Book Review: Magpoo the Magpie

Reviewed by Toni Woodruff

A heartfelt children’s story that sings

“‘Howdy mate and how do you do? I’m from Australia and my name’s Magpoo.”

Magpoo the magpie doesn’t quite fit in with the other magpies. Not only are they frustrated that he’s always singing at the top of his lungs, but they won’t even acknowledge his name of Magpoo. They tell him he’s got no sense and that he should quiet down. But Magpoo is loud and proud. He doesn’t care: he’ll sing as he swings, sing as he flies, and sing with his mouth full no matter what they say.

Magpoo is like the kid who doesn’t feel seen but wants to be heard. He wants to be loud and play, and it doesn’t matter how many times you tell him to be quiet, his song is begging to be sung—and he’ll sing it.

The message behind this loud, sing-song kids’ book is its best feature. Kids are not always accepted for being their true, loud selves, and they’re always the ones getting in trouble in school or by parents. But who are we to silence the impact of their voice? I have met enough loud kids in my day—and have even been one at a few points in my life—so it’s such a treasure to find an inviting, unapologetic story like this one. We don’t try to teach Magpoo a lesson. We tell him that he’s unique and special, even if everyone else can’t see it yet. It can be difficult to capture bullying in a kid’s book without introducing cruel behaviors, but this bullying doesn’t take center stage: we focus on the main character more than on the meanness of his peers, and it works.

Magpoo the Magpie is a blast to read aloud too. Not only are the rhymes always smooth and effortless, but each page comes with its own silly singing sounds. I’d have a hard time imagining a single kid who doesn’t like hearing their parents chanting as Magpoo does. It says: If your parent can be silly and loud, maybe you can be too.

The illustrations pair well with this simple story. There are only a handful of words on each page, and there are only ever magpies in the picture. But each illustration comes with its own flair so that it doesn’t feel repetitive and always offers your little one something new to look at. The birds appear emotive and filled with personality, especially my dear old Magpoo.

Sure, Magpoo might be the obnoxious one of the bunch, but the book reminds us that this doesn’t mean he’s simple-minded or oblivious. It acknowledges that he’s smart and has a big heart, offering a reminder to the kids always getting in trouble for being themselves that it doesn’t mean they’re not smart but that they are just uniquely them.

Magpoo the Magpie is a fun book—a quick read that your child will be happy to revisit, especially if they like making fun, loud sounds like the lovable Magpoo.

Thank you for reading Toni Woodruff’s book review of Magpoo the Magpie by Soni Laugesen! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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