First edition | Author David Almond | Genre Children’s fantasy novel, magic realism, fiction | Publisher Hodder Children’s Books | Publication date 11 August 1998 |
---|
What age is Skellig appropriate for?
David Almond’s first novel Skellig is one of the most extraordinary children’s novels published in recent years and will provide children with an exciting and mysterious story that will have their imagination running wild. It is most suited to children aged
8-11
.
What kind of story is Skellig?
First edition | Author David Almond | Genre Children’s fantasy novel, magic realism, fiction | Publisher Hodder Children’s Books | Publication date 11 August 1998 |
---|
What is Skellig in the book Skellig?
What makes Skellig a unique book is that the main character, Skellig, is never fully explained. He could be anything from a sick angel to an ancient bird species. … When Michael moves into a crumbling, old house with an ancient garage that he cannot resist going into, he
encounters a mysterious creature named
Skellig.
Why did David Almond call his book Skellig?
Where did the name Skellig come from? David Almond says, ‘For most of the time I was writing the book, it was called Mr. … At that point,
I looked up from my computer and saw a book about the Skellig Islands and realized that he (and the book) were
called Skellig. ‘
How would you describe Mina in Skellig?
‘” Mina is
an intellectual girl who acknowledges the spiritual side of reality and who has a disdain for both football and organized schooling
. It is Mina who teaches Michael to “see whatever’s there”: ‘I’m worried that you won’t see what I think I see. ‘ [Said Michael.]
How would you describe Skellig?
Skellig is
exceptionally quiet, secretive, and mysterious
. … At first, he speaks only in a squeak, complaining and making demands. Later, as he gains in strength and power, he engages Michael and Mina in strange, mystical dances during which they experience joy and feel the presence of phantom wings.
Are there swear words in Skellig?
There isn’t much swearing
, but towards the end, both Michael and his father say f*** when they are in a rage.
Does the book Skellig swear?
The parents’ guide to what’s in this book.
Michael and his family are afraid his baby sister is dying. Occasional, mild,
religiously themed swearing
.
What is the baby’s name in Skellig?
For much of the book, Michael’s baby sister is simply referred to as “the baby.” It isn’t until much later on in the story that the child’s parents finally decided to give her the name
Joy
.
Was Skellig an angel?
Traditionally, Christmas is a good time for angels. But although Skellig, the mysterious tramp befriended by young Michael in David Almond’s book of the same name,
turns out to be an angel
, he is no white-robed fairy.
Is Skellig a bird?
The gannet is Ireland’s largest sea bird with a wing span of two metres. The
small Skellig
is the home to some 27,000 pairs of these beautiful birds. This huge number makes the small skelligs the second largest colony of Gannets in the world.
Who dies in Skellig?
THE Office of Public Works (OPW) has settled a legal action taken by the family of an American woman who died in a fall on Skellig Michael six years ago.
Christine Spooner
, 57, from Rochester, New York, fell about 30ft and died from serious head injuries on the island off the Kerry coast in September 2009.
What is the name of Mina’s sidekick in the books?
School girl detective serves up a tasty mystery
Meet Mina Mistry, primary school student and would-be private investigator. She’s smart, observant and has a great sidekick in the shape of her best friend, cuddly
toy Mr Panda
.
What does the garage symbolize in Skellig?
Skellig wears a black suit, which blends in with the darkness that surrounds him in the garage, indicating that
Skellig does not want to be found
. It also indicates that he has dark powers that deal with death.
Is there a sequel to Skellig?
This very well-received novel was followed by Kit’s Wilderness (1999) and a clutch of other literary beauties – Clay, for instance, which he has discussed on Meet the Author – and he is now set to work the same magic with
My Name is Mina
, the brilliant sequel to Skellig.