Mavis: A Genuine Heroine!

By Caroline Crow Salmon

Mavis is a normal teenager but with a unique connection with birds. On her 13th birthday her grandmother reveals that like each female in the generations before Mavis, it is her destiny to develop the abilities of the birds she loves. To a shocked Mavis, Grandma explains that these abilities were given to a descendant back in the 1500's&nbsp

• Language: English
• Publisher: Turquoise Art
• Release date: Jan 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9780648227717

Caroline Crow Salmon

Caroline Crow Salmon is an Australian author and artist inspired by nature, particularly birds. With qualifications in Education and Visual Art Caroline used these skills to create the series about Mavis, the girl with the powers of the birds of the world written for her daughters who loved superheroes.

Book preview

Chapter One

It came creeping. Thick, dense, swirling smoke. A flash of colour appeared then quickly disappeared behind it’s grey wall. It was hard to breathe. A voice began to chant rhythmically, slowly, as more colours flashed and then disappeared. The smell was strong. It burnt her nostrils. The voice, with repetitive, unintelligible words, became louder and faster. More colours appeared, strobing, then began to swirl. Now the smoke was all around her. Engulfing her. Choking her. She tried to cry out but no sound came. She was scared. A face appeared suddenly through the grey veil. Close. A man with feathers of all colours around his head. His face serious, focused, his voice loud and intense. He started circling her, dancing, the smoke flowing in and out around his body as parts of arms and legs appeared and disappeared through the grey cloud. She tried to turn, ready to defend herself but he moved faster and faster and louder and louder until he was shouting a staccato chant centimetres from her face. She opened her mouth wide gasping for air, trying to scream….

Mavis! Mavis!

She felt herself being pushed and shaken. She opened her eyes. She looked around her and relaxed. She took a deep breath. It was just a dream. Mavis wound down the window. The breeze hit hard on her face and whipped through her hair. She tilted her head back and let the air fill her lungs. She was flying. She smelt the Eucalyptus scent of the bush and was free. She closed her eyes. This felt so good. Not like every other day. She had left the city behind and was nearly at Grandma’s. The best times were when she went to Grandma’s house because she let her do whatever she wanted, all the time! That didn’t mean Grandma was a push over though. No way. She was really tough. She looked like one of those stereotyped frail grannies but she was the strongest person that Mavis knew. Grandma had lived alone since Mavis could remember, doing everything for herself. Mavis admired how she was confident in all she did and with all who she met and wished she could be like that. Very direct and to the point, Grandma let you know exactly what she thought but was also so very gentle and loving. Luckily for Mavis, Grandma always thought that the things she was doing were just fine.

One of those things was getting up at dawn every single morning and singing. Exactly three years ago Mavis had been staying at Grandmas on the day she turned 10 years old and that morning she had woken with the first rays of the sun and felt a strong force calling her to go outside into the garden. She had followed the urge and found herself standing in the semi dark, barefoot, in her pyjamas, on the green grass, singing, with the sun slowly rising and the sounds of all the birds in the trees around her adding loudly to her song. Without Mavis knowing, Grandma had followed her out and quietly sat down on her rocking chair watching. Mavis had no idea what she sang or what noises she made as she was lost in the moment and then suddenly the sun was up and she stopped singing. The sound of Grandmas clapping had broken the trance and she remembered looking around in bewilderment and confusion. Since that day, no matter how hard she tried to turn over and sleep in, Mavis always woke at dawn and felt something inside her pushing her to go out and sing. Mavis could sing as loud as she liked and Grandma didn't mind. In fact, she would always tell Mavis how beautiful she sounded.

