‘A Swift Return’ is the third picture book from author Fiona Barker and illustrator Howard Gray and a spiritual successor
to their critically acclaimed picture book ‘Setsuko and the Song of the Sea’ (2021).
‘A Swift Return’ is set to be published on February 22nd 2024.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fiona Barker and Howard Gray have once again come together for a brand new picture book project. ‘A Swift Return’ is the story of Aria and Yusuf as they save a tiny swift who has been taken off her migration path. Worldwide rights to the book were acquired by Tiny Tree publisher James Shaw from Alice Williams at Alice Williams Literary. Illustrator Howard Gray is represented by Robyn Newton at The Bright Agency. Additional translation for the book was provided by Maysoon AbuBlan.
‘A Swift Return’ tells the story of Aria and Yusuf becoming friends, their bond strengthened by their care for a fallen swift who has lost her way during an epic migration. “The swift in the story is both a bird and a metaphor,” says Fiona. “It’s the canary in our coal mine. We should pay attention to the catastrophic drop in their numbers and take action.”
Both the characters in the book and the reader are asked to look at the sky above them and wonder what can be done to ensure it is safe for creatures great and small. “I wanted this story to be about another environmental issue of our time,” says Fiona “In some ways, it is more difficult with air quality as it is not something that is easy to see. We only see the effects”.
‘A Swift Return’ is set in the Middle East and illustrator Howard Gray enjoyed being able to transport readers into the region. “It’s lovely to transport readers to the Arabian region this time,” Howard says. “[It’s] a special part of the world for me, having lived in Syria as a teenager and in Oman in my 20s.” Howard continues: “It’s so great to be able to illustrate another story that explores environmental problems in the world, from the perspective of young and unassuming eco-warriors!”
“In some ways, it is more difficult with air quality as it is not something that is easy to see. We only see the effects”.
Whilst this is not a traditional sequel, ‘A Swift Return’ continues the message that Barker & Gray set out in the pair’s critically acclaimed ‘Setsuko and the Song of the Sea’ (2021, Tiny Tree). ‘Setsuko’ was nominated for a number of awards, including a World Illustration Award, and was also included in The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge 2021.
“Fiona and Howard are a fantastic team and we’re proud to be trusted to bring their passion projects to life,” says Tiny Tree publisher James Shaw. “I love how ‘A Swift Return’ continues to spread its environmental message; introducing readers to a number of new concepts and perspectives within a really loving story.”
Tiny Tree’s working relationship with Barker & Gray began with 2018’s ‘Danny and the Dream Dog’ and continued with 2021’s ‘Setsuko and the Song of the Sea’ — Tiny Tree’s best-selling book to date.
“It’s the sort of work I want to be doing all the time,” says Howard. “I think what I enjoy the most about the work is that it’s super-collaborative. We’re all pitching in on various elements of the story and the illustrations.”
“It feels like a worthy successor to Setsuko,” adds Fiona. “I hope we can replicate the success we had with her by sharing the story of our swift, Aria and Yusuf”.
‘A Swift Return’ is set to be published on February 22nd 2024.