Return of the Songbirds

by Hani du Toit

Book Overview

Set in Yellowstone Park, Return of the Songbirds tells the story of loss of homeland and displacement, after the killing of the grey wolf in Yellowstone Park. While demonstrating the delicate balance of nature and our interconnectedness, this story is also a metaphor for the plight of indigenous people around the world. It has been beautifully illustrated by Nathi Ngubane to reflect some of this symbolism.

This story is simply and beautifully told, helping children make sense of ripple effects of unconscious living. They are prompted to think through the changes that humans must make to save the planet and our own humanity. Every child should be equipped with the skill to engage the conversations that this book ignites.

R255 each

R100 Delivery throughout South Africa

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Endorsements of Return of the Songbirds

“Return Of The Songbirds, is a fabulous and attractive book.

I do believe it will make a change of all who will read it. Honestly the layout of the book reflects the creativity and inspiration you are. The book moved me and sparked hope of return to our homeland. The figurative language and symbols make us feel joy and happiness.

Thanks a zillion for your amazingly amazing efforts”

- Dr Omar Hamad, Professor of Education, Gaza

“Congratulations on this beautiful book. It is such a universal theme/story and is very apt for the times that we live in. It is a simple story of loss, of violence but also of steadfastness, of a determination to remember through storytelling, and in this case of song… What a gentle telling of a story that is in reality filled with so much atrocity.

Thank you for writing this book. The illustrations are mind-blowing, beautiful."

- Diana Ferrus, I’ve come to Take You Home

“This book breaks down the complexity of the interconnectedness of humans and mother nature, in a way that touches our deepest need for belonging and safety in the world. It teaches that a (home)land is not only a ‘place’, but our individual and collective need to live in harmony with each other and nature. At a deeper level, it challenges both adults and children to question why we fall in line with the idea that some are more important than others, and how our need to be in competition robs us of what we desire most – justice and fairness in a world beyond human supremacy. It touched me, and I have no doubt that it will plant a beautiful seed in the hearts of our precious children. Thank you, Hani and Nathi – the Songbirds will return, sooner rather than later, despite everything that appears to signal the opposite. Our hearts’ longing will prevail.”

- Sarah Malotane Henkeman, Disrupting Denial

“Here is a book that I would summarise with the words: hope, wisdom and beauty. From cover to cover, it is an experience because the words written by Hani invite us to not just appreciate the art but also to zoom in on each detail of Nathi's drawings - and to apply this process in our own lives. The child in me feels joy for the child (in you) getting this book in their hands, particularly if various experiences have caused them to operate from a different vantage point. Here is an encounter with the many others who did... and who reconnected.”

- Philoméne Luyindula Lasoet, The Widening of the Womb

"Return of the Songbirds is a hopeful strikingly illustrated story about the interconnectedness of things and the possibility of repair. A lovely read for children of all ages."

Yewande Omotoso, An Unusual Grief

“Return of the Songbirds” is a powerful reminder of our deep connection to the natural world and the delicate balance that sustains it. Inspired by real events in Yellowstone and the universal principle of balance, Hani’s moving story not only resonates with the need for environmental stewardship but also speaks to the broader themes of displacement, belonging, and solidarity with those who have lost their homes. I believe that rewilding is essential for human survival, and children intuitively know this. This book will undoubtedly inspire young minds to reflect on the choices we make and the world we wish to create.”

- Robert Hutchinson, Authentic Life, UK

Hani’s compassion for humanity and urgent call for deeper levels of conversation across generations cannot be timelier. Return of the Songbirds holds multiple poignant messages for us all –

• To open our hearts to the ‘songbirds’ amongst us and give them a home within our lives

• To recognise keystone species like the Grey Wolf, and their critical role on Planet Earth

• To know that we are one another, we are nature; and that when one is well, so is the other.

This symbolically rich, beautifully written and illustrated book stretches the mind and heart to look deeper, engage more, and dare to walk in another’s shoes.

- Landi Jac, CEO: Circle of Excellence Group, Global Citizen

"Return of the Songbirds is a powerful and beautifully illustrated story which should be a brilliant catalyst for interesting and meaningful conversations. The story of how a violent act of killing wolves (an important and critical part of the living system) is a vital lesson about how one act can set off a devastating chain of events and disturb the balance of life having a domino and far reaching effect and ripples of destruction (how systemic and structural violence plays a critical role in ecosystems and social systems). The lessons in the book are both around how nature and human beings impact on our earth as well as how humans too are traumatically displaced and can impact on each other through violence and destruction - I think of District six and many other forced removals and the impact it had on the lives of people and the generations that followed. Children will get the message through the story and be able to understand some of the more complex situations around the world better. The set of questions at the end are wonderful for initiating deeper reflection and analysis which develops critical thinking for younger readers and could be an amazing tool in educational and community spaces. This beautiful and thought provoking book should serve a purpose of conscientising young minds who will hopefully grow into adults that are more conscious of their behaviour and actions.

Well done to Hani do Toit and Nathi Ngubane on this thoughtful, well told and illustrated story"

- Desiree Paulsen, Africa Spirals of Change