A primary reading series developed with UCL Institute of Education to help children become confident, independent readers.
The bestselling story about love, loss and hope that launched David Almond as one of the best children’s writers of today has been adapted into a play by the author. Skellig The Play was directed by Trevor Nunn and performed by an all-star cast at the National Theatre in 2002.
When a move to a new house coincides with his baby sister’s illness, Michael’s world seems suddenly lonely and uncertain.
One Sunday afternoon, he stumbles into the ramshackle garage of his new home and finds something magical. A strange creature – human? beast? bird? angel? – a being who needs Michael’s help if he is to survive. With his new friend Mina, Michael nourishes Skellig back to health.
But Skellig is far more than he at first appears, and as he helps Michael breathe life into his tiny sister, Michael’s world changes for ever . . .
When a move to a new house coincides with his baby sister’s illness, Michael’s world seems suddenly lonely and uncertain.
One Sunday afternoon, he stumbles into the ramshackle garage of his new home and finds something magical. A strange creature – human? beast? bird? angel? – a being who needs Michael’s help if he is to survive. With his new friend Mina, Michael nourishes Skellig back to health.
But Skellig is far more than he at first appears, and as he helps Michael breathe life into his tiny sister, Michael’s world changes for ever . . .
Reviews
An exquisitely crafted book with a mystical core
I can't eat a chinese takeaway without thinking about this strange and beautiful book about an angel who seems to have lost his way.
Gripping, beautiful and brilliantly written ... everyone is raving about this unforgettable book.
A bookshelf essential.
A story full of heart and magic and big confusing emotions, elegantly told by a master craftsman. A perfect piece of art
The book I wish I'd written is Skellig by David Almond. Almond's book has a great sense of the mysterious; we are left with a sense of wonder. I wish that I had written it!
Lyrical, innovative and moving...unforgettably moving
Tense and involving ... something not to miss.
Lyrical, innovative and unforgettably moving.
Deservedly popular
Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination
One of those books that you can't put down
A stunning debut ... an extraordinary book.
Humorous, heart-stopping and haunting...an emotional roller-coaster of a read with a cliff-hanger of a conclusion. Inspired and inspiring.
Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination.
Acclaim for WILD GIRL, WILD BOY:
'Touching, beautifully focused.'
The sort of children's book that makes adults find excuses to read more of them
Acclaim for SKELLIG (the story):
'Tremendously innovative, highly original and very moving. David Almond is a fascinating new voice.'
A beautiful story which will enchant young and old alike
Voted Carnegie Medal's Number one Top Book of the past 70 years
Brings Magical Realism to working-class Northeast England
This is a story which burns bright from first to last, and for long after the last is over.
This modern classic has been reissued in a beautiful 15th anniversary edition
Refusing to read this book on the grounds that you are not a child makes as much sense as refusing to read crime fiction because you are not a criminal. A deep and lovely book.
An exquisite book
Powerful and moving
A modern classic
Listed as on the of the 100 Best Children's Books Ever (Novels)
A visionary story...a lyrical, magical kind of book which can be read on many different levels
Hard to put down