Master storyteller David Almond presents a beautiful collection of short fiction interwoven with pieces that illuminate the inspiration behind the stories.

May Malone is said to have a monster in her house, but what Norman finds there may just be the angel he needs. Joe Quinn's house is noisy with poltergeists, or could it be Davie's raging causing the disturbance? Fragile Annie learns the truth about herself in a photograph taken by a traveling man near the sea. Set in the northern English Tyneside country of the author's childhood, these eight short stories by the incomparable David Almond evoke gritty realities and ineffable longings, experiences both ordinary and magical. In autobiographical preludes to each story, the writer shows how all things can be turned into tales, reflecting on a time of wonder, tenderness, and joy.

The full copyright information can be found below:

• First U.S. edition published by Candlewick Press.
• P 2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
• Introduction and story introductions © 2014 by David Almond.
• “Slog’s Dad” © 2006 by David Almond. (First published in So, What Kept You?).
• “May Malone” © 2008 by David Almond.(First published in The Children’s Hours).
• “When God Came to Cathleen’s Garden” © 2009, 2010 by David Almond. (First published in Sideshow: Ten Original Tales of Freaks, Illusionists, and Other Matters Odd and Magical).
• “The Missing Link” © 2008, 2014 by David Almond. (First published in The Times).
• “Harry Miller’s Run” © 2008 by David Almond. (First published in conjunction with Great North Run Culture).
• “Half a Creature from the Sea” © 2007 by David Almond. (First published in Click).
• “Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist” © 2014 by David Almond.
• “Klaus Vogel and the Bad Lads” © 2009 by David Almond. (First published in Free? Stories About Human Rights).