Robin

By Author / Illustrator

Sarah Ann Juckes

Genre

Family & Home

Age range(s)

Publisher

Simon & Schuster Children's Books

ISBN

9781398531055

Format

Hardback

Published

06-11-2025

Synopsis

Courage starts small . . . discover the power of your own voice in a timeless winter's tale of family, hope and understanding, from the critically-acclaimed Sarah Ann Juckes, for fans of R.J. Palacio and Patrick Ness.

Eddie feels invisible - his sister Scarlet isn't well and nobody seems to remember that he's here. Out in the forest, as the ice hardens and winter gets deeper, the world is quiet. But there's a monster deep among the trees - a monster that's growing with every sad and angry thought Eddie says out loud.

When a little red bird takes him to meet Mari, a strange and fierce girl with blurred edges just like him, she shows Eddie how to be loud, how to make new friends at school and enjoy the music he loves again. As Scarlet's big operation approaches and Eddie gathers his courage to finally be heard, will he find his way back through the snow and put the monster to rest once and for all?

Capturing the rare beauty of winter's silence, Sarah Ann Juckes' powerful exploration of the experience of child illness, the healing power of nature, and the joy of finding hope is a future classic to be savoured every winter, beautifully illustrated by Linde Faas.

Praise for Sarah Ann Juckes: 'A haunting and lyrical portrait of courage, family and the power of nature. A spellbinding tale that is sure to echo in your heart' Struan Murray on Robin. 'Sublime . . . a love song to nature' Joseph Elliott on Robin. 'Will break your heart and mend it together again' Piers Torday on The Hunt for the Nightingale. 'Full of hope, beauty & ultimately a healing song to nature' Hannah Gold on The Hunt for the Nightingale. 'A beautiful story about ghosts, friendship, and the courage it takes to ask for help' Emma Carroll on The Night Animals

Reviews

Sue

Eddie's little sister, Scarlet, is very ill. Having been born with a heart condition, she often needs medical care, taking all his parents' time and attention. Eddy loves Scarlet very much - but sometimes he feels invisible to others and focuses all his attention on being a 'good' boy, bottling up all his emotions and keeping the 'monster' this creates deep inside. Whilst Scarlet faces another surgery, Eddie goes to stay with his Uncle John, where he meets a robin in the snowy forest. This bird leads him to a mysterious wild girl, who wants him to find his voice and free his feelings . . .

Robin is a sensitively written, poignant novel which explores the impact on a family of a serious illness. Author Sarah Ann Juckes has captured a loving, close family who are each under the enormous strain of worry which Scarlet's illness has caused, allowing the reader to empathise not only with Scarlet, but Eddie and his parents as well. It is an incredibly powerful, well-considered story.

The healing power of nature is at the heart of the book as Uncle John encourages Eddie to share his secrets and thoughts with the trees, whose ability to communicate and support one another reflects his deep need and desire to be really seen and supported by the people around him. Icy, snowy conditions enhance his feelings of isolation yet allow him to tune into the sustaining sounds of nature, eventually contrasting with the warmth of friendship and family. As Eddie finds his voice through music and friendship, the whole family benefits from his bravery and honesty, becoming stronger as they acknowledge the importance of finding their 'monstrous voice'.

The beautiful writing is paired with evocative illustrations which enhance the magical, wintery atmosphere of the story. Adults thinking of sharing this with any child would be well advised to read it first, not only because it is well worth reading. ‎

288 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher