Skellig: Play, The (Winner Of Carnegie Medal 1998)

Description: When a move to a new house coincides with his baby sister's illness, Michael's world seems suddenly lonely and uncertain. Then, one Sunday afternoon, he stumbles into the old, ramshackle garage of his new home, and finds something magical. A strange creature - part owl, part angel, a being who needs Michael's help if he is to survive. With his new friend Mina, Michael nourishes Skellig back to health, while his baby sister languishes in the hospital. 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 ...

Review: Lyrical, innovative and unforgettably moving. Sunday Express (Cressida Cowell) Lyrical, innovative and moving...unforgettably moving -- Cressida Cowell Sunday Express 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! -- Joseph Delaney Books For Keeps This modern classic has been reissued in a beautiful 15th anniversary edition -- Lorna Bradbury The Sunday Telegraph An exquisitely crafted book with a mystical core The Daily Telegraph The sort of children's book that makes adults find excuses to read more of them Times Educational Supplement Hard to put down -- Liz Lightfoot The Daily Telegraph 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. -- Nick Hornby The Times An exquisite book The Sunday Telegraph Brings Magical Realism to working-class Northeast England i (The Independent) A story full of heart and magic and big confusing emotions, elegantly told by a master craftsman. A perfect piece of art -- Lucy Christopher Big Issue (london) Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination The Guardian Humorous, heart-stopping and haunting...an emotional roller-coaster of a read with a cliff-hanger of a conclusion. Inspired and inspiring. Newcastle Journal A visionary story...a lyrical, magical kind of book which can be read on many different levels The Daily Mail Voted Carnegie Medal's Number one Top Book of the past 70 years The Times 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. -- Gill Harvey The Big Issue A bookshelf essential. The Guardian Deservedly popular The Observer Powerful and moving Guardian.co.uk A beautiful story which will enchant young and old alike Western Morning News A modern classic Listed as on the of the 100 Best Children's Books Ever (Novels) The Daily Telegraph One of those books that you can't put down -- Junior Reviewer Conor Neison, aged 12 Evening Echo (Cork) Acclaim for SKELLIG (the story): 'Tremendously innovative, highly original and very moving. David Almond is a fascinating new voice.' MELVIN BURGESS This is a story which burns bright from first to last, and for long after the last is over. MICHAEL MORPURGO Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination. THE GUARDIAN Tense and involving ... something not to miss. THE INDEPENDENT Gripping, beautiful and brilliantly written ... everyone is raving about this unforgettable book. THE SUNDAY TIMES A stunning debut ... an extraordinary book. THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH Acclaim for WILD GIRL, WILD BOY: 'Touching, beautifully focused.' THE STAGE

Prizes: Winner of Carnegie Medal 1998.

Author Biography: 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. 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.