Skittles

When thirteen-year-old Tegan discovers a battered lorikeet clinging to life on her backyard fence, she recognises a kindred spirit in its weary eyes. Still recovering from a devastating illness that left her frail and uncertain, Tegan vows to save the bird she names Skittles—a shimmering symbol of hope in a world that once felt too heavy to bear. But healing a creature as broken as herself won’t be easy. With feathers dulled by neglect and a heartbeat as fragile as her own resolve, Skittles needs more than medicine; he needs someone who understands what it means to fight.

As Tegan battles to nurse Skittles back to health, their bond deepens, revealing a shared strength neither knew they had. But when the bird’s recovery sparks an unexpected opportunity to help others—children facing battles of their own—Tegan must confront a terrifying question: Can the broken parts of our past become the very thing that mends someone else’s future?

A story of resilience, friendship, and the quiet magic of second chances, Skittles asks: What if saving one small life could change your own forever?

Perfect for fans of heartfelt middle-grade novels like The One and Only Ivan and Wishtree, this uplifting tale will leave you believing in the power of hope—one feather at a time.

Tropes You'll Love

Found Family (Pet/Animal Edition)
"Who Saved Who?"
The Underdog / Against All Odds
Hurt/Comfort
Parallel Healing Journeys
The Ticking Clock (Medical Crisis)
Girl with a Mission
Unexpected Bond
Animal Rescue / Second Chances

Behind the Story

The journey of Tegan and Skittles was deeply inspired by a real-life rainbow lorikeet called Skittles. Parrots for Purpose, a non-profit organisation dedicated to matching intelligent, loving parrots with people who need them most—including survivors of domestic violence, ADF personnel, and those living with disabilities. Through this story, I am proud to collaborate with Parrots for Purpose to celebrate the healing power of the human-animal bond and support their mission of changing the world, one bird at a time.

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About the Author

Renee Conoulty is an Australian author who writes books with humour and heart for all ages.