1
of
1
Kevin and the Blackbirds
Brief Description
A heartfelt retelling of an ancient Irish tale by a master storyteller, paired with the extraordinary style of an award-winning illustrator. When young Kevin is sent to a monastery to be cared for, he yearns for the freedom of the woods and fields and misses his...
Read More
Format: Hardback
$2999
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
Kevin and the Blackbirds
$2999
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
A Puzzle for Every Season: Why I Love Seasonal Puzzles
From spooky Halloween puzzles to floral spring scenes and Christmas favourites we bring out every...
The Book Briefing - September 16th
This week there are so many exciting new book announcements out and about with covers,...
Every crime/thriller Novel Lizzy has read this year (so far!)
Lizzy is sharing her crime and thriller reads for 2026 so far and giving you...
New Releases to add to your TBR this week (16th September)
We had some exciting new releases arrive with some huge names in fiction, a highly...
Lizzy's Top 5 Board Games
Lizzy is sharing her top 5 Board Games including her favourite cooperative games, two-player options,...
See more
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
A heartfelt retelling of an ancient Irish tale by a master storyteller, paired with the extraordinary style of an award-winning illustrator.
When young Kevin is sent to a monastery to be cared for, he yearns for the freedom of the woods and fields and misses his parents. One day he reaches out through the cell window towards the light, and a blackbird lands in his hands and begins to build a nest there.
Kevin waits patiently as the eggs are laid and the baby birds hatch. When they spread their tiny wings and fly off, three new wild things gone out into the world, at last Kevin can rest.
PJ Lynchβs atmospheric illustrations perfectly capture David Almondβs moving retelling of this ancient Irish tale about the love of nature and a willingness to let go.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781529509533
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 03 October 2024
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Walker Books Ltd
Contributors:
- Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 10.0mm
Width: 286.0mm
Height: 240.0mm
Weight: 420g
Pages: 32
About the Author
David Almond is the acclaimed author of many award-winning novels for children such as Skellig, Kit's Wilderness and My Name Is Mina, and has collaborated with artists Polly Dunbar, Dave McKean and Oliver Jeffers on fiction for younger readers. David's books sell all over the world, and in 2011 he was the recipient of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award. In 2021, David was awarded the OBE for Services to Literature. For more info visit: www.davidalmond.com
P.J. Lynch has won many awards, including the Mother Goose Award, the Christopher Medal three times, the Irish Bisto Book of the Year Award, and the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal twice β first for The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski and again for When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest. P.J. Lynch was Irish Children's Laureate and has been commissioned to design posters for Opera Ireland and the Abbey Theatre, as well as designing stamps for An Post.
Also by David Almond
View all-
Half a Creature from the Sea
An anthology of dark, powerful and moving short stories from a master storyteller and Hans Christian Andersen Award-winning author, inspired by his childhood in the north-east of England. A diverse collection of stories from the author of the internationally award-winning Skellig, deftly interwoven with illuminating autobiographical pieces on the inspirations behind the fiction. David Almond says of this unique volume,...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Dam
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...Hardback$2600Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Annie Lumsden, the Girl from the Sea
A magical story about finding your identity from one of the most acclaimed storytellers of his generation, richly illustrated in full colour by an internationally renowned artist. My mother says that all things can be turned to tales. I thought she meant tales like fish tails, but I was wrong. She meant tales like this, tales that are stories. But...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
My Dad's a Birdman
Join a father and daughter as they find their wings together and take to the skies in this funny, tender tale from the master of contemporary storytelling. A warm and wonderfully wacky tale told with heart and hope by the Carnegie award-winning author David Almond. My Dad's a Birdman is set in a rainy town in the north of England...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
My Name is Mina
There's an empty notebook lying on the table in the moonlight. It's been there for an age. I keep on saying that I'll write a journal. So I'll start right here, right now. I open the book and write the very first words: My name is Mina and I love the night. Then what shall I write? I can't just...PaperbackSold Out -
The Colour of the Sun
This is a moving, funny and inspirational novel from the bestselling author of SKELLIG."The day is long, the world is wide, you're young and free."One hot summer morning, Davie steps boldly out of his front door. The world he enters is very familiar - the little Tyneside town that has always been his home - but as the day passes,...PaperbackSold Out -
The Falling Boy
One long, hot summer, Joff's life changes for ever. He's always believed the Falling Boy is just a story, told to make the kids do what they're told. But this is the summer of breaking boundaries ... David Almond writes award-winning, heartfelt and unforgettable stories, and this is perfect for readers of Skellig and Michael Morpurgo.From David Almond, a 'master...PaperbackSold Out -
The Falling Boy
The Falling Boy. He could be anyone. He could be you. From the bestselling, award-winning author of Skellig comes a heartfelt, unforgettable story perfect for readers of Michael Morpurgo and The Final Year.Praise for The Falling Boy from Michael Morpurgo: 'No one writes as wonderfully as David Almond about community, and family, friendship and hope ... Intensely engaging. Surpassing even...HardbackSold Out -
Skellig The Play
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...PaperbackSold Out -
Island
