The last egg by Sofie Laguna. Illus. by Jess Racklyeft

This breathtaking story about nurturing and love, responsibility and commitment, reads like a fable, one where the birds behave in a way that seems human, and which has a truth in its telling.

Two birds sit on the nest where three eggs are being kept warm by Mother Bird, Father Bird going off to bring back food for its partner.

They must ensure the eggs hatch and the hatchlings be ready to fly to warmer shores before the cold sets in.

But one night another egg is found in the nest, and so it is kept warm by Mother Bird in the same way she has done with the other three. Later the three eggs hatch, the pair of birds teaching them to fend for themselves, how to sing and eventually how to fly. But the other egg is still unhatched. The pair of birds stick to their regime of the male flying off to get food for the female, while she sits on the egg to keep it warm. But the cold sets in. Leaves fall around them and snow appears on the branches. One day Father Bird is too weak to fly, the pair snuggle around the egg to keep it warm. That night the egg hatches.

The small dragon appears.

This story had me in tears, seeing the repercussions of trying to keep something alive, when the outcome is not known, where two little birds find it in their hearts to persevere, despite the cold which will kill them, settling in. Their responsibility to the egg is paramount. Their responsibility to a stranger the theme behind the words. Their commitment to its safety is rewarded when the little dragon returns using its fiery breath to revive the two birds, then settling them on its back to take them to somewhere warmer.

Jess Racklyeft’s mixed media illustrations will catch the eyes of the readers as they see the two little birds in their nest, keeping their eggs warm, then helping the hatchlings on their way, staying to help the last egg hatch. Leaves become browner, debris floats in the air, snow falls on the branches, the coldness that comes to the nest almost felt by the audience, as they grieve for the anticipated plight of the two birds. A dragon hatches, bringing fire, the reds and yellows contrasting with the cold of the snow and the wind. The magical dragon restores hope as it swoops down to protect its surrogate parents, and the group returns the pair to a place where they will survive.

I found this to be a touching story reflecting our shared responsibility for all those around us. Whether it be the homeless, refugees, the aged, or those in need, each deserve our commitment. And as with the two birds, that sacrifice will be rewarded.

Themes: Sacrifice, Hope, Commitment, Birds, Surrogacy, Eggs, Responsibility, Dragons.

Fran Knight