Mouse Bird Snake Wolf

Mouse Bird Snake Wolf by David Almond, illustrated by Dave McKean (Walker Books)
HB RRP $19.95
ISBN 9781406322897
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

The collaboration of David Almond and Dave McKean has been so successful that it’s to be expected that they continue to work together. Their creations are so in sync they come together in a fluid motion of words ending and illustrations picking up the thread.

The story tells of Harry, Sue and Ben (known as Little Ben because of his size) a group who had ideas, and imagined filling the empty spaces that they gazed into but saw nothing, yet saw something.

The gods that created the mountains, flowers, streams, trees and living things had grown fat and lazy. Now they only dreamed of what they might create without getting on with things. They sat about complimenting each other continuously about the wonderful things they had done. But talking is not doing.

When the children start creating the things they fill the empty spaces with, they find that not all things turn out the way they intended.

This book is about imagination and ideas; daring to try, and brushing off the negative intent of those who would end the creative force that floods the human spirit. But owning free will and power of the mind doesn’t always bring the expected outcome, and what’s done, can’t be undone.

A powerful and imaginative book with multi-layered themes and messages.