McKay’s sequel to ‘The Skylarks’ War’, which charted the lives of Clarry and Peter and their friends through the First World War, picks up their stories as the Second World War approaches. We are also introduced to new characters and settings: Erik and Hans are young boys living in Berlin as Hitler and the Nazis increase their hold over Germany and the lives of young people there. I love the addition of this parallel story line – it gives and freshness and insight to this children’s novel, often lacking in childrens’ Second World War literature, introducing through fiction the important, and less polarized, concept of grey areas in history.

McKay writes simply beautifully. The choice to write both novels enables children to absorb some of the key differences in the way the wars were fought, but the historical detail never detracts from the wonderfully woven story. McKay writes with a gorgeously light touch, using language that is evocative but never forced.

She offers a simultaneous portrayal of life in England and Germany, creating a more nuanced, thoughtful, and balanced exploration than is common in childrens’ literature.

Katherine Rundell said of ‘The Skylarks’ War’ that it was the best childrens’ book she had read all year – and I think the same would have to be said of ‘The Swallows’ Flight’. These are books to treasure, and read, and read again.