SF Said

Dave McKean

phoenix

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The Outlaw Varjak Paw

Varjak Paw

How we know what's really true

The Magic of Reality

Phoenix

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Brilliant . . . a total pageturner. . . gloriously produced

Completely absorbing . . . The book is beautiful - lavishly illustrated by Dave McKean, with words and pictures working seamlessly together.

This is fabulous, high-octane stuff, with an uplifting ending, stunningly illustrated by the brilliant McKean

Breathlessly paced . . . A powerful story of great scope and ambition, from an expert storyteller. And with these gorgeously deep black-and-white illustrations, the great McKean is on absolutely top form here.

A big (and big-hearted) story  . . . Said’s child-centred, inclusive text and McKean’s gorgeous images combine to produce a story that will encourage young imaginations to take flight. The final sequence, in particular, is both stunning and uplifting.

Fierily poetic on a galactic scale, Lucky's search for his father, against a background of interplanetary peril, is totally transporting - as are the illustrations.

An exciting and involved space adventure which engages with big themes . . . Atmospheric illustrations are a bonus.

Like the brightest light from the furthest star, this book is a creation to behold . . . It is a breathtaking epic space adventure that will have you gripped

Incredible . . . If sci-fi is your thing then Phoenix is a must-read, if sci-fi isn’t your thing then Phoenix is a should-read, trust me!

A rip-roaring plot . . . awe-inspiring artwork.

An extraordinary tale of science-fiction, adventure, love and war . . . Phoenix is a remarkable novel, uniting Said’s incredible storytelling with wonderful illustrations that bring to life an entire universe of creativity and imagination. Full of suspense, intrigue, action, emotion and more, this is a fantastic read which must surely be set for great things.

Lucky is a great super hero for kids, someone who puts others first . . . The illustrations by Dave McKean were very inspirational . . . I give this book 10/10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An action-packed adventure that will appeal to both boys and girls.

Said is bold enough to know that sometimes, things can get scary, and young readers need that . . . [The illustration] uses the vastness and emptiness of space as a tool, filling this negative space with the movement of lines that enhance the vastness, and both the fear and joy that comes with being alone in it . . . A beautiful and awesome mythology, . . A remarkable adventure story for any age.

This book kept catching my eye in bookstores . . . The writing, as well as the illustrations, bring the story to life beautifully. . . Lucky is unforgettable.

There were some genius twists that kept me guessing at the ending. There’s no way I could have ever predicted the last chapters. They were heartbreaking, yet hopeful, and so beautiful . . . HIGHLY recommended for any sci-fi fans, fantasy fans, out there - and also anybody who wants a new favourite book.

It is layered with depth and meaning right from the get go . . . These multilayered themes and ideas, reinforced by strong characterisation, make this book shine . . . The result is a touching, meaningful story for children and adults alike.

A BOY WITH THE POWER OF A STAR . . . 
 
Lucky thinks he's an ordinary Human boy. But one night, he dreams that the stars are singing to him, and wakes to find an uncontrollable power rising inside him. 
 
Now he's on the run, racing through space, searching for answers. In a galaxy at war, where Humans and Aliens are deadly enemies, the only people who can help him are an Alien starship crew – and an Alien warrior girl, with neon needles in her hair . . .

From the award-winning author of Varjak Paw, comes the incredible story of the one boy who can save the Galaxy.

SF Said (Author) 
SF Said's first book, Varjak Paw, won the Nestlé Smarties Prize for Children's Literature. The sequel,The Outlaw Varjak Paw, won the BBC Blue Peter Book Of The Year. Phoenix is his third book. He has written widely about literature, films and the arts for The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph; and works regularly with CLPE, promoting reading and literacy in schools. 
For more information on SF and his books, please visit www.sfsaid.com 
 
Dave McKean (Illustrator) 
Dave McKean has illustrated and designed many ground-breaking books and graphic novels including Varjak Paw (SF Said), The Magic of Reality (Richard Dawkins), The Savage (David Almond) and The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman). He wrote and illustrated Pictures That Tick and the multi-award winning Cages. He has created hundreds of CD and comic covers and directed five short and three feature films.

Phoenix

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SF Said

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