David Almond Libros

Master storyteller David Almond’s whimsical story about freedom, imagination, and daring all but soars off the page, paired with exquisite paintings by Laura Carlin.“Go on. Be happy. Off you fly!”A charming tale from a beloved storyteller and award-winning illustrator urges readers of all ages to take chances and find joy. Nanty Solo is new in town and claims she can turn children into birds. Terrified parents forbid the idea, but the children want to fly—they want it very much—and they do. One by one, they approach Nanty Solo. One by one, they are transformed until the sky over town teems with rooks and goldfinches, parakeets and sparrows. The adults take one look and cry, “Get out of that sky this very minute!” But the sight of their offspring—set free to soar, hope, and explore—soon has the grown-ups wondering what it might be like to have wings to fly and a beak to sing. The lilting, dreamy tale, told in David Almond’s inimitable voice and playfully illustrated, assures us it’s never too late to say yes to life.

The narrative captures a moment of anticipation and excitement, likely reflecting a character's eagerness or thrill. The repetitive questioning suggests a playful or childlike perspective, emphasizing a desire for freedom or elevation. This intriguing line hints at themes of adventure, joy, and perhaps a journey of self-discovery or liberation. The tone invites readers to engage with the character's emotions and experiences, promising a whimsical exploration of life's highs and lows.

''Play for all that are gone and for all that are still to come.'' Once the dam is finished, the land will be flooded. But before it is lost forever, Kathyn and her father return to the still and silent valley and fill the empty homes with one final song. And if you listen closely you can still hear it. -- a song for all that was and all that will never be. --Blurb.

Set during a transformative summer, Joff's belief in the mythical Falling Boy is challenged as he confronts new realities. The story explores themes of growth and the power of legends, blending heartfelt narrative with a coming-of-age experience. David Almond, known for his award-winning storytelling, crafts a tale that resonates with fans of Skellig and Michael Morpurgo, promising an unforgettable journey of discovery and imagination.

Stanley Potts is just an ordinary boy, but when all the jobs in Fish Quay disappear his Uncle Ernie develops an extraordinary fascination with canning fish. Suddenly their home is filled with the sound of clanging machinery and the stench of mackerel, and Uncle Ernie's obsession reaches such heights that he would even can Stan's beloved goldfish!

Annie Lumsden feels out of place among other girls, struggling with words and numbers while finding solace in the sea and its stories. Her mother believes Annie is meant for the water, often remarking she should have been a fish. When a mysterious stranger arrives, captivated by Annie's unique spirit, she begins to embrace her identity, realizing her connection to the ocean may be deeper than she thought. This enchanting tale explores themes of self-discovery and belonging, beautifully illustrated by a renowned artist.

From 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.

A charming, warm and witty tale from a master storyteller, winner of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award and author of the Carnegie Medal-winning Skellig. George is not like any other kids in the class, or in fact like anyone Dan or his mates have ever met before. But George turns out to be clever and funny, and everyone soon forgets his oddness ... until a shocking truth comes to light. George is a robot! In fact he is part of an ambitious new experiment in robot-kind. But the experiment is in danger, and there are people out to destroy him. Can Dan, Maxie, Billy and Louise rescue their new pal from obliteration?

Award-winning author David Almond reintroduces readers to the perceptive, sensitive Mina before the events of Skellig in this lyrical and fantastical work. My Name is Mina is not only a pleasure to read, it is an intimate and enlightening look at a character whose open mind and heart have much to teach us about life, love, and the mysteries that surround us. Mina loves the night. While everyone else is in a deep slumber, she gazes out the window, witness to the moon's silvery light. In the stillness, she can even hear her own heart beating. This is when Mina feels that anything is possible and her imagination is set free. A blank notebook lies on the table. It has been there for what seems like forever. Mina has proclaimed in the past that she will use it as a journal, and one night, at last, she begins to do just that. As she writes, Mina makes discoveries both trivial and profound about herself and her world, her thoughts and her dreams.

A superb collection of stories about family, growing up, love and loss, and the resilience of the human heart, inspired by the author's own life. A multi-layered selection, from one of today's outstanding writers.