This beautifully written story tells about the life of a boy, Mitch, who lives in the Coorong National Park in South Australia. His father is a ranger there and Mitch leads a happy and adventurous life exploring and fishing and making the most of the lovely place where he lives. He has to complete his last two years of primary school by correspondence and he must adjust to the routine of working from home.

While out inspecting Pelican Island, Mitch and his father find many pelican nests have been deserted, and they come across one that has two newly hatched but recently abandoned chicks. Mitch begs his father to take them home to try to save them, and against the ranger’s better judgement, he allows him to. A short time afterwards, Mitch comes across a warm swan egg that has also been left. He and his mother successfully hatch out the egg, and Mitch has three ‘responsibilities’ to look after.

The story is a warm and moving account of a young boy growing up and the adventures and concerns he has as he matures.

Swan Song by Colin Thiele is masterfully written, and young people will enjoy the story while learning a great deal about the art of writing and storytelling.

Australia's most distinguished writer for children, Colin Thiele, AC, has been writing books for over forty years. Last year he celebrated his eightieth birthday. His books, including the multi-award-winning Storm Boy, The Sun on the Stubble and Blue Fin, have won numerous Australian and international awards and have been made into classic films, TV series, plays and picture books. Born and raised in the Barossa Valley, Colin now lives near Dayboro, Queensland.

Find out more about Colin Thiele at his homepage http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/thiele/colin.htm