‘Touched with
a visionary intensity, this strange, hugely
readable and life-affirming tale exercises every
muscle of the imagination’
The Guardian
Exclusive to
Hodder Literature:
from April 2005, Hodder Education will
be the sole educational publisher of
Skellig
Winner of the 1998
Whitbread Children’s
Book Award
Teaching
points
Wide scope for language
and narrative analysis – dialogue, characterisation,
scientific versus poetic language, the first
person narrator.
Extensive opportunities
for work on symbolism and imagery –
birds, angels, evolution, myths, science and
imagination.
Excellent introduction
to magical realism and wider discussions on
genre and technique.
Synopsis
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 – Skellig. With his new
friend Mina, Michael nourishes Skellig back to health,
while his baby sister languishes in the hospital. But
Skellig is far more than he at first appears, and as
he helps Michael breathe life into his tiny sister,
Michael’s world changes forever.
Cross-curricular links and themes
Science –
evolution and nature.
Art –
extended work on William Blake and the Romantic
poets – drawings and paintings of birds, angels
and myths.
Themes –
death and decay versus nature, new life and rejuvenation;
nature and evolution; myth and dreams; growing up,
family, friendships and loss.
