Kevin and the Blackbirds

4.3

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Author(s)

David Almond

Co-Authors / Illustrators

P.J. Lynch

Publisher

Candlewick

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

October 15, 2024

ISBN

978-1536238075

Buy This Book

In a poignant and lavishly illustrated storybook, two revered creators give wing to the ancient Irish tale of a wild child with a heart of gold.

In lean times, a boy’s parents send him to a monastery to be cared for. After study and prayer, the monks let young Kevin run and play in the woods and fields. But the time comes when he must set aside childish ways. Shut in his lonely cell, yearning for home and the freedom of the outdoors, Kevin reaches through the window toward the light as two blackbirds land in and feather the nest of his hands. Kevin waits, day after day, for their eggs to hatch, and it’s not until the chicks spread tiny wings and fly off—three new wild things gone out into the world—that he can rest and the monks can see what they must do. In a moving first collaboration, a Hans Christian Andersen Award winner and a two-time Kate Greenaway Medal winner transform a traditional Irish tale—about the love of nature and the mercies of letting go—and make it soar.

Editor review

1 review

Charming Folktale about Boyhood and Nature

December 31, 2024 (Updated: June 24, 2026)

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

An old folktale comes to life with pastoral artwork and a story that captures a child's quiet joys, free spirit, and connection with nature. When his family falls on hard times, young Kevin stays at the local monastery, where he is busy learning, doing chores, and running outside with the local critters. The monks aren't sure he should be spending so much time with the deer and rabbits, but when a pair of blackbirds happen to nest in Kevin's hands, the boy displays a dedication to assisting his feathered friends that proves the bond between creatures can transcend language and learning.

Alongside Kevin's story, this book also offers a glimpse into daily life for many common people back in medieval times. There is neighborly love, in how the monks provide for Kevin, and the unspoken understanding that can develop between people and wild animals. Of course, I agree with the monks that children probably shouldn't be running around with wolves, but there is also something to be said for the power of lacking fear. Wild creatures are often dangerous through circumstances, because they feel defensive or afraid, rather than through a desire for violence, and that is something we shouldn't forget.

The story doesn't seem to come to a full ending, and I turned the last page wanting something more. But sometimes that's the way it is with older stories, the end is less of a finale and more a doorway to what could happen next.

The art is beautiful. I love how the style captures a historic and rural charm, which is displayed on the full pages illustrations, art-printed hardcase, and endpages (don't miss the ones in the back - they add an extra special ending to Kevin's story).