#415 - The Golden Eagle
by Deepak Dalal and illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi
“The Golden Eagle” by Deepak Dalal and illustrated by Krishna Bala Shenoi. Published by Penguin. A tale of feather raising adventure featuring a mysterious bird commune at Stork-Pur which is the place of no return.
This is the fourth book of the “Feather Tales” series. Kabul the Bulbul was away on one of his assignments as a sky bird. She cared for Shikar the white headed squirrel just like a mother would and had informed the doves Lovey and Dovey that she was leaving. They were to keep an eye on Shikar in her absence. As Shikar was alone in the rose garden with all birds having gone away, the doves decided to spend the night with him. Used as he was to listening to stories every night, Shikar asked them to tell him a story from their younger days and how they met Kabul as well as him.
Lovey and Dovey decide to tell him the most daring mission of their “scout bird” days. It was a secret mission as part of which they had met Kabul for the first time. As part of the adventure they ended up flying to mysterious Stork-pur ruled by an evil Stork who forced all the other birds living there to work for him. His grand plans were to rule the entire bird world. Danger lurked everywhere in Stork-pur and the two doves found themselves imprisoned in a cave guarded by fierce Ospreys with no chance of escape. Kabul was also imprisoned and his wing was injured. Whom could the doves trust to escape from the place of no return? The talkative green pigeon Teen or the whistling thrush who could transport them to an enchanted land with his mesmerising voice? How was a magnificent Golden Eagle related to their mission? Will the evil stork’s plans materialise? How could Kabul be rescued? Read the book to know how this incredible adventure ended and also know the “story of stories” narrated by the doves which would change Shikar’s notions of himself and his origins.
My almost nine year old and I enjoyed reading this story of adventure and how Shikar and Kabul met. The plot was gripping and the illustrations are exquisite to say the least. The birds looked so real that we couldn’t take our eyes off them. It was amazing to see how the author introduced varieties of birds deftly through the story such that the readers will not forget them. A brilliant way for children and adults alike to learn the names of birds through an interesting story. My son was happy to know more about birds like the Osprey and check out photographs of them online.
The other books that we have read from the series and loved are “Talon the Falcon”, “A Flamingo in My Garden” and “The Paradise Flycatcher”. We hope to see more books in this amazing series sooner than later. These books are treats for those who love birds and can also make those who are not aware of birds to fall in love with them :) Overall a beautiful series with lovely stories and stunning illustrations which is a “MUST READ” for everyone to appreciate the colourful world of birds which we can find around us.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 8/9 and above.
Reasons to Read
The book as well as the entire series introduces children to the world of the beautiful birds that are found in various parts of India and makes them appreciate it through the interesting and highly engaging stories replete with gorgeous illustrations.