A beautiful, illustrated adventure story with a classic feel, about a quiet boy and a talking crow on an extraordinary hot-air balloon ride to the Arctic.
Matthew stood on the snowy peak and stared out at the world spread before him. Every picture in his books had been limited by the size of the page, contained within frames. Here, there was no frame. Here, the picture didn't end. Beyond those icy plains, the sea, and beyond the sea, a land that floated on the ice, drifting northwards. Matthew put the binoculars to his eyes and saw valleys and cliffs and rivers all made of snow. Everywhere was white.
Matthew has dreamed and read and thought about the North Pole for as long as he can remember. And he has done it secretly. It is a place that cannot be tarnished by the world in which he lives - a world in which he struggles to find answers and make friends, while everything seems to come easily to other children.
But one day, a crow called Lewis Carmichael lands at Matthew's window - a crow who believes in Matthew in the most simple and ordinary ways. Soon, the unexpected voyage of a lifetime begins, and it will change everything…
An unforgettable adventure story from award-winning children's book author Sofie Laguna, with enchanting illustrations by Marc McBride.
About the Author
SOFIE LAGUNA's many books for young people have been published in the US, the UK and in translation throughout Europe and Asia. She has been shortlisted for the Queensland Premier's Award, and twice been awarded Honour Book by the Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA). She is also a highly acclaimed author for adults. Sofie lives in Melbourne with her husband, Marc McBride, and their two young sons.
About the Illustrator
MARC McBRIDE is the illustrator of Emily Rodda's New York Times bestselling Deltora Quest series, which has sold over 18 million copies worldwide and has become an anime TV show. He has illustrated more than 200 book covers and 10 picture books, including writing and illustrating World of Monsters. Marc has exhibited with the New York Society of Illustrators, been shortlisted for the CBCA Awards and Aurealis Awards, and has won the Aurealis Awards twice.
Industry Reviews
'Lyrical, mesmerising and full of heart... full of delight and problems that are surmountable through determination and creativity. A beautiful and compassionate story that will resonate with any child who has a strong sense of wonder.' Books+Publishing
'Sofie Laguna is an extremely talented writer...married to equally gifted artist Marc McBride...Together they have created The Song of Lewis Carmichael. An unusual adventure book with lots of food for thought.' Lynne Babbage, Good Reading Magazine
'Utterly exquisite... has all the hallmarks of a contemporary classic... This is a classic hero's journey written with great sensitivity...complemented by beautiful line drawings...an utter delight for readers ages 9+ and will be a magical read-aloud for younger audiences as well.' Angela Crocombe, Readings
'An allusive, timeless fable that will be savoured by young and old readers. It is multifaceted and thought-provoking, with the tone and style of a classic. Ideas and symbolism are intricately layered into the story to add richness without detracting from the adventure or pace. Nothing is superfluous...The textured pencil drawings by Laguna's husband, Marc McBride, illuminate the word pictures that are hard to imagine and delineate those that are fantastical. Some subtly reflect the emotion of scene others are heart-soaring spectacles...Laguna's text epitomises the quality of writing expected from one of our best literary authors.' The Australian
'If you love tales of exploration and discovery, then this is a book that will whisk you away! A beautiful, illustrated tale for fans of the Deltora Quest series.' Total Girl
'Sofie Laguna's first children's book in a decade captures the reader's attention immediately, and with its magical atmosphere, flings them into the story, making them a part of it from beginning to end...Marc McBride's illustrations shine within Laguna's emotive and elegant poetic prose which, like music, skips, rises and falls. Two immensely gifted creators, collaborating to produce a novel of the utmost beauty.' Kids' Book Review
'How wonderful it is to soar up and away in a hot air balloon with Mathew, away from thoughts about keeping up and making friends and the quietly absorbed anxiety of his parents. Together with wise crow companion Lewis Carmichael, the two journey on to the magnificent wonder and perilous challenges of the North Pole. On coming home Mathew's new found confidence is a delight and the reader realises they too have grown and been changed by the experience.' Read to Nourish campaign, CBCA Vic Branch
