Savage, The (Shortlisted For Kate Greenaway Medal 2009)

Description: A uniquely presented, touching tale of grief, solace and hope from a master of contemporary storytelling and a visionary artist. Imagine you wrote a story and that story came true. This is exactly what happens to Blue Baker when he writes about a savage living alone in the woods near his home. After his dad's death, Blue finds comfort in dreaming of a wild kid who survives on a diet of berries and the occasional hapless passer-by. But when the savage pays a night-time visit to the local bully, boundaries become blurred and Blue begins to wonder where he ends and the savage begins. Part novel, part graphic novel, this moving story features striking art from the award-winning Dave McKean.

Review: This book grabs the reader from the first page. Scotland on Sunday Remarkable story. The Times This is an extremely touching and cleverly conceived story within a story of how wounds can gradually heal and sadness fade: it is excellently served by its design, layout and high production values. The Irish Times

Prizes: Shortlisted for Kate Greenaway Medal 2009.

Author Biography: David Almond is the acclaimed author of Skellig, winner of the Whitbread Children's Award and the Carnegie Medal; Kit's Wilderness, winner of the Smarties Award Silver Medal, Highly Commended for the Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for the Guardian Award; and The Fire-Eaters, winner of the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Gold Award and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. He lives in Northumberland. Dave McKean's distinctive illustrations have graced several children's books including The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish and The Wolves in the Walls (New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year and shortlisted for the 2006 Kate Greenaway Medal) by Neil Gaiman. Dave also provided the unique covers for Neil Gaiman's World Fantasy Award-winning comic series The Sandman. He lives in Kent.