Grandma’s house was in the country, two hours from the city where Mavis lived. She owned a beautiful old limestone cottage, a few minutes from the ocean, that had previously belonged to her mother. It was surrounded by 15 acres of tall, old Tuarts, various other varieties of Eucalyptus trees and many native bushes all full of beautiful birds that Mavis would go out and sing with in the morning. When she was at Grandmas, Mavis could often be found lying relaxed, reading a book on a long bough high up in a tall tree, almost hidden amongst the green leaves. Other times she would be standing upright, grinning, with her fists white, clinging onto the branches as they swayed back and forth in a furious breeze, the limbs creaking and the leaves rushing in joy, like being on a terror ride at the fairground. Perched on the edge of the shiny iron roof of the cottage like a lookout or a Gargoyle, she would become one with the line of birds that sat tweeting and grooming their plumages, unintimidated, as if she was part of their flock. Whenever she was up high, Mavis would sit for hours watching birds flying from tree to tree and her breath was always taken away by the sight of a hawk or an eagle soaring overhead. It seemed so magical to be able to fly. Grandma never batted an eye at what Mavis was doing, she would just look up, smile and say ‘hello Mavis darling’ as she came out of the house then continue on busily working around her garden watering plants, pruning fruit trees or tending to her vegetable patch.

Mavis had three favourite bird species in Grandma’s garden. First were the Wattle birds who were raucous and cheeky. They would constantly dart around the garden, full of energy, then land and throw their heads back and let rip with one loud squawk. They would then chatter loudly before clicking their beak together a few times and flying off again. Second favourite was the Pied Butcher bird. A beautiful black and white bird, it had the most elegant, flutelike, sing-song tune that would carry loudly over the cacophony of songs of the other bird varieties in the trees. Mavis’s third favourite birds were the Carnaby Cockatoos who would come as a large flock of over 50 birds, announcing their arrival by circling and screaming overhead before landing dotted on and amongst the leaves, to noisily feed from the flowers on the bushes and trees. The deafening sound would continue until they all decided to fly up and away together, leaving the garden again to it’s serenity.

Grandma had a huge, colourful, though cranky, bird of her own. Its name was Tecowa, a Toucan from South America. It ate like a horse and made loud croaking noises whenever it was hungry, which seemed to Mavis to be all the time! One word from Grandma though and it would quickly become silent and still, its body stone like but its staring eyes following her every move. Life was different for Mavis back at home with her mum, dad and fifteen year old brother Bob. They all thought Mavis was a bit weird. They loved her of course, but just didn’t understand her at all. When she identified birds that flew into their small garden and got excited, Mum and Dad would just smile patiently then Bob’s eyes would always roll and she could tell he was thinking ‘NERD’ alert. None of them of course appreciated being woken by Mavis singing so early in the morning, so instead she would always sit by her bedroom window listening to the isolated sounds of the few suburban birds singing and quietly hum as the sun slowly lit up the room.

So the day had finally come and she was travelling north to spend the holidays at Grandmas. She was turning thirteen tomorrow and Grandma had promised a special party. Mum, Dad and Bob were driving up with her for the day then leaving her at Grandmas for two weeks. Freedom. Nothing could be more special thought Mavis as she squinted her eyes against the breeze and watched the green fields and brown cows pass by. The journey seemed to last forever and besides Dad’s old music and Dad’s old jokes there was silence. Mavis glanced at Bob. As usual he was self-isolated, busy playing the latest game on his iPad, his earphones blocking the noise as the colours flashed across the screen. She thought back on her conversation with her mum before they left. She had gone weird again. It was the same every time she went away to stay at Grandma’s now. Things had been great when she was younger. Mum was fun then and it was all love and laughter but a year ago things got tense and Mum grew distant. She seemed to always be grumpy, argumentative and watching, watching, watching.

Why do you want to go to Grandmas so much? What are you going to do there that’s so exciting? she would ask, each question negatively charged. I don't understand why a girl your age wants to spend so long with their Grandma. Don’t you get bored? Why don't you spend the holidays with your friends instead? she would question irritably.

Whenever Mavis was returning home from Grandmas there was always an uncomfortable inquisition that took at least half of the journey to answer and then her mum would be distant for a few days. There was the classic generation gap between Mum and Grandma and between Mum and Mavis but she and Grandma got on so well and there were three generations between them! Mavis looked up and saw the familiar tight, winding bend of the road ahead. She leaned forward waiting impatiently as they drove closer then laid back against the seat, a closed grin of satisfaction on her lips feeling the finale, as the car did a smooth, slow, rocking ride of the road. There ahead was the old stone house with its white gate and tall old trees leading a trail to the verandah. The crunching sound of the tyres on the gravel heralded their arrival. The engine and the radio stopped. Car doors opened and they were surrounded by a deafening quiet before the calls of birds and the sound of leaves gently rushing, assaulted their ears.

