Description
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.
Review
Imagine a young boy who struggles in the real world, both at school and in making friends. Someone who feels like he is not enough even for his parents. This is how Matthew feels before a crow named Lewis Carmichael lands on his window.
Lewis Carmichael encourages Matthew to come out onto the roof to take a hot air balloon ride to the North Pole. The North Pole and everything related to the Arctic are indeed Matthew’s one obsession!
Then, with encouragement, often in the form of song, Lewis persuades Michael to face challenge after challenge. We witness Michael’s growth into a much more adventurous and outgoing boy.
The Song of Lewis Carmichael is a beautifully written and magical story, about an incredible journey.
Giving a real insight into Arctic conditions, and with themes of resilience, friendship, imagination and family, this is a terrific story suitable to all readers aged 8 and above.
Reviewed by Rob
