Books by David Almond

Book SynopsisA beautifully imagined story for fans of Neil Gaiman, by the dream team of bestselling author, David Almond and award-winning artist, Dave McKean.Joe Quinn tells everyone about the poltergeist in his house, but no one believes him. No one that is, except for Davie. He's felt the inexplicable presence in the rooms, he's seen random objects fly through the air. And there's something else a memory of his beloved sister, and a feeling deep down that somehow it might be possible for ghosts to exist.Trade Review“Strangeness also saturates David Almond’s graphic-novel collaboration with Dave McKean Blurring the boundaries between text and image, child and adult, life and afterlife, Almond and McKean create a sense of the meeting point between the human and sublime.” * The Guardian *“In the arresting style of their earlier collaborations, McLean’s visuals give life to the dark, otherworldly soul of Almond’s short story.” * The Bookseller, Children’s March Previews *“Each page is a work of art…Combining the demotic and the lyrical, Almond continues to mine the language and circumstances of his own youth, and to reveal the weighty emotional and spiritual moments of young lives.” * Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week *“DAVID ALMOND’S brilliant books explore powerful emotions of grief and hope, the balance between the ordinary and extraordinary, reality and the supernatural. In this stunning graphic story, created with longtime collaborator Dave McKean, he draws on the death of his own baby sister, Barbara, when Almond was just seven… Set against the backdrop of Almond’s beloved Tyneside terraced streets, with troubled priests, footballing youths and broken families, the thought-provoking tale is brought vividly to life by McKean’s powerful illustrations.” * Sally Morris, The Daily Mail *“…a wonderfully immersive tale, told with David Almond’s trademark melancholy grit and wit.” * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom Hans Christian Andersen Medal-winning author David Almond comes a heartwarming story that shows anything is possible with imagination and trust.What should a puppet master do when he's old and alone, and all his puppets are gone? Sylvester makes one last puppet. But this one is different. When the old man speaks to him, Puppet speaks back. And then he walksWhile Sylvester shows Puppet the town, the playground and the wonders the world holds, Puppet in turn helps Sylvester to make a new friend, and share his puppet-making skills with the next generation in this wonder-filled story of creation and the circle of life.Illustrated with sequences of wordless spreads by award-winning artist Lizzy Stewart, this is a modern-day classic.

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Book SynopsisMam, did you think George was, I say, a bit weird?Weird? Yes, I suppose so. But you kids are all a bit weird if you ask me. And to tell the truth, it'd be weird if you weren't.When a new boy joins the class, everyone thinks he's a bit strange, but he's brilliant at football and loves crisps, and that's all that matters to Dan and Maxie. However, the truth about George is stranger than anyone could have imagined ... and more sinister, too. Can his new pals help him to become truly free?Trade ReviewAlmond takes a thought-provoking look at AI, and what it means to be human, in an illustrated story set in the north-east of England. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *Cleverly disguised as a heist, Almond ’s moving page-turner ponders nothing less than humanity and free will, and how to have a great time in the woods. * The Observer (The New Review) *David Almond tackles deep philosophical themes with an invisibly light touch in this funny story about George, a new boy at school. * The Daily Mail, The Irish Daily Mail & The Scottish Daily Mail *Like so many of David Almond’s books, this ends up being a celebration of humanity and wonder, and of what it feels like to be young. * The Times & The Irish Times *I really liked the plot of this book as I couldn’t guess what George’s secret was until it was revealed half way through. Then the story gets really exciting as the friends try to save their strange new friend. If you like exciting books that are told by the child themselves, I think you will like this book. -- Ted (Age 9) * Books Up North *