Love, death, hope ... the island will change their lives forever. From the bestselling David Almond, author of Skellig, and now with fantastic illustrations by the award-winning David Litchfield. Louise has travelled with her father to the island every year since she can remember - it's the place her mother loved best of all. The arrival of Hassan changes everything....HardbackSold Out -
Island
Love, death, hope ... the island will change their lives forever. From the bestselling David Almond, author of Skellig, and now with fantastic illustrations by the award-winning David Litchfield. Louise has travelled with her father to the island every year since she can remember - it's the place her mother loved best of all. The arrival of Hassan changes everything....PaperbackSold Out -
Skellig: the 25th anniversary illustrated edition
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. When a move to a new house coincides with...PaperbackSold Out
More from Children's Books
View all-
Gruffalo Granny
The brand new Gruffalo picture book from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, "Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay." Return to the deep dark wood with the first new Gruffalo story in over 20 years, and meet Gruffalo Granny as she visits the Gruffalo family. This fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure...Hardback$2499Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips early October -
New ReleaseThe Comeback Kid
Charlie Boy might be just an ordinary kid, but he's about to get into some EXTRA-ordinary trouble... Get ready for this funny, fast-paced, friendship adventure with lots of kick. Meet Charlie Boy: skinny, small, looks like a strand of spaghetti. He and his best friend, Rocky the Lower Hutt Chief, are good at getting into trouble together. But when Charlie...Paperback$1799Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseThe Neverfear
A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell Itβs the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyoneβs lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleasePocket Observology
Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseMinecraft Annual 2027
The official Minecraft Annual 2027, full of updates, builds, activities, and more! Discover all there is to know about the past year of Minecraft in this exciting annual. Stuffed to the brim with updates, activities, step-by-step builds, and tips and tricks for the game, this book is a must-have for any minecrafter. This yearβs annual includes: Mob guides on happy...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseGiant Heart
Meet Jonah Lomu, one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. His speed and strength on the rugby field made him famous around the world, and his fun and generous personality made him beloved, but all the while he faced a big battle with his health. β[David Hillβs] stories are wonderful, full of action and are always teaching the...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseMs Rachel: My First Little Library
Learn about colours, animals, words and numbers with Ms Rachel in this early learning boxset. This little set contains four board books that help introduce children to early concepts. Perfect for younger readers, each chunky book will keep little hands occupied at home, or on the move. And, once youβre done reading (and re-reading), the four books come together to...Board book$1599Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseProtector of Beyond 1
Experience fierce magical creatures, perilous trials, and a heroine to root for in this 1st instalment in a new blockbuster fantasy series. The moment you enter the Arbiter, your fate is sealed. If you spark, you fight! And 12-year-old Elder Triss produces a spark like no other. Transported to the mysterious Beyond, Elder has no choice but to train for...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseAnimalia 40th Anniversary Edition
A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...Hardback$2999Elsewhere:$3500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseThe Little Kiwi Builder
Oh no, the little kiwi builder's house is falling down! His screws have all come loose - what can he do? When the brickie, the plumber, the roofer, the sparky and the painter all come to help, it's looking good! Until, that night ... uh-oh! Perfect for: Anyone who likes fun and silly rhyming stories Reading aloud with little ones...Paperback$1899Elsewhere:$2199Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseYou Choose Party Time
It's time to celebrate - Party Time is a brand new You Choose adventure! It's Party Time and you choose what happens! What kind of party will it be? Who will you invite? Which cake would you like to eat? Will you dance to a steel pan band or bagpipes? The possibilities are endless in this magical storytelling toolkit which...Hardback$2599Elsewhere:$3400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday -
New ReleaseMatihe! Achoo!
What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Matihe! Achoo! is a bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho and his connection to the volcanoes of TΔmaki Makaurau, Auckland. It comes with an action song to engage young readers! He pΕ«rΔkau e pΔ ana ki a Mataoho me ngΔ puia o Takamaki Makaurau. He tupua pukukino a Mataoho e noho...Paperback$1899Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips Monday
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Children's Books lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Kiwi Pukapuka!
Here a huge bunch of incredible books for Kiwi kids of all ages, by amazing Kiwi authors! Including picture books and chapter...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Books for Helping Kids with Emotions!
Books are a great way to help children learn about emotions - giving them the language to name and recognize how they...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Chapter Books for the Classroom
Looking for some fresh inspirationΒ when it comes to reading to your class? Lizzy has you covered with her chapter book recommendations!View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Travel Books for Tamariki
Going on a trip with your children? There are some amazing pukapuka (books) that are perfect for young travelers! Check out this...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Picture Books
A collection of my favourite picture books to read aloud with my child and keep on the bookshelf as a reminder of...View the list
