'Lyrical, mesmerising and full of heart... full of delight and problems that are surmountable through determination and creativity. A beautiful and compassionate story that will resonate with any child who has a strong sense of wonder.' <i>Books+Publishing</i><br /><br />'Sofie Laguna is an extremely talented writer...married to equally gifted artist Marc McBride...Together they have created <i>The Song of Lewis Carmichael</i>. An unusual adventure book with lots of food for thought.' Lynne Babbage, <i>Good Reading Magazine</i><br /><br />'Utterly exquisite... has all the hallmarks of a contemporary classic... This is a classic hero's journey written with great sensitivity...complemented by beautiful line drawings...an utter delight for readers ages 9+ and will be a magical read-aloud for younger audiences as well.' Angela Crocombe, <i>Readings</i><br /><br />'An allusive, timeless fable that will be savoured by young and old readers. It is multifaceted and thought-provoking, with the tone and style of a classic. Ideas and symbolism are intricately layered into the story to add richness without detracting from the adventure or pace. Nothing is superfluous...The textured pencil drawings by Laguna's husband, Marc McBride, illuminate the word pictures that are hard to imagine and delineate those that are fantastical. Some subtly reflect the emotion of scene others are heart-soaring spectacles...Laguna's text epitomises the quality of writing expected from one of our best literary authors.' <i>The Australian</i><br /><br />'If you love tales of exploration and discovery, then this is a book that will whisk you away! A beautiful, illustrated tale for fans of the Deltora Quest series.' Total Girl<br /><br />'Sofie Laguna's first children's book in a decade captures the reader's attention immediately, and with its magical atmosphere, flings them into the story, making them a part of it from beginning to end...Marc McBride's illustrations shine within Laguna's emotive and elegant poetic prose which, like music, skips, rises and falls. Two immensely gifted creators, collaborating to produce a novel of the utmost beauty.' <i>Kids' Book Review</i><br /><br />'How wonderful it is to soar up and away in a hot air balloon with Mathew, away from thoughts about keeping up and making friends and the quietly absorbed anxiety of his parents. Together with wise crow companion Lewis Carmichael, the two journey on to the magnificent wonder and perilous challenges of the North Pole. On coming home Mathew's new found confidence is a delight and the reader realises they too have grown and been changed by the experience.' <i>Read to Nourish campaign, CBCA Vic Branch</i><br /><i></i>