|summary=Prequel to [[Skellig by David Almond|Skellig]] in which the reader finds out a great deal more about Mina and the loss of her father. Beautiful language and glimpses of Almond's other books makes this a treasure for fans of this man's lyrical work.
|rating=454.5
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|paperback=0340997265
|hardback=0340997257
|audiobook=1444907492
|pages=304
|publisher=Hodder
|website=http://www.davidalmond.com
|date=Sep September 2011
|isbn=0340997265
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0340997265</amazonuk>
|amazonus=<amazonus>0340997265</amazonus>
|video=NZvmbPFUXo4
|cover=0340997265
|aznuk=0340997265
|aznus=0340997265
}}
Of course, nobody should read this book before they have read the wonderful [[Skellig by David Almond|Skellig]]. We'd also recommend [[Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech]], in which another child expresses its feelings through poetry, and [[Season of Secrets by Sally Nicholls]], which blends magic realism with kitchen sink drama.