Paper Boat, Paper Bird

A stunning new story from the bestselling, prize-winning David Almond, bringing us the magic that surrounds the everyday. Mina, from the unforgettable Skellig and My Name is Mina, journeys to Japan and discovers another reality that is visible to all of us, if you look closely enough.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

This captivating tale takes Mina on a mesmerizing journey to the enchanting city of Kyoto, Japan, a realm entirely distinct from her familiar cultural surroundings. As she explores this new and captivating world, Mina encounters the awe-inspiring magic of origami and an ancient, mysterious force that transcends time. In a spontaneous encounter on a bus, Mina is offered an origami paper boat by a kind-hearted woman. With a mix of curiosity and wonder, Mina accepts the gift and carefully follows the woman's instructions to "float it." As she watches the woman's skilled fingers fold another intricate paper form into the shape of a magnificent paper bird, Mina's imagination soars, transporting her into a realm where paper becomes her essence. The bustling crowds around her vanish, and Kyoto fades into the background, replaced by a surreal and enchanting landscape.

In this mesmerizing tale, David Almond, a master of magical realism, weaves a tapestry of words that transports readers to a realm where reality and fantasy intertwine. His prose is a symphony of emotions, painting vivid pictures with words that evoke a sense of wonder and awe. Kirsti Beautyman's stunning illustrations add an extra layer of magic to the story, bringing the characters and landscapes to life in a way that is both captivating and mesmerizing.

This book is a testament to Almond's exceptional talent as a writer, as he effortlessly weaves together themes of love, loss, identity, and the power of imagination. His books have a unique ability to transport readers to otherworldly universes, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.

David Almond's books have garnered critical acclaim from renowned critics and readers alike. His writing is praised for its lucid, mature elegance, which allows him to see the world through the eyes of adolescents while still maintaining a profound understanding of the human condition. His books are often described as "beyond classification," as they defy traditional genre boundaries and offer a fresh and unique perspective on the world.

One of the defining characteristics of Almond's writing is his visionary intensity. He has a remarkable ability to create vivid and intricate worlds that are both captivating and unsettling. His stories often explore themes of love, loss, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

In "The Paper Bird," Almond takes readers on a journey that is both heartwarming and poignant. Mina, the protagonist, is a young girl who finds herself in a foreign land, where she encounters the magic of origami and the ancient force of the paper bird. Through her experiences, Mina learns about the power of imagination, the importance of kindness, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The book is filled with memorable characters, each with their own unique quirks and struggles. Mina's journey is interwoven with the stories of the people she meets in Kyoto, including a wise old woman who teaches her the secrets of origami, a mysterious man who appears to possess a magical power, and a young girl who shares Mina's love for the paper bird.

Almond's writing is characterized by its poetic and evocative language, which allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. His descriptions are vivid and sensory, bringing the reader to the heart of Kyoto and immersing them in the rich cultural and historical context of the city.

In conclusion, "The Paper Bird" is a masterpiece of magical realism that transports readers to the enchanting city of Kyoto, Japan. Through the eyes of Mina, the protagonist, readers are invited to explore the magic of origami and the ancient force that transcends time. David Almond's exceptional writing and Kirsti Beautyman's stunning illustrations create a story that is both captivating and mesmerizing, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the last page is turned. This book is a testament to Almond's talent as a writer and a reminder of the power of imagination and the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781444963281