To address the countless qualities of this stunning
book is to first call attention to the magnificent illustrations/artwork of the
greatly talented and versatile Bagram Ibatouille.
You may recognize his name
from the brilliant and unforgettable The Matchbox
Diary, Crossing, or other works.
Looking at the pages is like examining art in a gallery where beauty leaves you
breathless; where your eyes are never filled with what they see. So you look on.
The words sit shyly in as small space as they can; appearing
to avoid intrusion into the story the full page pictures are telling. The text
is offered up in two forms. One is the girl’s narrative expressed in verse, and filled with emotion. Poetic
and moving, each word is deliberate, forceful and significant. They stress the
historical importance of this ancient art, and the father and daughter’s
connection to it.
The second is a factual account of Medieval Falconry,
its history, and the elements of training and keeping birds of prey. This is
contained in a boxed frame, in small italic print. Extremely detailed, it covers every area of
the terms, handling, equipment, safety precautions, body structure and habits
of the bird. Included is the selection and training of the hound used to
retrieve the grouse that is used for food.
Castles
and portions of them - internal and external, fill the pages. Wide expanses of
countryside, with lakes flowing through them, add to the glorious panorama
view. Decorative borders add elegance to each double spread.
The
Author’s Note is as informative as the book, for story was taken from the
author’s life and experiences. It contains Further Reading and Information, and
an Index of Terms used in Falconry.
Title:
The Hawk of the Castle: A Story of Medieval Falconry
Author:
Danna Smith
Illustrator:
Bagram Ibatoulline
Publisher:
Walker Books, $24.99
Publication
Date: April 2017
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781406376692
For
ages: 14+
Type: Young Adult Non-Fiction
