The Dam

Description

A lyrical, captivating and beautiful picture book by Carnegie Medal-winner David Almond, illustrated by Kate Greenaway Medal-winner Levi Pinfold. When a great dam was built by the Kielder Water in Northumberland, the valley below slowly filled with water. But just before this, when the villagers had been moved out, two musicians went back to the abandoned valley. They tore down the boards over the houses, stepped inside and started to play - for this would be the last time that music would be heard in this place. In this astonishing picture book that combines themes of loss, hope and music David Almond pays homage to all musicians, showing the ancient and unstoppable power of creativity.

David Almond is the acclaimed author of Skellig, winner of the Whitbread Children's Award and the Carnegie Medal; Kit's Wilderness, winner of the Smarties Award Silver Medal, Highly Commended for the Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for the Guardian Award; and The Fire-Eaters, winner of the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Gold Award, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and is the 2010 winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for writing! He lives in Northumberland. Slog's Dad was shortlisted for the 2012 Kate Greenaway Medal. Levi Pinfold studied illustration at the University College Falmouth where he developed his distinctive stylised realism. Since graduating in 2006 he has become well known for his detailed paintings and charming storytelling style. He likes to paint a lot of detail using watercolours, gouache and egg tempera. His debut picture book, The Django, based on the story of legendary jazz musician Django Reinhardt was inspired by Levi's love of music and it was shortlisted for the English 4-11 Best Children's Illustrated Book Award in 2011. He was voted Best Emerging Illustrator in the Early Years Awards in 2010 and won the Booktrust Best New Illustrators Award 2011. Levi's second book, Black Dog, has won The Coventry Inspiration Award and the highly prized Kate Greenaway Medal 2013. He's also the Children's Book Winner, AOI Illustration Awards. He currently lives in Queensland, Australia.

"Both brooding and enchanting..." * The Financial Times * "It can be read to your child in five minutes, but it's likely to leave them pondering for days." * The Big Issue * "Mesmerising. Classic Almond territory" * Angels and Urchins * "A book to pore over and return to again and again." * Carousel Christmas Guide 2018 * "The artwork is remarkable - each page full of atmosphere and deep emotion. A triumph." * The Irish Independent *