A picture book for older children written and illustrated by Celia Bridle, The Black Swan was published by Helen Chamberlin, Windy Hollow Books, MelbourneT

Trapped in a cage, a black swan escapes and flies to a Pacific island where villagers revere birds. A volcanic eruption threatens and the swan helps villagers escape to a safe haven, where her egg is hatched.

Review by Francis Atkinson, 'The Age', Melbourne, 02/01/2011
Revered by a village, a black swan is kept in a beautiful cage made from bamboo and scented vine. But when war breaks out, the swan is forgotten, and while the village burns, she beats her wings frantically in an effort to break free. Soaring skyward, she eventually lands and helps some villagers who believe that birds have the power to relay messages to protect an egg on the verge of hatching.
This picture book has an understated elegance and it's interesting to see a swan, so familiar in fairy tales, transplanted to a surprising setting. The subtleties of the story might not register with the very young, but Celia Bridle's black and white illustrations, sometimes very realistic, other times hazy and slightly surreal, convey much of the drama and have an appealing, dream-like quality. This is a picture book that makes you ponder