‘We don’t think of birds as refugees. But their flight mirrors the struggles of people forced to flee violence or devastation. This story asks us to consider their journeys and our role in welcoming them.’
By NONTOBEKO AISHA MKHWANAZI
In Return of the Songbirds author, Hani du Toit, and illustrator, Nathi Ngubane, present a remarkable children’s book that merges the beauty of nature with profound lessons about humanity.
Through this story, du Toit, an author, poet, artist and social activist, invites children aged from eight-years-old and the adults and guides them into meaningful conversations about the challenges of today’s world.
With her previous works, Just Like Me and The Best Gift, aimed to equip children with vital life-long skills, du Toit is not only committed to social transformation. Part of her mission is to create stories that amplify the voices of the unheard. She describes Return of the Songbirds, as ‘a story of hope that invites children to think about the state of the world and their role in it’.
At its core, this children’s book recounts the story of Yellowstone National Park’s wolves in the United States which were eradicated by settlers in the early 20th century. Their removal, driven by greed and fear, resulted in a trophic cascade, a devastating collapse of the park’s ecosystem caused by the extermination of its top predators. The eventual reintroduction of wolves decades later restored the balance, allowing nature to heal.
But this is more than an ecological tale. For du Toit, it is a metaphor for humanity’s own struggles.
‘The Yellowstone story parallels what we see today. The violence, greed and destruction. But it also shows that restoration and healing are possible,’ she explained.
The book also uses birds as a metaphor for migration and displacement. Du Toit highlights how society often overlooks birds and does not think about their hardship in a new environment and says this is the same treatment society gives refugees.
‘We don’t think of birds as refugees. But their flight mirrors the struggles of people forced to flee violence or devastation. This story asks us to consider their journeys and our role in welcoming them,’ she said.
Du Toit’s storytelling is driven by a commitment to fostering deep, meaningful conversations with children.
She hopes the book will inspire children to lead the way in creating a kinder, more connected world.
‘I hope children become the voices in their homes, advocating for change and empathy.’
Du Toit urges children to see themselves as stewards, with a duty to replenish and protect the planet. At the back of the book there are reflective questions which help readers explore their relationship with nature.
‘Asking questions like “why do we take so much without giving back” encourage the young to think,’ she said.
The story challenges readers to empathise with those who have lost their homes, drawing attention to the universal need for safety and acceptance. Through reflective prompts, children are encouraged to imagine the pain of losing their homeland and consider how they might welcome displaced people in their communities.
‘In South Africa, we’ve witnessed xenophobic attacks on refugees who come here seeking safety. This book asks children to think: If you were in their position, how would you hope to be treated? What would you do to make someone feel welcome?’ reflected du Toit.
Grief, loss and healing are also central to the narrative, as the animals in Yellowstone mourn the absence of the wolves. Du Toit believes these moments help children connect emotionally with the story, fostering empathy and understanding.
The seeds for Return of the Songbirds were planted when du Toit attended a conference in Egypt, where she learned about Yellowstone’s wolves and the interconnectedness of all life. As she wrote, she was struck by the parallels between this ecological restoration and the struggles of displaced people, particularly Palestinians.
‘I didn’t want this to be just a story of devastation. It had to be a story of hope, return and renewal. The songbirds symbolise that hope for displaced people to one day return to their homelands,’ explained du Toit.
Illustrator Nathi Ngubane collaborated with du Toit to create visuals that amplify the book’s message. Known for his work on River to Sea: A Colouring Book, Ngubane chose colours for the birds that reflect the flags of nations experiencing displacement and genocide.
‘The challenge was capturing the depth of emotions in the story. But this book is about humanity, nature and belonging. I hope it resonates with everyone who reads it,’ said Ngubane.
Return of the Songbirds (ISBN 978-1-03-701315-7) by Hani du Toit, illustrated by Nathi Ngubane, is published by The Olive Exchange, www.oliveexchange.net. It is available from https://webelong.africa/return-of-the-song-birds-book.
For more information, contact Hani du Toit: hani@communicationcoaching.co.za or call 083 727 7324.