Grandma came out of her rustic cottage and walked across the creaking boards of her verandah then leant on the gnarled, wooden rail of her old stone house, smiling and waving, her white hair long and flowing like the runners of ivy growing thickly up the sidewalls of the house. Mavis ran across the grass to Grandma and gave her an enormous hug.

I’m finally here! Mavis beamed, then pulled Grandma back in for another hug.

Grandma held her tightly in her arms for a moment rocking her from side to side then turned to wave at the rest of the family still slowly getting out of the car.

Come inside all of you! beckoned Grandma waving her arm, as Mavis ran back to grab her bags from the car and then race Bob to the front door.

The old wooden screen door slammed behind Mavis at exactly the same moment as her eyes nearly popped out of her head. Grandma had decorated her house especially for Mavis’s birthday. There were colourful balloons and streamers hanging from the ceiling, a big red and gold Happy Birthday banner pinned up high on the wall and the table was set with plates of beautiful food ready to eat. In pride of place amongst all the food was a light blue, rectangular, birthday cake which Grandma had decorated by using piped black icing to create line drawings of birds flying. It looked great and Mavis was sure it would taste even better. The rest of the family began to file through the door. Bob gave Grandma a cursory quick hug as his eyes were more focused over her shoulder surveying the food displayed on the table. Dad stepped forward next, smiling as he greeted Grandma with an amiable bear hug. His big arms enveloped her small body so just a few tufts of grey hair sprouted from below his chin. The table then grabbed his attention too and he loosened his grip and moved off to walk up and down assessing where he would be starting when the time came to eat. Grandma looked at her daughter, who was next in line, as she stood awkwardly just inside the doorway, her bag hooked on her right shoulder with her left arm across her body clutching it tightly. They stood frozen with the tension a silent, though somehow also ear piercing, buzz between them.

Moving forward towards Mavis’s mum, Grandma broke the standoff. It’s lovely to see you Robin, she said softly, smiling as they embraced awkwardly, then there was another silent pause.

You’re looking well Mum, replied Robin, her smile too big and held too tightly, for too long. The awkwardness continued.

Well, Happy Birthday Mavis! exclaimed Grandma as she turned from her daughter and threw her arms in the air, moving back over to Mavis and drawing her close. She whispered, This will be a special birthday. You are becoming a woman now, as she looked deeply into Mavis’s eyes.

Mavis stared back into Grandmas suddenly serious eyes trying to understand what she meant, then quickly Grandmas expression changed and smiling she excitedly announced, I have something for you!

Grandma reached around behind her then passed Mavis a small, cube-shaped present with blue wrapping paper that looked like delicate lace. It was decorated with a shiny golden ribbon tied in a bow. Mavis carefully opened the present, not wanting to damage the beautiful wrapping and found a small, glittering, purple box inside. She lifted the lid off the box and glowing inside it was a charm bracelet with colourful, shimmering, oval jewels and sparkling diamonds. Several gold charms, including a larger one of a pair of wings were attached. Mavis stared, her mouth open, unable to find any words to describe her joy and surprise. As a child Mavis had noticed Grandma wearing this bracelet now and then and had also seen it on her in many of her old photos and knew it was very special to her. Totally in awe that it was now hers, Mavis’s smile grew bigger and brighter.

Thank you so much. I’ve always loved this bracelet! Mavis exclaimed, feeling overjoyed.

Grandma took the bracelet out of the box. The gold and jewels chattered as she placed it on Mavis’s wrist but she didn't let go of Mavis’s arm, she held on tightly with both of her hands and leant in close and whispered again, so no one else could hear, It is your turn now.

Mavis looked quizzically at Grandma but before she could ask what she meant, her older brother Bob interrupted.

Here’s our present for you, Bob declared as he came walking out of Grandmas spare room awkwardly carrying a huge, oval shaped present about half his size. It was wrapped with a draped rainbow coloured cloth and had a big red bow around it. It looked big and heavy as Bob staggered across the room, the fringe of his gell-spiked brown hair losing gravity and cascading over his forehead and eyes, blocking part of his view. Bob struggled across the room and then groaned with relief as he placed it on the coffee table. Phew! Happy Birthday, Bob panted.

