Skellig: Play: A Play for Children (Paperback)

~ David Almond (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

Product 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 ...

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Hodder Children's Books (November 13, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340854332
• ISBN-13: 978-0340854334
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,523,509 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible book!, March 21, 2007

By	Kim Hoag "Storysower" (Forest Park, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have read Skellig to classes of both 5th and 6th graders with great results. David Almond writes about that "twilight" world where things aren't quite real, but they're not all fantasy, either. It's that world you see through squinted eyes. It's a world full of real problems and tangled emotions given one "what if" twist. I really like that about him. His stories are full of symbolism and metaphor to explore, discuss, and wonder about. Once kids start looking for the symbols, they run with it and find them like Easter eggs. Almond's is a very adult way of writing that is unique in the world of children's books.

His use of language is masterful. The book's achingly beautiful scenes are balanced by a very gritty reality that has numbed the soul of the characters. This is a common thread in all of his books: Children, or teens, are struggling with a world that is crushing them in some way. Then, through literary twists, that struggle becomes mythic and transcends.

I have an advanced 4th grader reading it now and wanting more. So do I. As an educator, storyteller, and poet--I love this book!

4.0 out of 5 stars A very cute story., March 5, 2006

By	Mr. Earbrass (Northern New England, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skellig (Signature) (Paperback)

This book was recommended to me by my sister, who is an assistant librarian. Even though I consider myself an adult advanced reader. I found this book very touching. The story was written beautifully and I was actually in tears several times throughout it, especially toward the end. A beautiful story with a happy ending, that's all I will say. Read it for yourself :)