squawk and squeal

Meet Squawk and Squeal...

...the cheeky red kite chicks, fresh from their new book, 'Let's Go Flying, Kites'.

The book is a fun story for kids, with delightful illustrations and a conservation message.

Emma Reed, RSPB Education Officer, said:
"We are thrilled that the return of red kites to north east England has inspired the production of this beautiful, entertaining and enjoyable book by Jules Burnett, and we're delighted that Go North East are sponsoring it's production. 'Let's Go Flying, Kites' is the ideal book to inspire youngsters to take an interest in kites and other wildlife and will make the perfect Christmas present for a budding Bill Oddie or Kate Humble. It's great news that local businesses such as Go North East are working together with the region's conservation organisations in such an inspiring and creative way."

Where can I buy them?
Email: squawkandsqueal@talktalk.net
Books are available signed, if required for £6 + £1 p&p.

Also available for teachers:

‘Let’s Go Flying, Kites’ PowerPoint CD

Tell the story of Squawk & Squeal, the cheeky red kite chicks to your class via your interactive whiteboard.

Copies are available for £5 + 50p postage and packing.

Teachers Pack
A pack of 6 books, a PowerPoint CD and Teacher’s Notes, with ideas for literacy lessons (guided reading, shared reading and writing activities).
Packs are available for £40

Author visits
Jules Burnett, author and illustrator, is available for interactive, lively workshops.
Jules will read from his new book, draw cheeky kite chicks and share ideas about how a book is created.
Signed books can be available for sale on the day.
Author visits £75 per half day.

About the Author and illustrator

Jules Burnett was born in Gateshead. He studied environmental illustration at the University of Sunderland where he specialised in children’s book illustration.

Since graduating, he has illustrated a number of children’s books, including ‘Tales of the Black Jack Forest’ by Mary E. Abernathy, 'The Three Billy Goats Gruff' by Wes Magee and ‘Wild Times’ for the RSPB.

‘Let’s go flying, kites’ is the first book to be written as well as illustrated by Jules and provides a simple conservation message for children.

The book has been written for children aged between three and eight years old, although younger and older children – and adults – will surely enjoy this wonderful story. The book tells how red kites were introduced to the North East after more than 170 years, following the antics of two young chicks, Squawk and Squeal. Go North East’s Red Kite bus features as the environmentally conscientious way for visitors to see the birds.

Jules has worked closely with the Northern Kites Project, based in Whickham and carried out a lot of his own research into red kite chicks for the book.

Jules says “I’m not the first artist to be inspired by wildlife, but when you see a red kite you can’t help but be inspired!

“I’ve been lucky enough to see and hear things that nobody else gets the chance to,” said Jules, “and these anecdotes can certainly be found in the book. Added to that, my own children, Emma and Tom, provided a lot of the inspiration for the chicks, Squawk and Squeal.”

Jules is now working on a sequel to ‘Let’s go flying, kites’ based on the fully grown chicks, Squawk and Squeal.