The Boy, the Bird and the Coffin Maker

Gorgeously magical: a jewel of a story about secrets, hope, the dead – and a living boy. Alberto lives alone in the town of Allora, where fish fly out of the sea and houses shine like coloured gems. He is a coffin maker who spends his quiet, solitary days creating people’s final resting places. But one day, a mysterious boy and his magical bird arrive – flying from danger and searching for a safe haven. Alberto is used to sheltering the dead. Now, can he protect the living from the dark shadows of the past?

• A glorious, original debut: magic realism for children

• An instant classic with a timeless fairytale quality

• Heartbreaking, lyrical and incredibly life-affirming

• Beautiful full-page pictures and decorated endpapers

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