This is something that is dealt with delicately by Almond and McKean but it’s something that has stuck with me – the struggle between good (Gods) and Evil (Wolf) – which in essence this evil (Wolf) was created by humans, it wasn’t intended to be, it was never part of the master plan – the Gods never intended this evil to roam the world…but now it has been let loose, can anyone put it back? An award-winning British team conjures a haunting graphic novella that shows what happens when the complacent gods stop creating things and children pick up the slack. The contorted beauty of McKean's figures and Almond's intense, twisty narrative will keep readers right on the edge of comfort before the clouds clear. Mouse Bird Snake Wolf is a 2013 graphic novel, written by David Almond and illustrated by David McKean. This was followed by The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas (2012) a children’s book illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, Mouse Bird Snake Wolf (2013) with illustrator Dave McKean, A Song for Ella Grey (2014) and The Tightrope Walker (2014), a novel for young adults, and The Colour of the Sun (2018).

That's until Harry, Sue and Little Ben begin to fill the gaps of the world: with a mousy thing, a chirpy thing and a twisty legless thing. The story in itself is a wonderfully crafted delight, it’s concept and execution by David Almond is masterful as you would expect, which highlights the impact of the story.I liked little Ben best because he was very clever when they were making the wolf as he hid up the tree. Mouse Bird Snake Wolf has also been reviewed by Booklist, [4] Library Media Connection magazine, [4] The Horn Book Magazine, [4] The School Library Journal, [4] Reading Time, [5] and The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. From the stunning cover art hinted at by the faux-die-cut jacket to a last glimpse of the louche and negligent gods and the wolf lurking in the darkness deep underground, a fascinating, provocative collaboration. The Gods are happy with their creation, they’ve built the sea, sky, mountains and many other magnificent things to fill the earth…but now they are tired and require sleep. Wild and alive, this visually extravagant fable of the marvel, power and active nature of the creative process howls at the moon.

He is known worldwide as the multi- award-winning author of Skellig , Clay , and many other novels, stories, and plays, including two previous titles illustrated by Dave McKean.The imagination of three children takes on unexpected life in a creation tale from the dream team of David Almond and Dave McKean. They have built mountains, forests, and seas and filled the world with animals, people, and unnamed beasts. McKean’s illustrations appear in books by authors such as Neil Gaiman, David Almond, Ray Bradbury and Stephen King to name a few.

Along the way, they'll be dazzled by the lush lyricism of the tale and the wild emotional swings from page to page, as well as McKean's creative use of mixed materials and compositional space. In 2010 he received the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the world's most prestigious prize for children's authors. This has a good moral and will be a great lesson to those who think they can overpower others as well as a great read! His innovative, boundary-breaking work is loved by readers of all ages, and receives widespread critical acclaim.The words and the Illustrations work in harmony with one another and cause this book to have an endearing, breathtaking quality to it – a story that is accessible for all…it’s something very special indeed. Vermutlich können sich manche Kinder auch alleine damit beschäftigen und sich so ihre Gedanken machen. Aber die Geschichte, die mit Langeweile und Ausprobieren beginnt und dann eben - trotz des Eingreifens der Götter - nicht wirklich ein happy-end hat, sondern wo die Früchte des eigenen Tuns, in diesem Fall Erfindens bzw. Despite being incredibly positive with my class of 30 children only 21 children are enjoying some of it, 8 don't get it and haven't enjoyed it at all.

In my opinion Mouse Bird Snake Wolf is a precious gift to the world – a quick read but one you will never forget.However Harry and Sue have got eaten by a wolf because they didn't listen to Little Ben's advice not to make the wolf. He is an experienced creative writing teacher and has worked for the Arvon Foundation and for schools, colleges and universities and is in demand as a speaker at festivals and conferences around the world.