A lyrical, captivating and beautiful picture book by Carnegie Medal-winner David Almond, illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Levi Pinfold.

 

When a great dam was built by the Kielder Water in Northumberland, the valley below slowly filled with water. But just before this, when the villagers had been moved out, two musicians went back to the abandoned valley. They tore down the boards over the houses, stepped inside and started to play – for this would be the last time that music would be heard in this place. In this astonishing picture book that combines themes of loss, hope and music David Almond pays homage to all musicians, showing the ancient and unstoppable power of creativity.

 

Review

"This is a wonderful story about man and his environment, how we remember, and how we adapt to change." * The School Librarian * "The artwork is remarkable - each page full of atmosphere and deep emotion. A triumph." * The Irish Independent * "A book to pore over and return to again and again." * Carousel Christmas Guide 2018 * "Mesmerising. Classic Almond territory." * Angels and Urchins * "It can be read to your child in five minutes, but it's likely to leave them pondering for days." * The Big Issue * "Both brooding and enchanting..." * The Financial Times * "A poignant collaboration [...]" * The Guardian * "This is, to be sure, a literary and art-led children's book, but one with great depth, and the fact that it captures a true story will be of interest to all." * BookTrust * "Expect goose bumps from this original story, which suggests that nostalgia is crucial - so long as you don't let it stall you. Big ideas for this age group, but told in a simple, memorable way. Almond and Pinfold give each other just the right amount of room to breathe, and it's dam good." * The Times, Children's Book of the Week *

 

About the Author

David Almond has received several major awards, including a Hans Christian Andersen Award, a Carnegie Medal, two Whitbread Awards, an Eleanor Farjeon Award, and a Michael L. Printz Award. He is known worldwide as the author of Skellig, Clay, and many other plays, stories, and novels, including The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers; The Savage, Slog’s Dad, and Mouse Bird Snake Wolf, all illustrated by Dave McKean; and My Dad’s a Birdman and The Boy Who Climbed Into the Moon, both illustrated by Polly Dunbar.

 

Levi Pinfold studied illustration at University College, Falmouth where he developed his distinctive stylized realism. He has won numerous awards for his picture books, which include The Django, Greenling and Black Dog, which won the Kate Greenaway Medal.