Harare Review of Books

224 pages. Expected pub. date: September 24, 2024 by Andrews McMeel Publishing. Non-fiction.

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This is a lovely and engaging review of the symbolism of birds around the world (it touches on a few countries on most continents, so this applies), with charming pictures by the author/illustrator. It was interesting to read about how the booby got its name, the Aboriginal Dreamtime tale of how the cassowary got its casque, egrets in Maori culture, cranes in Japanese mythology, and more. Did you know hornbills have their own festival in Nagaland? Or that nightjars were believed to suck goats’ milk at night? Or that there’s a peacock angel in the Yazidi religion?

So, this is a book bird lovers and those who enjoy stories will love; but it’s also a great reference book for storytellers. Recommended.

Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for early access.

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