The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon: Book summary and reviews of The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon by David Almond & Polly Dunbar

The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon Summary

Crackpot notions, community spirit, and sky-high aspirations transform a quiet boy's life in this whimsical tale from the stellar team of David Almond and Polly Dunbar.

There are some strange ideas floating around in Paul's apartment block. There’s Mabel, who now calls herself Molly and whose brother hides under a paper bag. Then there's Clarence, the poodle who thinks he can fly. But the strangest notion of all is Paul's. You see, Paul believes that the moon is not the moon but a great hole in the sky. And he knows that sausages are better than war. How on earth (or not) will he find out if he is bonkers or a genius? With a few equally bonkers (or genius) helpers and a very long ladder, that’s how! From a master of magical realism and a celebrated artist comes another delightfully outrageous expedition.

The Boy Who Climbed into the Moon Reviews

"Starred Review. Madmen are heroes and crackpots are geniuses in this charmingly over-the-top read-aloud that challenges readers to imagine the impossible. Ages 8-11." - Kirkus Reviews

"Though rarely laugh-out-loud funny, Almond employs all manners of amusements ... Dunbar’s full-color illustrations, many stretching across two pages, nimbly dodge the prose. Grades 3-5." - Booklist

"Readers will take delight in meeting offbeat characters and in sharing the young hero's discovery of what lies beyond familiar territory. Ages 8–12." - Publishers Weekly

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Rated of 5 by Maria Charlton
The Boy Who Climbed Into the Moon
This is a whimsical tale that transforms Paul’s tedious reality to awe-inspiring fantasy and opens doors to lofty achievements and warm new friendships

David Almond & Polly Dunbar Author Biography

David Almond, in his own words:

I was born in Newcastle and I grew up in a big Catholic family in Felling-on-Tyne. I had four sisters and a brother and lots of relatives in the streets nearby. My dad had been in Burma during the war. He and my mum married in the late 40s. Dad became an office manager in an engineering factory. Mum was a shorthand typist until she had the children. We moved several times when I was a child, but always within Felling.

Felling had been a coal mining town, but by the time I remember anything the pits were all closed. The river at the foot of the town was lined with warehouses and shipyards. At the summit was a wild area we called the Heather Hills. I loved playing football in the fields above the town, camping out...

... Full Biography
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