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Book SynopsisWinner of the Guardian children''s book prize 2015I''m the one who''s left behind. I''m the one to tell the tale. I knew them both... knew how they lived and how they died. Claire is Ella Grey''s best friend. She''s there when the whirlwind arrives on the scene: catapulted into a North East landscape of gutted shipyards; of high arched bridges and ancient collapsed mines. She witnesses a love so dramatic it is as if her best friend has been captured and taken from her. But the loss of her friend to the arms of Orpheus is nothing compared to the loss she feels when Ella is taken from the world. This is her story - as she bears witness to a love so complete; so sure, that not even death can prove final.Trade ReviewInfused with lyricism and with the fire and oddness of adolescence. Fresh, involving and lucid, it is a song in itself, and teens will find it fills them with poignant longing and joy. * The Daily Telegraph *A desperately romantic and deeply lyrical re-imagining of Orpheus and Eurydice... David Almond at his best. * * * * * * Bookbag *Passages of magic. * Financial Times *Beautifully written... poetic and allusive. * Irish Times *Spell-binding... impossible to resist... breathless, intoxicating prose. [Almond's] books seem to exist in their own otherworldly universe, outside all the trends in modern publishing, yet resolutely of the now. * The Glasgow Herald *Lyrical and dreamlike, this beautifully written story conjures up the insane intensity of first love and the effect it has on those caught up in its slipstream. Authentic teenage characters and attitudes, and Almond's control of emotion is superb. * Daily Mail *Almond's writing is superb. * Irish Daily Mail *A ravishing, ingenious novel told in Almond's own hypnotic northern lilt. * The Scotsman *A retelling of the myth of Orpheus... Almond's version is a revelation: his poetic prose seeps into your blood like word-venom until you can't imagine reading anything else (Children's Book of the Week) * The Times *a strong sense of mystery...lyrical... poetic...moves in a deliberate dreamlike way. A beautiful book that works on several levels A triumph. (Marcus Sedgwick) * The Guardian *A plangent tale of adolescent passion which re-packages the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Almond injects it with lyrical beauty and life. * Books for Keeps *Intriguing adaptation of the tale of Orpheus, skilfully crafted and blended with modern teen life and a real flavour of Northumberland. Haunting. * Peters eGazette *Almond is an incredibly powerful storyteller. Poetic... dreamlike and lyrical. A devastatingly poignant novel. * Newcastle Chronicle *A desperately romantic and deeply lyrical re-imagining of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Full of the hums and thrums of emotions, landscape, music and poetry, it's David Almond at his best. * The Bookbag *Bliddy marvellous, as his Geordie protagonists would say. * The Independent on Sunday *A masterly retelling of the Orpheus myth. Lyrical prose is matched with equally beautiful passages. * Financial Times *Extraordinary. * Metro *Beautiful writing. * The Independent *Almond's lyrical prose fits the story perfectly. * The Mail on Sunday *A revelation. Poetic prose seeps into your blood like word venom until you can't imagine reading anything else. * The Times *Beautiful and bewitching. * Daily Express *The writing is just so magical... A stunning book which I will definitely read again. -- The Best Children's Books of 2014 * The Guardian *David Almond is a dazzling writer...exceptional... a breathtaking novel from a literary master. * Daily Express *A daring reworking of Orpheus amd Eurydice... a sense of transcendence... lush poetic prose. * Sunday Times *Haunting poetic novel. * Irish Times *If somebody asked me to describe A Song for Ella Grey in word, I would have to tell them that I couldn't...it would be impossible to write it off in just a word * The Guardian Online *It's a desperately romantic and deeply lyrical reimagining of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Full of the hums and thrums of emotions, landscape, music and poetry, it's David Almond at his best * The Bookbag *A revelation: his poetic prose seeps into your blood like word venom until you can't imagine reading anything else -- Alex O'Connell * The Times *Extraordinary -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Metro *Almond's lyrical prose fits the story perfectly * The Mail on Sunday *Beautiful writing...this is an author always on the side of the young, and as such offers a valuable counterweight to fashionable gloom in other teenage writing -- Nicholas Tucker * The Independent *I thought the author told the story extremely well and I would recommend this book to anyone in their teens. -- Charlie Barraclough (aged 14) * Western Gazette *Skillfully crafted and blended...accessible with engaging main characters and haunting memorable plot. * Peters eGazette *Intensely lyrical and oddly haunting...Almond's prose is a delight, each word so carefully chosen and melded to make a myth of contemporary adolescence * School Librarian *Capturing the intensity of first love and its power to overcome even death, Almond's prose is a delight, each word so carefully chosen and melded to make a myth of comtemporary adolescence...will surprise and enthrall teenage readers in equal measure * Scool Librarian *David Almond is a powerful storyteller and I was completely swept away by his latest poetic prose * Carousel *A challenging but riveting read -- Sophie Innes, Trinity Academy * Teen Titles *It is a challenging but riveting read * Teen Titles *Almond's poetic prose is especially apt for this tale -- one that moves in a deliberate, dreamlike way -- Marcus Sedgewick * The Guardian *This is the most beautifully written, haunting book for young adults that I have ever read * Bristol Magazine *This year I loved A Song for Ella Grey by David Almond ... a powerful, lyrical book that's absorbing and moving and haunting * The guardian.com *[David Almond] is becoming the Gabriel Garcia Marquez of Children's Fiction. -- Janni Howker * TES *This is absolutely beautiful and quite possibly my favourite Almond novel to date. The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is retold against a wild Northumbrian landscape: life, death, love and myths. Just wonderful. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *Almond is an incredibly powerful storyteller; his poetic prose perfectly suits this type of tale, being dream-like and lyrical...a devastatingly poignant novel. -- Jayne Howarth * Manchester Evening News *

