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Skellig

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Skellig

By: David Almond
Narrated by: David Almond
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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 . . .

Skellig won the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children's Book Award and is now a major Sky1 feature film, starring Tim Roth and John Simm. David Almond is also winner of the 2010 Hans Christian Andersen award.

(P) Hodder Children's Books 1999©1998 David Almond Fantasy Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Literature & Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

Lyrical, innovative and unforgettably moving.
Lyrical, innovative and moving...unforgettably moving (Cressida Cowell)
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)
This modern classic has been reissued in a beautiful 15th anniversary edition (Lorna Bradbury)
An exquisitely crafted book with a mystical core
The sort of children's book that makes adults find excuses to read more of them
Hard to put down (Liz Lightfoot)
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)
An exquisite book
Brings Magical Realism to working-class Northeast England
A story full of heart and magic and big confusing emotions, elegantly told by a master craftsman. A perfect piece of art (Lucy Christopher)
Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination
Humorous, heart-stopping and haunting...an emotional roller-coaster of a read with a cliff-hanger of a conclusion. Inspired and inspiring.
A visionary story...a lyrical, magical kind of book which can be read on many different levels
Voted Carnegie Medal's Number one Top Book of the past 70 years
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)
A bookshelf essential.
Deservedly popular
Powerful and moving
A beautiful story which will enchant young and old alike
A modern classic
Listed as on the of the 100 Best Children's Books Ever (Novels)
One of those books that you can't put down (Junior Reviewer Conor Neison, aged 12)
All stars
Most relevant
I loved this book and loved David Almond's reading of it, gasping out loud in a coffee shop as the story drew to a close. I loved reading as a child but struggle to relax with a book since having my own children and having a long commute; I fall asleep instead! I'd heard of Skellig but didn't know anything about it. I read a David Almond book on a course last year and loved it. I loved the humour and the tone. I decided to treat myself to Audible and am finally getting to enjoy the books I desperately want to read.

Loved it!

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This book is for all ages not just kids a bloody good read for all ages

Not just for kids

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Really great story, we loved it especially the connection between the boy and his baby sister.

Great story

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I first read Skellig when one of my children (now all grown up!) took the book out from the library - she devoured it! As I usually ended up reading their books before their return date, this was no exception. Beautifully written, this book appeals to both children and adult readers with its mythical, most extraordinary plot. As each thread of the story intertwines, the reader is left wondering where they will turn. I admit I was half expecting the cat to do something other than just being a cat!
If, according to Donald Almond, variations of Skellig have been written or performed; I’d love to read any of them, specially if the written version is a bit longer!

Extraordinary!

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I LOVE this story and I have only recently found it again. I remember reading it in school and then getting the audio cassette and listening to it going to sleep. David Almond has a true gift for writing and reading, his accent lending this story reality. This story also got me hooked on William Blake's 'Tiger Tiger'. I STRONGLY recommend to everyone over 8 years (may be a little deep for younger children).

Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!

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