Hailed as ‘A special debut’ by none other than The Bookseller, Doodled Books is proud to present STONEBIRD by Mike Revell. Each book has been signed, lined, dated, doodled and numbered at the authors home in the UK.
Quercus Children’s books signed Stonebird, a middle-grade novel from debut author Mike Revell. Editorial director Sarah Lambert did the deal for world rights in Stonebird at the Bent Agency.
Stonebird is described as reminiscent of Skellig and My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece, with the story following 10-year-old Liam, who moves house to live closer to his dementia-suffering grandmother. When he finds an old stone gargoyle in a church, his life changes in impossible ways.
Lambert said: “Stonebird is a modern classic in the making – it grabbed me by the heart and still hasn’t let me go. Mike Revell is a very exciting young talent and we are cock-a-hoop to be publishing him.”
Revell studied creative writing at the University of Essex, before studying journalism at Harlow College. He reports on the NFL for the Mirror newspaper. His next book will follow in 2016.
About the book
When ten-year-old Liam moves house to be closer to his dementia-suffering grandma, he’s thrown into an unfamiliar place, with a family that seems to be falling apart. Liam doesn’t remember what his grandma was like before she became ill. He only knows the witch-like old woman who snaps and snarls and eats her birthday cards. He wants to fix it, but he can’t.
Walking his dog one day, Liam discovers an old stone gargoyle in a rundown church, and his life changes in impossible ways. The gargoyle is alive. It moves unseen in the night, acting out Liam’s stories. And stories can be dangerous things…
Seeking revenge against the bullies at his new school, Liam tells a story about the gargoyle attacking them. When one of them ends up in hospital, a regretful Liam vows never to go near the gargoyle again.
But his grandma’s illness is getting worse, his mum isn’t coping, and his sister is skipping school… What if the gargoyle is the only thing that can save Liam’s family?
Review
‘I loved this and read it in one sitting … It’s a really special debut, full of heart, hope and the power of storytelling’ Bookseller.
‘A heartbreakingly good debut. Fresh and beautifully written, this is something very special’ Robin Stevens, author of A Murder Most Unladylike.
‘A beautiful, delicate story about a boy who is just trying to do the right thing for everyone, and it will provoke much thought and discussion’ The Bookbag.
‘A perfect introduction to reading for a primary audience, especially for young boys who will be able to identify with Liam and learn both from him and with him’ We Love This Book.
‘This novel is nothing short of magical and had me in tears – several times’ WordPress.
‘This is a very important novel for young people to read’ School Zone.
About the Author
Mike Revell has always wanted to write for children. He studied Creative Writing at the University of Essex, followed by a postgraduate journalism course at Harlow College. Mike also has a passion for American Football, and when not writing fiction, he reports on the NFL for the Mirror newspaper. He lives near Cambridge with his girlfriend and their new puppy, Toffee. Stonebird is his debut novel.
Product details
- First Edition First Printing
- Hardcover: 352 pages
- Publisher: Quercus Children’s Books (5 Feb. 2015)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1848667175
- ISBN-13: 978-1848667174
- Product Dimensions: 14 x 3.2 x 20.7 cm
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