When Hoopoes Go to Heaven — Gaile Parkin

The irresistible story of Benedict Tungazara, a 10-year-old boy in Swaziland who loves beautiful birds, his mother's cakes, and making people happy

Ten-year-old Benedict is feeling happy. His family's new home in Swaziland has the most beautiful garden in the whole entire world, teeming with insects, frogs, and his favorite cinnamon-coloured birds. Here, crouched in the cool shade of the lucky-bean tree, it's easy to forget the loneliness that comes from his siblings playing without him and easy to stop himself from fretting about how to fix his Mama's failing cake-baking business. Of course, there are many things in Africa that cannot be put right by a boy who isn't yet big. But in Benedict's wonder-filled world, even the ugliest situation has a certain magic. Warm, funny, and brimming with life, this novel paints a fresh and compelling picture of life in Swaziland that will capture readers' imaginations and restore their faith in humanity.