Toby Fletcher's Fly-Away Tree

Imagine flying free like a bird. Imagine changing into a bird then back into your own body at will. This is exactly what happens to Toby Fletcher. Bullied at school, Toby takes refuge in his hobby, bird watching. When the bullies hurt a blackbird, he rescues it, takes the fledgling home, and places it in his tree. This kind act turns an ordinary tree into a magical Fly-Away Tree. The Tree transports Toby and his sister into the mysterious world of Avia. The pair are plunged into a fast paced woodland adventure, and into great danger, with consequences reaching far beyond the world of birds. Brimming with an excitement that leaps from the page, Toby Fletcher’s Fly-Away Tree is a story for children aged 7 – 12 years of age.

What children say about TOBY FLETCHER – THE SONGSHELL TRUTHS:
Lauren: “My favourite character is Toby. I felt really sorry for him
when he was being bullied.” Duncan: “I love the way the author always leaves me
wanting to know more at the end of each chapter.” Yasmin: “When I read the first page I got a tear in my eye because the story is so good.” Mark: “When I finished reading the first chapter I was engrossed. The Fly-Away Tree is really mystical and exciting.”

This is a highly imaginative novel which sees Toby Fletcher discovering the special qualities of the tree in his garden when he rescues a blackbird and gains access to a parallel universe. The real world and Avia become tangled when Toby’s sister is captured by the evil Almeena Magpie, and the fact that Toby’s bullies get their comeuppance when they are pulled into the action is a satisfying twist. Readers will enjoy hearing about the different species of birds in Avia – particularly the starling law enforcers! The narrative is injected with a good dose of action and adventure.