Follow the Swallow Paperback Book by Julia Donaldson
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Follow the Swallow Paperback Book by Julia Donaldson is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Follow the Swallow Paperback Book by Julia Donaldson
The Follow the Swallow paperback book by Julia Donaldson is a heartwarming and humorous children’s story about friendship and change, beautifully illustrated by Thomas Docherty. Perfect for young readers, this charming tale follows two unlikely friends — a blackbird and a swallow — on a journey that celebrates trust, discovery, and the magic of the changing seasons.
Key Features
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A delightful story about friendship, trust, and seasonal change.
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Written by Julia Donaldson, award-winning author of The Gruffalo.
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Beautifully illustrated by acclaimed artist Thomas Docherty.
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Perfect for early readers and family storytime.
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Encourages curiosity about nature, migration, and the seasons.
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Ideal gift for children aged 3 and above.
Product Description
From the much-loved creator of The Gruffalo, Julia Donaldson’s Follow the Swallow is a captivating picture book about the power of friendship and understanding differences. When Chack the blackbird and Apollo the swallow meet, they form an unlikely friendship. But when Apollo explains he’ll soon migrate to Africa, Chack can hardly believe it. In return, when Chack tells Apollo that the blossom on his favourite tree will one day become orange berries, Apollo isn’t convinced either.
As the seasons change and time passes, both birds learn that friendship can cross distances and that nature is full of surprises. Thomas Docherty’s vibrant illustrations perfectly complement Donaldson’s playful storytelling, creating a warm and engaging book that will delight children and adults alike.
Ideal for reading aloud, this beautifully written tale teaches children about migration, the passing seasons, and the importance of keeping an open mind. With its lyrical text and stunning artwork, Follow the Swallow is a must-have for any child’s bookshelf.
Specifications
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Author: Julia Donaldson
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Illustrator: Thomas Docherty
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Publisher: Egmont Books
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Format: Paperback
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Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Friendship / Nature
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Recommended Age: 3+ years
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Theme: Seasons, migration, friendship, and discovery
Care & Usage Tips
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Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom storytelling, or nature-themed activities.
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Pair with other Julia Donaldson classics for a complete collection.
Why You’ll Love It
Warm, funny, and beautifully illustrated, Follow the Swallow is a timeless story that helps children understand the beauty of nature and the bonds of friendship. Whether as a bedtime favourite or a thoughtful gift, this delightful book is sure to become a treasured read for every season.
About Us
About Us
We are a family run, independent Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant combined. We are proud to offer the very best gardening, home and outdoor living products alongside delicious, fresh, locally produced food and drink.
Awarded 'Best Garden Centre in the UK in 2018 & 2021 you can rest assured that we offer excellent products, plants and customer service.
Learn more about us and our story on the 'About Us' page.
Delivery
Delivery
Collect your order in-store, have it delivered to your door, or choose a convenient InPost Locker!
We aim to dispatch orders as quickly as possible using trusted couriers.
Your Questions Answered...
What are the delivery options and prices?
We offer Standard (3-5 working days) and Express (1-2 working days) delivery for a small additional charge.
- Postable items (e.g., seed packets, gift cards) - £2.95 via Royal Mail.
- Smaller, lighter items - £4.95 – £6.95.
- Larger, heavier, and fragile items - £9.95 – £19.95.
- Pallet deliveries (e.g., furniture) - from £69.95 (see kerbside pallet delivery details below).
The exact delivery charge is calculated at checkout based on your selected items.
New! Deliver to InPost Locker
Instead of home delivery, choose to collect your parcel from an InPost Locker near you.
- Delivery rates: £3.95 or £4.95 depending on item size.
- How it works: Choose InPost after completing your order. You'll receive a notification when your parcel is ready to collect.
- Collection options: Scan the QR code or open the locker remotely via the InPost app. If collecting from a shop, show your QR code to the staff.
- Collection time: You have 3 days to pick up your parcel. InPost will send a reminder 24 hours before expiry.
- Tracking: Track your parcel via the InPost app or the tracking link in your confirmation email.
Can someone else pick up my parcel?
Yes! Share your QR code or collection code (sent via email) along with your mobile number, and they can collect it for you.
Do I need ID to collect from an InPost Locker?
No, just scan the QR code in the app or your email. For InPost Shop collections, show the QR code to the staff.
Any more questions?
Visit InPost’s [help page](#) for more details or check their blog for tips and updates.
How do I track my delivery?
Once your order is dispatched, you'll receive an email with tracking details.
Who delivers my order?
Depending on size and weight, orders are delivered by Royal Mail, Evri, or Parcelforce. Furniture and large items arrive via kerbside pallet delivery.
What is kerbside pallet delivery?
Large items like furniture are delivered on a pallet using a heavy goods vehicle. The pallet is placed at the nearest safe kerbside location. The driver cannot move it across uneven ground or remove the items from the pallet.
We can arrange a delivery date that suits you. If access for large vehicles is difficult, please let us know in advance.
What should I do if my order arrives damaged?
If your order is damaged in transit, email us a photo and your order number within 24 hours so we can resolve the issue.
Do you deliver to Northern Ireland?
Yes, though some larger or heavier items may incur a surcharge. Unfortunately, we cannot ship plants to Northern Ireland at this time.
Do any UK areas have a delivery surcharge?
Additional delivery charges may apply for:
- Channel Islands
- Northern Ireland
- Scottish Highlands & Islands
- Isle of Man & Isle of Wight
- Scilly Isles
What is the warranty on my purchase?
All products come with a manufacturer’s warranty (typically 12 months unless stated otherwise). Faulty items within the warranty period may be repaired or replaced subject to the manufacturer’s terms.
Still have questions?
Contact us via our enquiry form, call 01497 847055, or email shoponline@oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.
Returns
Returns
How do I return an item?
If a purchase is no longer required you are able to return the goods within 28 days of delivery for a full refund in accordance with our refunds policy set out in Clause 10 of our Terms & Conditions. We will refund any money received from you using the same method originally used by you to pay for your purchase. Please make sure that you include the sales order or invoice with your return.
When returning items to us, please ensure that any and all original packaging, instructions, tags etc are included as supplied to you. We recommend using a recorded/insured service to return your order. The Old Railway Garden Centre cannot be held responsible for returned items lost or damaged in transit to us.



