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

Recent reviews

See all reviews

Who's reading this?

Rate this book

  1. loved it
  2. liked it
  3. okay
  4. not for me
  5. rubbish
Write about this book