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling, award-winning author of SKELLIG comes a vivid and moving story, beautifully illustrated, which commemorates the hundred-year anniversary of the end of the First World War. I am just a child, says John. How can I be at war?It''s 1918, and war is everywhere. John''s dad is fighting in the trenches far away in France. His mum works in the munitions factory just along the road. His teacher says that John is fighting, too, that he is at war with enemy children in Germany. One day, in the wild woods outside town, John has an impossible moment: a meeting with a German boy named Jan. John catches a glimpse of a better world, in which children like Jan and himself can come together, and scatter the seeds of peace. Gorgeously illustrated by David Litchfield, this is a book to treasure. Trade ReviewProlific and talented author - The Journal (Newcastle)Winner of the Carnegie Medal 1999 for Skellig - Times Educational SupplementWinner of the Whitbread Children's Prize for Skellig 1998 - The Daily TelegraphAble to combine emotional involvement with a real skill for storytelling in a manner rare in any writer - The Times

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Book SynopsisA darkly twisted detective ghost tale, from the winner of the Guardian Children''s Book Prize.Davie travels his small town in search of a supposed murderer. But the landscape soon starts to blur into something dark and twisted. He must make sense of the landscape, if he has any chance of finding answers. The people he encounters on his travels don''t seem entirely real either. Then he meets the victim of the murder ... but, is he dead, or alive?Trade ReviewThe book explores liminal spaces: the edgelands between child and adult, being and seeming, life and death and the human and natural worlds. * The Guardian *brilliantly suspenseful until the end...He [David Almond] is that rare thing - a writer of lucid, mature elegance, who can still see the world through adolescent eyes. -- Emily Bearn * The Daily Telegraph *David Almond at his finest...this is a lyrical and moving story about a boy on the cusp of manhood...There is a touching innocence to this book and a warmth that glows from every page. -- Beth Goodyear * The Scotsman *The Colour of the Sun is really, really something. * Woman's Way *Creating some of the finest work of his career is David Almond in The Colour of the Sun (Hodder), a semi-autobiographical novel that showcases his transcendent, otherworldly storytelling. Over the course of a single summer's day, protagonist Davie's journey through his home town and into the sunlit hills shows us life, death and the wonder of the everyday. * The Guardian *

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling, award-winning David Almond comes a book of hope and joy: under a boundless starry sky, the unforgettable Sylvia Carr finds out what it means to be brave. For readers of Michael Morpurgo and Katherine Rundell, from the author of the beloved Skellig.She felt like a ghost. She woke in the night. What was that music?Sylvia has never been so far away. Her mother has brought her to this village, this place of silence and dark, endless forest, and she yearns for the city, the bright lights, her friends, even a phone signal.Late one night she hears the music, a weird jagged spiralling sound. It is played by Gabriel, a troubled, beautiful boy.Gabriel uses the strangest of flutes, a hollow bone. Play it well enough, he says, and you cross the borders between the living and the dead.Sylvia knows she''ll follow him into the depths of the forest. But will they ever find their way out agaTrade ReviewLyrical...hypnotic and beautifully written * The Daily Mail *This tale from rural Northumberland will stick with you...He explores our place in the world, our connection to nature. At some point it becomes a rather Blakean tale of self-discovery...rich, wise, and never boring * The Times Children's Book of the Week *A breathtakingly beautiful and lyrical novel * The Bookseller *A remarkable book that already feels like a classic, it is sure to become one * The Irish Times *Mystical * Financial Times *David Almond's novels are so simple on the surface, so hauntingly mysterious in their depths * Financial Times *This is a book of hope and joy - get out of your comfort zone, explore the extraordinary, get in touch with nature and share in the belief that young & old can create a better world. * Young Writers *

