My Brother Ben

Description

My Brother Ben

Peter Carnavas

(Pushkin Children’s Books)

My Brother Ben urges Luke to trust him. It means that he defends Luke against those who call him Bird Nerd, and promises him good times ahead, fishing on Cabbage Tree Creek. Although Ben’s move to high school might change things, he promises Luke they won’t. However Frankie arrives, and then Maggie leaves and Ben’s uncertain.

It’s not only the fact that Dad’s no longer about, though he phones every week. It’s also the search for the vagrant bird, that Luke cannot identify. Gem’s book, Field Guide to Australian Birds, offers Luke an opportunity to identify every bird by sight. Then again, Luke’s able to match the bird to its call, except the vagrant bird.

It seems there’s a chance to win the boat the brothers need to travel Cabbage Tree Creek, through a competition. Might Luke’s sketch book earn the prize, or is it, as he imagines, more likely to be won by someone like Willow? Then again, there’s the white boat lying idle along the creek, the one the brothers imagine stealing. However, it’s all uncertain, rather like the world around Luke.

Peter Carnavas gifted us The Elephant. That book demonstrates the writers insightfulness, economy, empathy and scope. It seems that with My Brother Ben, he captures us so that we mourn and hope for Luke. What’s more, we cheer each step, every understanding, alongside recognising the fierce bond and unit of the brothers and family. This is an exceptional novel that I urge every reader to experience. Bookwagon is all the better for reading this magnificent title.