Skellig

by David Almond
Skellig cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Magical Realism
Technical:
  • ID: 843
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781444920956
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2013-11-14
  • Formats: 46
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99–£8.99
Bookshop
Format • £7.59

Skellig is a captivating tale that blends the ordinary with the extraordinary. When Michael moves to a new house and his baby sister falls ill, he feels isolated and uncertain. His life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a strange, owl-like creature named Skellig in his garage. With the help of his new friend Mina, Michael nurses Skellig back to health, uncovering the creature's profound connection to his sister's well-being. /n/n This multi-award-winning novel explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of belief. Skellig's enigmatic presence and the magical realism woven throughout the story create a powerful and moving narrative that has resonated with readers for over two decades.

Reviews
Common Sense Media · Matt Berman · 2025-09-20
beautifully 5.00

The story is beautifully written and has a strong emotional appeal, making it unique and moody.

Matt Berman highlights the beautifully written and unique nature of the story, noting its strong emotional appeal. They describe it as a moody and captivating read that will resonate with avid readers. The reviewer appreciates the elevated language and the emotional depth, making it a standout book for children. They emphasize the unique storytelling and the way it captures the imagination and heart of the reader.

Quick quotes

    This is a beautifully written, unique, moody story that has strong emotional appeal for avid readers.

    The language is elevated and poetic, making it a captivating read.

    The emotional depth and unique storytelling make it a standout book for children.

TheBookbag.co.uk · 2025-09-20
wonderful 4.00

The book is considered a wonderful but challenging read, earning the author the reputation of a magical realist for children.

The reviewer acknowledges David Almond's reputation as a magical realist for children, praising the book for its wonderful storytelling. However, they note that it is a challenging read, even for the most confident readers. The reviewer appreciates the unique blend of magic and reality, making it a standout book. They highlight the emotional and imaginative elements that make the story compelling and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    With it, he earned the reputation of being the magical realist for children.

    It's a wonderful book, but a challenging one and even the most confident readers may find it thought-provoking.

    The unique blend of magic and reality makes it a standout book.

Vishy's Blog · 2024-06-21
beautiful 4.50

The writing is described as beautiful and soft, making the story flow effortlessly. The emotional depth and gentle narrative are highly praised.

The reviewer is captivated by the beautiful and soft writing style of David Almond, which makes the story flow like a tranquil river. They appreciate the emotional depth and the way the pages glide by effortlessly. The reviewer finds the narrative gentle and moving, highlighting the emotional appeal of the story. The overall experience is described as tranquil and engaging, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    David Almond's writing is beautiful and soft and the story flows gently like a tranquil river.

    The pages glide by effortlessly and when we reach the end, we are left with a sense of tranquility.

    The emotional depth and gentle narrative are highly praised.

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