A stirringly beautiful, heart-warming story of brotherly love and growing up, from the award-winning author of The Elephant

'There should be more books like this: gentle books that draw us slowly in and make us want to linger, books fashioned with kindness and family at their heart' Glenda Millard, author of The Naming of Tishin Silk

Even on the dark days, birds still sing

Luke and his big brother Ben spend the summer on the banks of Cabbage Tree Creek. Quiet Luke sketches birds, while Ben leaps off the Jumping Tree. The boys couldn't be more different, but they share a special bond.

When a local competition to win a boat is announced, the brothers spring into action, dreaming of exploring the creek together. But then Ben starts high school, bringing unfamiliar changes into their lives. Slowly, the boys start to drift apart as the contest approaches. Can their unique friendship survive?