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Book SynopsisLove, death, hope ... the island will change their lives forever. From the bestselling David Almond, author of SKELLIG, and now with fantastic illustrations by the award-winning David Litchfield. Louise has travelled with her father to the island every year since she can remember - it''s the place her mother loved best of all. The arrival of Hassan changes everything. Louise is restless and yearning for independence; meanwhile, the fiercely free and self-reliant Hassan seems to know the island from long ago as if it were his home from birth. Hassan is an acrobat, maybe a sorcerer, possibly a source of great danger. The wild boys who call the island their home want to cast him out. The forces of love, death and hope move Louise and Hassan together. The island will change their lives forever. David Almond is the author of many beloved and prize-winning books for children and teenagers. His best known work, Skellig, won the Whitbread Chi

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Book SynopsisA hopeful and moving coming-of-age story set on the island of Lindisfarne, by David Almond, author of the bestselling Skellig and A Song for Ella Grey: now with fantastic illustrations by the award-winning David Litchfield.Louise has travelled with her father to the island of Lindisfarne every year ever since she can remember - it''s the place Louise''s mother loved best of all. The arrival of Hassan from war-torn Syria changes everything. Louise is restless and yearning for independence; meanwhile, the fiercely free and self-reliant Hassan seems to know the island from long ago as if it were his home from birth. Hassan is an acrobat, maybe a sorcerer, possibly a source of great danger. The wild boys who call the island their home want to cast him out. The forces of love, death and hope move Louise and Hassan together. Lindisfarne will change their lives forever. David Almond is the author of many beloved and prize-winning books for chil

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Book SynopsisA stunning new story from the bestselling, prize-winning David Almond, unfolding the magic of the everyday. Mina, from the unforgettable Skellig and My Name is Mina, journeys to Japan and discovers the wonders of the world around her. Kyoto, Japan. Mina is on a bus. Everything is strange and beautiful. Mina watches as a woman folds a piece of paper into an origami boat, then floats it over to her. As Mina discovers the magic of origami, her eyes are opened to the wonders of the real city around her. Unfold the magic of the everyday, on a journey with one of the world''s best-loved authors - with stunning illustrations from Kirsti Beautyman in black and orange throughout.''A master storyteller.'' Independent

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling story about love, loss and hope 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, this unforgettable book now has captivating illustrations by Tom de Freston to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary. 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 ...Skellig won the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children''s Book Award. Davi

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Book SynopsisThe Falling Boy. He could be anyone. He could be you. From the bestselling, award-winning author of Skellig comes a heartfelt, unforgettable story perfect for readers of Michael Morpurgo and The Final Year.Nothing is the same for Joff this summer. His dad is ill, his mam is working, there''s a new kid in town. He can''t wait to escape each day and explore with his dog Jet. But there''s one place he''s not allowed to explore. Above the town sits the Chapel of Doom, ancient and crumbling, with its warning signs and the legend of the Falling Boy. And when Joff''s adventures take him beyond the boundaries he discovers something unexpected, something truly magical ... Intense and compelling, this is a brilliant coming-of-age story about hope, friendship and conquering your fears, from the award-winning author of the bestselling Skellig. David Almond is a ''master storyteller'' Independent

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Book SynopsisFrom David Almond, a ''master storyteller'' IndependentNothing is the same for Joff this summer. His dad is sick, his mum is working, there''s a new kid in town. The days are long and hot, and change is in the air. With his dog, Jet, Joff explores. The Chapel of Doom is always there, ancient and crumbling, with its warning signs and the legend of the Falling Boy. But Joff isn''t going to go past those signs ... is he? Intense and compelling, this is a brilliant new story from the award-winning author of the bestselling Skellig.

