bird as the enemy, to be driven away by all the others. And that is the message that small children will take away.
February 3, 2019
The Go-Away bird repeatedly tells other birds to 'go away'. He thinks he wants to be left alone. But when he needs friends around, they still come to his aid as true friends will. The Go Away bird is suitably ashamed and together they survive to see another day.
Julia Donaldson uses her usual rhymes, sometimes more forced than at other times, but the repetition will encourage children to join in. All children will experience at some time the feeling that they want to be left alone. That's fine, as long as they are polite about it. But they do need friends to help in times of need.
Catherine Rayner's delicate illustrations accompany the text in a partnership which works well as the illustrations of the birds show their differences, yet the friendship of them all still comes to the rescue when needed. This is a book to read either one to one, or to a class and to discuss the feelings the lonely bird experienced as well as those of his friends.
It's also a picture book explaining the implications of Brexit which should be read by 52% of adults as well as children.
Julia Donaldson uses her usual rhymes, sometimes more forced than at other times, but the repetition will encourage children to join in. All children will experience at some time the feeling that they want to be left alone. That's fine, as long as they are polite about it. But they do need friends to help in times of need.
Catherine Rayner's delicate illustrations accompany the text in a partnership which works well as the illustrations of the birds show their differences, yet the friendship of them all still comes to the rescue when needed. This is a book to read either one to one, or to a class and to discuss the feelings the lonely bird experienced as well as those of his friends.
It's also a picture book explaining the implications of Brexit which should be read by 52% of adults as well as children.
February 10, 2019
My kids loved this story. The rhyme was lots of fun for the youngest, with Julia Donaldson’s easy to read style and flow of the story. My eldest enjoyed talking through the meaning of the story and why we should be nice to others even when we’re feeling lonely or sad. A beautiful story about the loyalty of others, and the powner of friendship, in this situation when it doesn’t feel deserved by the go away bird. A great way to talk to children about being kind to those who aren’t our friends, and giving people a second chance.
February 20, 2019
Julia Donaldson's rhyming text and Catherine Rayner's colourful illustrations are always a winning combination and the Go-Away Bird is a lovely story about pride going before a fall and the power of friendship. The bright colours and intricate leaf details are just wonderful and the get-You bird is suitable dark and intimidating. The book would make a fab read aloud and there are plenty of discussion points along the theme of teamwork and relationships.
April 2, 2019
As a fan of the author, I was looking forward to reading this story to the 6, 4 and 2 year olds I look after. I was not disappointed and neither were they. The storyline was very well written, the rhymes well done also. The story resounded with me especially as the eldest child I read it to suffers from Asperger’s and he in particular was listening intently when I read it. The illustrations are ideal.
Many thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
Many thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
January 18, 2022
The Go-Away bird doesn't want to socialise with anyone regardless of whether they want to chat or eat or fly, but when the Get-You bird comes by, Go-Away learns the importance of having a social network.
I read this story to a group of children via Zoom. It was an excellent book (even though my reading was less excellent)! There were lots of details to discuss with the children, words and actions which were easy to incorporate, and a nice message.
I read this story to a group of children via Zoom. It was an excellent book (even though my reading was less excellent)! There were lots of details to discuss with the children, words and actions which were easy to incorporate, and a nice message.
June 22, 2020
De Nederlandse vertaling Vogel Vliegop heeft de zelfde aantrekkelijke voorkant als het Engelse origineel. Misschien komt het doordat ik al veel Julia Donaldson heb gelezen, dat dit boek me iets minder raakte dan klassiekers als 'Stap maar op mijn bezemsteel' en 'De Gruffalo'. Mooi boek, maar overduidelijk in de welbekende Donaldson-stijl. Ik had gehoopt op iets verrassenders.
December 31, 2023
🎧The Go-Away Bird🎧
By Julia Donaldson
I absolutely loved this book! ❤️
It has wonderful rhyming words, repetition, and a lovely twist at the end.
A story about a bird that gets irritated quite easily and wants his own space, he doesn't need anyone else around... until he does!
Beautifully illustrated and a piece of magic!
It is a story for children of all ages!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me! 🤓
By Julia Donaldson
I absolutely loved this book! ❤️
It has wonderful rhyming words, repetition, and a lovely twist at the end.
A story about a bird that gets irritated quite easily and wants his own space, he doesn't need anyone else around... until he does!
Beautifully illustrated and a piece of magic!
It is a story for children of all ages!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me! 🤓
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