Promotional Information

The beautiful and haunting novel that launched David Almond as one of the best children's writers of today. Winner of the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread children's book of the Year Award.

About the Author

David Almond is twice winner of the Whitbread Children's Book Award. His first novel, SKELLIG, won the Whitbread Children's Award and the Carnegie Medal. His second, KIT'S WILDERNESS, won the Smarties Award Silver Medal, was Highly Commended for the Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for the Guardian Award. THE FIRE-EATERS won the Whitbread, the Smarties Gold Award and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, and his most recent novel, CLAY, was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award, and the Carnegie Medal. David is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative children's authors writing today, and his books are bestsellers all over the world. He lives with his family in Northumberland.

Reviews

' ... gripping, beautiful and brilliantly written ... Everyone is raving about this unforgettable book.' -- The Sunday Times 'Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination.' -- The Guardian 'A stunning debut ... An extraordinary book.' -- The Sunday Telegraph 'the most lyrical children's author now writing' -- The Guardian 'Truly original, mysterious and affecting ... Almond treads with delicate certainty, and the result is something genuine and true' -- Philip Pullman, The Guardian 'Tremendously innovative, highly original and very moving.' -- Melvin Burgess

' ... gripping, beautiful and brilliantly written ... Everyone is raving about this unforgettable book.' -- The Sunday Times 'Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination.' -- The Guardian 'A stunning debut ... An extraordinary book.' -- The Sunday Telegraph 'the most lyrical children's author now writing' -- The Guardian 'Truly original, mysterious and affecting ... Almond treads with delicate certainty, and the result is something genuine and true' -- Philip Pullman, The Guardian 'Tremendously innovative, highly original and very moving.' -- Melvin Burgess

British author Almond confidently narrates this recording of his first novel for young people. Michael and his family have just moved to a new home, which proves more dramatic than any of them had imagined. The house is a true fixer-upper, and Michael's new baby sister, born prematurely, is seriously ill. While his parents are consumed with worry about the baby, Michael is left alone with his own fears. But when he explores the house's crumbling garage, he discovers a frail creature with wings who becomes a most magical friend. It's hard to say whether the creature, which eventually introduces itself as Skellig, is a man, an angel or a ghost. As Michael and his new neighbor Mina spend time with Skellig, they learn about the transforming power of caring and love as they tend to Skellig's infirmities and cater to his fondness for Chinese takeout. Part mystery, part fantasy, Almond's story is made all the more memorable by his easygoing delivery and distinctive accent. Ages 8-up. (Apr.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Gr 4-9-Michael was looking forward to moving into a new house. But now his baby sister's ill, his parents are frantic, and Dr. Death has come to call. What is the strange thing beneath the spiderwebs and dead flies in the crumbling garage? The only person Michael can confide in is his new friend Mina. Together they carry the creature out into the light, and Michael's world changes forever. By David Almond. Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.