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Book SynopsisAn enchanting and heart-warming story between a father and son, that will make you want to reach for stars.Joe wants to find a way to the stars. With the help of his dad, he builds a ladder, a tower, even a rocket to go up, up, up… Oh no! Crash, bang, wallop! What next?Together, the pair jump on pogo sticks and build sheds to paint their dreams and find a way. An uplifting and magical tale of sky-high courage, imagination and the bond between father and son that will make your heart soar. Written by internationally acclaimed author David Almond and brought to glorious life by award-winning illustrator Gill Smith in their first collaboration.Trade ReviewFor a soaring story of the loving bond between parent and child, A Way to the Stars… is sheer delight. -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *There aren’t enough books celebrating the relationship between fathers and sons, so this magical story… is a very welcome addition… Gently funny, emotionally warm, this is a reminder of how important the bond between parent and child can be. * Daily Mail *Almond… has been producing wildly imaginative picture books for young readers for many years… A Way to the Stars is a charming story about the bond between a father and son… This is an ode to faith and familial love. * The Big Issue *A magical and uplifting picture book that explores the bond between a father and son. * Books for Keeps *If you want a story to show resilience, then this A Way to the Stars is the go-to book! * ReadingZone *

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Book SynopsisA powerful and uplifting tale about freeing the imagination from master storyteller David Almond.She made her marks.She whispered her words.Then she said,Go on. Be happy. Up you go.When Nanty Solo comes to town, she says she can turn children into birds. The parents are sceptical, but the children want to fly. And before very long, everyone does. A celebratory, lyrical story that will make your heart and imagination soar. Written by internationally acclaimed author David Almond and brought to life in glorious uplifting paintings by award-winning illustrator Laura Carlin.

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Book SynopsisFrom Hans Christian Andersen Medal-winning author David Almond comes a heartwarming story that shows anything is possible with imagination and trust.What should a puppet master do when he's old and alone, and all his puppets are gone? Sylvester makes one last puppet. But this one is different. When the old man speaks to him, Puppet speaks back. And then he walksWhile Sylvester shows Puppet the town, the playground and the wonders the world holds, Puppet in turn helps Sylvester to make a new friend, and share his puppet-making skills with the next generation in this wonder-filled story of creation and the circle of life.Illustrated with sequences of wordless spreads by an award-winning artist, this is a modern-day classic.

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Book SynopsisAward-winning author David Almond pens the dreamlike tale of a boy rediscovering joy and beauty within and around him, even amid sorrow.One hot summer morning, only weeks after his father’s death, Davie steps out his front door into the familiar streets of the Tyneside town that has always been his home. But this seemingly ordinary day takes on an air of mystery and tragedy as the residents learn that a boy has been killed. Despite the threat of a murderer on the loose, Davie turns away from the gossip and sets off toward the sunlit hill above town, where the real and imaginary worlds begin to blur around him. As he winds his way up the hillside, Davie sees things that seem impossible but feel utterly right, that renew his wonder and instill him with hope. Full of the intense excitement of growing up, David Almond’s tale leaves both the reader and Davie astonished at the world and eager to explore it.

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Book Synopsis'I'm the one who's left behind. I'm the one to tell the tale. I knew them both, knew how they lived and how she died.' Ella Grey and her friends are ordinary kids from ordinary families in an ordinary world. They fall in and out of love, play music, stare at the stars, yearn for excitement, and have parties on the beautiful beaches of Northumberland. One day a stranger – a musician called Orpheus – appears on the beach, entrancing them all, but particularly Ella. Where have they come from and what path will Ella follow? A Song for Ella Grey is a version of the myth of Orpheus that sings of the madness of youth, the ache of love, and the near-impossibility of grasping death. Zoe Cooper's stage adaptation of David Almond's award-winning novel was first produced in 2024 by Pilot Theatre, in association with Northern Stage and York Theatre Royal. This edition includes the full text of the play along with a range of teaching materials and resources designed to help educators bring the play to life for their students. Praise for the novel: 'Infused with lyricism and with the fire and oddness of adolescence. Fresh, involving and lucid, it is a song in itself and teens will find it fills them with poignant longing and joy' Telegraph 'The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is retold against a wild Northumbrian landscape: life, death, love and myths. Just wonderful' Bookseller 'Extraordinary' Metro 'Spell-binding… impossible to resist' HeraldTrade Review'Soulful and imaginative... admirably answers the questions posed by David Almond's novel... timeless, fractured and haunting' * Guardian *'A stylish and seductive retelling of the Orpheus myth... Lacing its dreamy mysticism with sharp humour, Zoe Cooper's clever adaptation captures the raw intensity not just of first love, but of all the complex bonds of youth... a refreshing take on a classic that feels both immediate and timeless' * The Stage *

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