Soonchild

by Hoban, Russell; Deacon, Alexis

• ISBN13: 9780763659202
• ISBN10: 0763659207
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-08-14
• Publisher: Candlewick

Summary

Two internationally acclaimed artists create a groundbreaking, genre-defying adventure to transcend time, place, and identity. In the cold north where the white wind blows lives Sixteen-Face John, a shaman. His wife is expecting their first child a "soonchild." But Soonchild won't come out! So John sets out to find the World Songs that inspire all soonchildren to leave the womb. Along the way, he must shift shape and size, converse with animals and ancestors, and face demons and death. But he also pursues an elusive golden-eyed presence that hints at a connection with his past. This breathtaking novel, as exciting as it is spooky, is a lyrical tribute to the forces of nature, magic, and family.

Author Biography

Russell Hoban (1925–2011) once described himself as "an addict to writing" and wrote more than fifty books for children, including such classics as Bedtime for Frances, How Tom Beat Captain Najork and His Hired Sportsmen, and The Sea-Thing Child. He was also the author of many acclaimed novels for adults, including Turtle Diary and Riddley Walker.

Alexis Deacon created the acclaimed picture books Slow Loris, Beegu, and While You Are Sleeping and has twice been short-listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal. He lives in London.