David Almond

I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a review here and on my blog Samwise Reviews. This was my first time reading a collection of samplers, and it went a little better than I expected. The samples chosen were explained well enough that it didn't feel like I was jumping into the middle of a story unprepared, but they also didn't feel complete like an actual short story. A few of them didn't grab my attention enough to pursue, but others like War is Over, Gold Rush Girl, and Nevertell I was hooked enough that I'll be seeking out the full version.… (mere)

Ten-year-old Michael faces more than a child his age should bear, with his family’s move to a house in poor repair and his prematurely born sister’s fight for life. As Michael explores the garage, he encounters a strange creature who changes his life. Is he a man, some sort of beast, or maybe even an angel? Soon Michael’s new friend and neighbor, Mina, shares in the secret.

This is an unexpectedly touching story. Michael’s intense worry for his baby sister manifests in acts of kindness toward the creature in the garage. Old soul Mina is a source of comfort for Michael and understands him in a way that only another child can. The author’s audio narration captures the innocence and awe of these children. My only reservation about this story is the occasional cursing. It would have been out of place in the home I grew up in and among my elementary school classmates.… (mere)

I think it took me less than an hour to read this. It's an illustrated short story, really, but it packs quite a punch. It's about a boy dealing with the loss of his father and a horrible bully. Though he says writing down his feelings will never help, he does use writing to cope: he writes a story about a savage.

American kids might be a little thrown by all the British English, but I think the story itself is powerful on a gut level. It's a little dark, and very darkly illustrated, but there's light at the end.… (mere)