My first thought after reading it was that if it had been an adult novel I would have loved it. As a novel it felt more like a very nice sketch of an interesting and magical story than what I would like from a finished book. Not that there seemed to be anything necessarily missing from the book, it just didn't seem fully flushed out, like there was more he could have done with the book to given it more depth and expanded some of the themes in even more interesting ways. Of course doing so would have made this probably not a YA novel, but rather moved him into the magical-realism worlds of someone like Jonathan Carroll or Nicholas Christopher. But that said I found this really enjoyable, but in a teasing way that made me want more of something that there was no more to have. Skellig also explores the theme of friendship. Michael, who is initially estranged from his friends, meets his neighbour Mina and they build an incredible bond. Through the character of Mina the reader is introduced to alternative methods of schooling as Mina is home-schooled and is fascinated with nature and the poet William Blake. Michael and Mina overcome their worries together and their friendship becomes stronger as the story progresses.

The children’s novel Skellig written by David Almond is a heart-warming story about friendship, faith, grief and love. When 10-year-old Michael discovers a strange looking being in the garage of his parents new but dilapidated house he keeps it a secret from everyone. Everyone except Mina, his next door neighbour and new friend. The mysterious man, Skellig is clearly injured and weak so Michael and Mina feed him with Chinese food and brown ale to build his strength up. As Michael and Mina’s friendship towards Skellig grows through their visits to him so their fondness to each other. As Skellig builds up to full health he eventually reveals a secret that causes some discomfort for Michael. Meanwhile, Michael’s baby sister is in hospital with a life threatening heart condition. Michael is convinced that his sister will die from the heart surgery and is troubled by the newfound news about Skellig. He becomes increasingly detached from his friends and his schoolwork and one can only empathise with the pressures inflicted on Michael. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel for Michael?She finds Skellig, takes it out, and I am secretly watching her, knowing she will be in for a rare treat!

The bestselling story about love, loss and hope that launched David Almond as one of the best children's writers of today. Winner of the Carnegie Medal and the Whitbread Children's Book of the Year Award, this unforgettable book now has captivating illustrations by Tom de Freston to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary.Touched with a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely readable and life-affirming tale exercises every muscle of the imagination.” Guardian The themes of the book revolve around friendship, loyalty, family units, faith and responsibility as well as many other aspects impacting on childhood and well-being. Something," he said. "Something like you, something like a beast, something like a bird, something like an angel." He laughed. "Something like that.” HAY LIBROS PREDESTINADOS A SER ESCRITOS. Nadie sabe porque razón es así, solo que un día, sin que las circunstancias sean las más propicias, de repente, alguien tiene la idea de escribir una historia que tocará la vida de la mayoría de sus lectores.

The tension in the book between evolution and the existence of the supernatural was so forced that I couldn't concentrate on the characters or what they were doing; it felt a bit too much like the wife in the Murder of Gonzago. And I think this was a lost opportunity for Almond. The middle ground between science and the supernatural -- which is where I think most of the people I know personally would situate themselves -- doesn't get enough representation in our pop culture. The fight between the most credulous believers and the unbelievers gets all the play, but those folks somewhere in the middle are a bigger group by far (at least that's my guess) than the ones on the ends of the spectrum, and they are forced to listen to those who don't share their opinions all the time. Yet here, finally, they get a book looking at things from their perspective, but Almond strayed to far from just showing them the middle ground and entered the realm of lecturing on the middle ground. And that bummed me right out. Skellig is a fiction book for children aged 9 – 12 about a young boy called Michael, who, whilst moving in to a new house and having to deal with his sister being ill, discovers a mystical creature in his garage. The book balances somewhere between reality and fantasy as the setting for the book is an ordinary suburban street until this fantastical being is found.

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Children will undoubtedly enjoy this book along with the unique mysterious feel that accompanies the puzzle revolving around Skellig. The book may well cover some mature content, but Almond’s use of audience-appropriate language and flowing style retains the story’s accessibility. As a result, the book will encapsulate a young audience and pique their imaginations.