Mouse Bird Snake Wolf

Almond and McKean, the collaborators behind THE SAVAGE and SLOG’S DAD, take on themes worthy of Greek tragedy: human ambition, the emergence of evil, and the power of the individual to resist it.—Publishers Weekly (starred review)The contorted beauty of McKean’s figures and Almond’s intense, twisty narrative will keep readers right on the edge of comfort before the clouds clear. Along the way, they’ll be dazzled by the lush lyricism of the tale and the wild emotional swings from page to page, as well as McKean’s creative use of mixed materials and compositional space. You could say that this is Almond and McKean’s most beautiful effort yet, but just know that beautiful has its own dark and wondrous meaning in their hands.—Booklist (starred review)An award-winning British team conjures a haunting graphic novella that shows what happens when the complacent gods stop creating things and children pick up the slack…Wild and alive, this visually extravagant fable of the marvel, power and active nature of the creative process howls at the moon.—Kirkus ReviewsAlmond’s mythic and folkloric elements, wrapped in his own fertile imagination, combine with McKean’s expressionistic illustrations to produce a whole that reveals the beauty and terror encountered in the created world and in the human spirit.—School Library JournalLike all good fables, this one has multiple interpretive possibilities and moral resonances, in addition to being a compelling story in its own right. McKean’s illustrations effectively complement Almond’s textual world-making… Much rich fodder for the discussion of big ideas as well as storytelling form will be found here.—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s BooksFrom the stunning cover art hinted at by the faux-die-cut jacket to a last glimpse of the louche and negligent gods and the wolf lurking in the darkness deep underground, a fascinating, provocative collaboration.—The Horn BookAlmond’s imagination works potent magic in this original creation story. … Only Almond could so clearly show mystical and imaginative acts as physical, and in a story-telling voice that’s musical, forward-moving and perfect in its surprises. Suitably, McKean’s illustrations bring raw, forceful energy into the unfinished world. Highly recommended.—The Toronto StarAlmond and McKean have created a magical creation tale unlike any other. … The narrative alone is a delight to read aloud but the combination of story with illustrations make this work remarkable. McKean uses a varied combination of panels and perspectives that make each page a delight.—Library Media Connection (highly recommended)David Almond’s mythological story about children pitching in when the gods got lazy after creation, offers plenty for everyone, youngest to oldest, to discuss.—Newsday

David Almond is the winner of the 2010 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the most prestigious award in international children’s literature. He is known worldwide as the multi- award-winning author of Skellig, Clay, and many other novels, stories, and plays, including two previous titles illustrated by Dave McKean. David Almond lives in England.

Dave McKean is a world-renowned artist, designer, and film director who has illustrated several books for children, including Coraline, The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, and The Wolves in the Walls, all by Neil Gaiman, and two prior titles by David Almond. Dave McKean lives in England.

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