“Morning Tutu! How are you?” I cried as I saw my favourite bird sitting on the branches.

Tutu gave me a nip on the ear and crooned softly. I laughed and patted her soft head gently.

My name is Ellya Golda and I have been living on the Forbidden Island as long as I can remember with my father, Ellhan. I don’t remember my mother and all I know about her is that she died when I was only two.

My father owns the island and there is no one living here except us. I’ve never met another person before, but I don’t really mind because I have my animal friends around me.

I have a gift with all animals. Whilst they keep clear from my father, they follow me around. Even wild bears and panthers don’t attack me, but purr and keep me company. Whilst the animals keep silent around my father, they chatter to me because I understand what they say. When I asked Ellhan about this, he merely shrugged and said that my mother had a way with animals too.