The Colour of the Sun

David Almond's latest novel has a nostalgic, charming and other-worldly feel. It's set on a long, hot summer's day that feels full of endless possibilities. The protagonist, Davie, sets out on an adventure, wandering the streets, not quite sure what his final destination is. The day begins inauspiciously, with a dead body, that Davie and his friend, Gosh, get to see. Thinking he knows who might be responsible for the murder, Davie heads to the hills above the town in search of the culprit. Along the way he meets all manner of interesting characters who blur the line between the real and imaginary and impart pearls of wisdom for Davie to ponder on. This story is beautifully written, with the lightness of touch that readers of Almond's other books will be familiar with. The book deftly blurs myth and reality and feels like a real coming-of-age story with Davie on the cusp of adulthood. There is wonderful use of imagery and a feast of sensations - colour, touch, taste, sound. A delightful, lyrical and poignant book that pays homage to the weird and wonderful world we live in. 240 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 11+

'It's an ordinary summer day, the day that Jimmy Killen dies and comes to life again.' So begins the latest novel from award winning author David Almond. In actual fact It begins with two deaths - that of the protagonist Davie's father, a few weeks earlier, and the stabbing of a teenage boy. A fight has taken place between two young men, members of rival local families, the Killens and the Craigs, with a tragic outcome and the apparent murder of one of the young men. The action in the book takes place in the course of one hot sunny summer's day during the school holidays and focuses on Davie, a school boy who sets out to climb across the landscape above his home town in the Tyneside countryside in search of the suspected killer. As he goes wandering, equipped with little more than a rucksack containing home made bara brith, a sketchbook and pencils, a fox mask and some antlers, he meets a whole range of local characters and learns several lessons about some of the fundamental questions of life, death, love, family, friendship, memories, feelings, creativity and nature. The novel is set as usual in Almond's local Tyneside, with his poetic writing style featuring a respect for nature, life, the local landscape, and its mystical qualities. There is a magical, mystical mood created with an emphasis on the beauty of the world in all its colourful glory, the senses, the meaning of life and death, and the joy of existence and the beauty of the natural world. His usual lyrical, descriptive style is in evidence and I found reading this book a moving and life affirming process. By the end of the novel - which presents us with an unexpected twist in the tale - Davie has, like the reader, been on a journey, both literally and emotionally. I wondered if perhaps this is something of a semi-autobiographical story for Almond particularly as Davie ( David?) talks a lot about creativity, the power of storytelling, and writing or drawing as artistic and emotional outlets. This will be bound to be a popular addition to library shelves and will be read by those who have read Almond&'s most successful Skellig and My name is Mina. As David Almond himself says, 'This book... explores what excites and mystifies me about the nature of being young, and dramatises the joys and excitements of growing up. And I guess it embodies my constant astonishment at being alive in this beautiful, weird, extraordinary world.' 240 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Laura Taylor, school librarian.

Suggested Reading Age 11+