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Half a Creature from the Sea

A Life in Stories
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( 526 ratings, 98 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Half a Creature from the Sea by David Almond is a collection of evocative tales set in the North-East of England, intertwining reality with the ethereal qualities of local folklore. Each story explores themes of growth, identity, and transformation amid the backdrop of rural life, as young characters encounter mysteries and adventures that shape their understanding of the world. The book beautifully blends imagination with the everyday, capturing the essence of youth and the enchanting landscapes of Almond's own childhood.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1899
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate tales that blur the line between reality and imagination set against the atmospheric backdrop of North East England. Its blend of surreal storytelling and rich characterisation, combined with evocative illustrations, will captivate anyone drawn to stories that explore the mysteries and magic of coming-of-age experiences.

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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.

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

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, "Stories on the page are so beautifully neat. All that lovely black print; those lovely straight lines and paragraphs and pages. But stories are living things, creatures that move and grow in the imaginations of writer and reader. They must be solid and touchable, like the land, and must have fluid half-known depths, like the sea. These stories take place in a real world – but in fiction, real worlds merge with dreamed worlds. Real people walk with ghosts and figments. Earthly truth goes hand-in-hand with watery lies."

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Half a Creature from the Sea by David Almond is lauded for its evocative storytelling, inspired by the author's childhood in the north-east. It offers budding writers a glimpse into the creative process, showcasing how stories evolve from simple ideas into complex narratives. Critics praise its powerful, lyrical writing, which beautifully captures the essence of life by the sea. The collection serves as an inspiring masterclass in storytelling, blending autobiographical elements with fiction to create a rich, imaginative experience for young readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781406365597

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 April 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Walker Books Ltd

Illustration: Vignettes and chapter headings

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 270g

Pages: 240

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 more recently 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 auspicious Hans Christian Andersen Award. He lives in Hexham, Northumberland; for more info visit www.davidalmond.com

Eleanor Taylor studied illustration at Norwich School of Art and Design, then communication art and design at the Royal College of Art; while studying she won the Sheila Robinson Drawing Prize and was shortlisted for the Jerwood Drawing Prize. Eleanor uses a variety of different methods, combining paint, charcoal, ink, collage and digital techniques. She lives in Hastings; for more info visit www.eleanortaylor.co.uk

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