WHISPERS by JUDITH ROOK

Promotional review by Stef on behalf of Coven Press. 

Life is difficult for Sonny. Not only is his father on deployment, but he is relentlessly bullied by his classmates, day in and day out without reprieve. Torn between wanting to fight, run and be brave – just like his dad – Sonny struggles, with nothing and no one to guide him away from his daily tormentors. 

That is until one night when Sonny is transported to the world of Australian animalia, where the creatures of the bush seemingly mimic his own life. From the army-like Crows wanting to pillage and fight to wise old Kenny the Kookaburra who guides him to the path of new perspectives, Sonny must decide what journey he wants to take into the future: the perpetual victim, or the change maker. 

With every interaction, from frill-neck lizards to galahs to sparrows and owls, Sonny learns more about himself, about how to handle his own misfortunes and difficulties, and how to become a more compassionate person. 

Whispers by Judith Rook is a reminder that everyone has challenges and difficulties, and when we open our eyes to different perspectives through empathetic kindness, we can see the truth and make changes for the better. It is through her eyes and experience that we can see how important nature is for healing not only ourselves but the world and for creating safe and joyous spaces for all individuals, no matter the circumstances, especially in such trying times. 

Whispers is a middle-grade fantasy fiction novel by Judith Rook, author of Beyond the Horizon and Ravens Hollow.

OFFICIAL BLURB

Wise owls, a crazy kookaburra and an army of crows…

Could their words hold the answer to Sonny’s peace of mind?

Sonny, a sweet and kind boy, spends his schoolyard lunches fearful that Tommy and his gang of bullies are around every corner. Every day is the same: he struggles home with bruises and scraped knees. Something has to change.

As Sonny falls asleep one night, he wishes upon the brightest star, asking for answers. Soon, he finds himself on his biggest adventure yet. Guided by the moon, Sonny wanders through the bush, along a dusty road, through tall grass and over fields with shadowy eucalyptus branches hanging low in the night air.

The Australian bush creatures are only too willing to help solve Sonny’s playground dilemma.

In order to escape Tommy and his cruelty, Sonny must decipher the creatures’ ways and their advice, strange as it all may seem. 

Judith Rook was born in 1942. She came to writing later in life after her years as a visual artist.

Lucky to have lived in the bush and near the ocean, Judith has always been enthralled by nature. It affords her an insight into and appreciation of the beauty and knowledge that is passed on both visually and emotionally. 

Whispers is Judith’s third publication. Whispers is a children’s story with a message of hope for those dealing with the struggles of growing up.