Mavis wondered what it could be? Her mum and dad stepped forward and each took turns giving her a birthday kiss and hug. She then glanced past them at Bob but knew no affection would be coming from there.

Someone suddenly said Are you kidding?

Who was that? asked Mavis.

Go see, said Dad pointing at the present.

She walked over and untied the bow then lifted up the cloth and saw the most beautiful, colourful, big bird she had ever seen!

Are you kidding? it mimicked again.

That sounds like you alright Bob! Mavis laughed, amused at seeing her brother morphed into a bird. Well I’m not kidding …I think you’re beautiful, she said smiling at the bird who was paying no attention but busy scanning the room. She leaned forward and examined closely it’s beautiful yellow and blue feathers and then the bird turned and her green eyes met, and stared into, the parrot’s vivid yellow eyes. There was a connection.

You love birds so much Bob and I thought you might like one of your own. Mum thought it was a bit of a crazy idea though, laughed Dad. I think she’s worried because you’ve now got a buddy to sing along with in the morning. It’s a Blue and Yellow Macaw. Many times over the last year Grandma’s been telling us how great these birds are and she happened to know a man who had one for sale in time for your birthday.

Mavis bent down and opened the door of the cage and reached in to the Macaw.

Careful he might bite! warned Mum looking nervous as Mavis began to stroke the head and back of the bird.

Moving very slowly, Mavis let the bird step onto her hand and then lifted it out of the cage. It was pretty heavy. So it’s a boy! You know how naughty they can be, she teased looking over at Bob. It’s ok Mum. It won’t hurt me, she replied, inwardly surprised at the confidence she felt in handling the large bird. She had always been nervous around Tecowa and almost always avoided him when she was at Grandmas but it felt different with this bird. She walked around the room and the bird sat calmly.

He is one with you, said Grandma smiling and can see into your heart.

Everyone turned to Grandma intrigued by her strange comment. After an afternoon of eating and laughing it was eventually time for Mum, Dad and Bob to get in the car and head back home. Mavis and Grandma stood waving from the verandah.

See you in two weeks! shouted Mavis as they started to pull out of the drive. She could see her mums stoney face staring intently as Dad drove the car away and then Bob’s hand waved once in glee as they slowly disappeared down the winding road.

Grandma turned to Mavis. Your birthday has not finished, she said grinning. Tonight something special will happen. We will celebrate in the garden. It’s a full moon. Take your things to your room. I’ve put a special dress on the bed. Please wear it to dinner tonight.

Mavis carried her bags up the stairs then slowly made her way along the hallway stopping every few steps, as she did each visit, to look at the many old photos covering the walls. She loved the photos of Grandma as a young girl and one especially was her favourite. The photo was of Grandma sitting smiling on the grass with birds all around her including some perched on her head, shoulders, arms and legs. As she imagined how wonderful an experience that would be, she turned and opened a door and walked into a bedroom. She froze, absolutely stunned, letting her bags drop loudly to the floor. There, laid out on the bedspread, was the most magical, colourful, dress she had ever seen. First she saw the shimmering gold threads stitched like flowing waves around the bodice then Mavis walked to the bed and reached out to touch the soft feathers that were sewn around the hem. She lifted the dress, held it against her body and turned to face the mirror. The dress gleamed and Mavis could see the reflected colours dance on her skin. Mavis quickly tried it on. It was so soft and silky.

She looked at herself in the full length cheval mirror. The dress glowed with the light of the setting sun coming through the window and somehow she seemed different even though she was still just as skinny and her nose, as always, just seemed too big. She tilted her head and one of her dark, honey coloured plaits fell forward across her chest. Mavis looked hard at her reflection then grabbed each plait in turn, undoing the black hair bands, threw them on the bed and then ran her fingers roughly through her hair. It messily cascaded down and across one side of her face, hiding one of her shining green eyes. She turned from side to side looking at herself critically, trying hard to imagine herself as a filled out, grown up woman. Mavis thought of Grandmas words. Her