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 . . .
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 . . .
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Reviews
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.
Hard to put down
Acclaim for WILD GIRL, WILD BOY:
'Touching, beautifully focused.'
This is a story which burns bright from first to last, and for long after the last is over.
Lyrical, innovative and unforgettably moving.
Acclaim for SKELLIG (the story):
'Tremendously innovative, highly original and very moving. David Almond is a fascinating new voice.'
Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination
Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination.
A bookshelf essential.
A visionary story...a lyrical, magical kind of book which can be read on many different levels
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.
The sort of children's book that makes adults find excuses to read more of them
A story full of heart and magic and big confusing emotions, elegantly told by a master craftsman. A perfect piece of art
A modern classic
Listed as on the of the 100 Best Children's Books Ever (Novels)
This modern classic has been reissued in a beautiful 15th anniversary edition
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!
A stunning debut ... an extraordinary book.
Tense and involving ... something not to miss.
A beautiful story which will enchant young and old alike
Powerful and moving
Deservedly popular
One of those books that you can't put down
An exquisite book
An exquisitely crafted book with a mystical core
Brings Magical Realism to working-class Northeast England
Voted Carnegie Medal's Number one Top Book of the past 70 years
Lyrical, innovative and moving...unforgettably moving
Gripping, beautiful and brilliantly written ... everyone is raving about this unforgettable book.
Humorous, heart-stopping and haunting...an emotional roller-coaster of a read with a cliff-hanger of a conclusion. Inspired and inspiring.