Publication date: 1st May 2017

Alberto is Allora’s coffin maker, living alone following the plague that swept through the town 30 years ago with the same relentless ferocity that now sees fish fly out of the sea. He notices food disappearing from his kitchen, and soon begins leaving food for the scrap thin boy he nearly caught. When Tito and Alberto finally meet, it is the beginning of an adventure for them both.

A beautifully told, magical tale of finding hope after grief, friendship after loneliness, and escaping the past. Full of characters bursting with life in a town that begs your mind to explore, it’s a book that makes the world seem like a better place. I can’t wait to get my hands on a proper copy complete with full page illustrations; if Anuska Allepuz’s page edgings and cover are anything to go by, they will be stunning!

Many thanks to Toppsta and Scholastic UK for the stunning proof copy, printed in blue ink – my dyslexic brain has never been so happy!