Magpie and the Sparkling Words

A heartening rhyming story packed with new vocabulary for children!

Lucy Rowland author Craig Shuttlewood illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bonnier Books Ltd

Published:21st May '26

Should be back in stock very soon

Magpie and the Sparkling Words cover

A vocabulary-rich rhyming picture book about the beauty of the spoken word.

A heartening rhyming picture book that celebrates the natural world with a vocabulary-rich story from award-winning, bestselling author Lucy Rowland and illustrations sparkling with joy from Craig Shuttlewood.

In a MYSTICAL wood stood a MAGICAL tree - the home of BRILLIANT Magpie.

A heartening rhyming picture book that celebrates the natural world with a vocabulary-rich story from award-winning, bestselling author Lucy Rowland and illustrations sparkling with joy from Craig Shuttlewood.

In a MYSTICAL wood stood a MAGICAL tree - the home of BRILLIANT Magpie. From her nest, Magpie listens to the wonderful words of her fellow woodland animals.

Words with a sparkle, a shimmer, a shine, entwined in her nest in the tree.
She gathered them up and giggled, "They're mine - these sparkling words just for me!"

But eventually, the other animals stay quiet so their words aren't being whisked away. Only then does Magpie realise that the silent wood doesn't glitter in the same way as before. After a storm destroys Magpie's nest, and sends her stash of sparkling words zooming back out into the forest, she finally learns that it is unity, kindness and sharing language that makes the words sparkle.

This lyrical story effortlessly weaves exciting vocabulary alongside important themes of sharing, kindness and teamwork, encouraging readers to find the fun in literacy and share sparkling words with each other. This powerful picture book is perfect for story time and children's language development. The ideal bookshelf companion to The Lost Words, The Word Collector and The Pencil.

This rhyming story is full of shining, sparkling vocabulary. -- Charlotte Eyre * The Bookseller *
This rhyming picture book illustrated by Craig Shuttlewood brims with rich vocabulary that little ones aged four to seven will love to repeat. . . Delightful! * The Sunday Post *
Enchantingly illustrated. * Storytime Magazine *
Rowland's lyrical story effortlessly weaves an exciting vocabulary alongside important themes of sharing, kindness and teamwork, encouraging readers to find enjoyment in literacy and share sparkling words with each other. The perfect picture book for story time... and to give children's language development a helping hand. * Lancashire Post *
Written by a children's speech and language therapist, this is intended to spark interest in words and language, all through a gentle story about sharing. The illustrations of the cute woodland creatures have plenty of expression, making this a charming book all round. * BookTrust *
A beautifully lyrical book. . .stunning illustrations. * Mini Travellers *
The artwork feels just as full of wonder as the story itself. The illustrations are rich with warmth and movement, and the words become part of the artwork itself, making language feel alive and magical. * BookBairn *
Perfect for 3-7 year olds, this highly imaginative rhyming picture book celebrates vocabulary, sharing and kindness, with Craig Shuttlewood's vibrant woodland illustrations helping new words feel vivid and memorable. It's ideal for reading and sharing with EYFS classes. * The School Reading List *

ISBN: 9781835871270

Dimensions: 266mm x 229mm x 5mm

Weight: 216g

40 pages