My Dad’s a Birdman

My Dad’s a Birdman

David Almond’s My Dad’s a Birdman (illustrated by Polly Dunbar, Walker, £8.99 HB) tells the tale of Lizzie, who following the loss of her Mum, is left caring for her father, with the result that she has trouble making it to school every day. On one such occasion, she spies on her dad and discovers that he is creating a bird costume using both feathers and faith. He even plans to enter a flying contest.

A period of tension follows as Lizzie’s Auntie Doreen tries to inject some sense into proceedings, supported by Mr Mint, Lizzie’s headteacher. But, as the flying contest approaches, the battle between dreams and common sense takes some enchanting turns.