This book is one of the classics of children's literature, published more than 25 years ago. However neither its various cover designs nor the opening pages have ever drawn me in before. Now, though, having read the amazing book by Matt Goodfellow 'The Final Year' for the second time with a Year 6 book group, I picked it up again and found that I have been missing a treat all these years. Wonderful!

Undoubtedly Matt Goodfellow's incredible verse novel for 9-12-year-olds is introducing a new generation to the story of 'Skellig' as the characters in his story reflect and celebrate the book by David Almond.

'Skellig' tells the story of the young boy, Michael. He and his family have just moved to a new house, at a time when his baby sister is very ill. He feels lonely, isolated and worried.

Exploring the dilapidated garage of the new house, an area that's strictly out-of-bounds, he discovers a strange creature living there. Is it human, animal, magical or spiritual?

The creature is in difficulty so Michael with his new friend Mina seeks to help him. But Skellig repays Michael in ways he could never have imagined, with life changed forever.

This is an amazing, beautiful and strange book. Just who or what is Skellig? The mystery is part of the joy and and charm of the story, of course, and this is a wonderfully life-affirming and positive tale of friendship, kindness and hope.