Caitlin has been ill for more than two years, and it is only when she discovers a long forgotten kite that she is inspired to think about her future and all the things she would dearly love to do. As she lies in bed, she holds the kite close, understanding its sadness at not being able to fly alone, and imagines all the things they can do together. But Caitlin doesn't get better, and one evening she and her beloved kite begin to soar into the sky, flying across all the oceans and mountains Caitlin has dreamed of, until they reach a place where they are both happy and free from fear and pain. A beautifully imagined, sensitively written story that strikes straight at the heart, The Kite and Caitlin is moving beyond belief and deals with the subject of illness and death through the unobtrusive strength of lyrical storytelling and stunning illustration. This is a remarkable book, written by one of the 20th century's great wordsmiths, perhaps more familiar for his quirky poetry, but who has turned his hand to a difficult subject with a clarity and lightness that touches the heart. The Kite and Caitlin is an ideal book for children who are learning about, or dealing with, the concept of death, but is also a strangely joyful story that any parent and child can enjoy together. (Ages 4 and over)--Susan Harrison

 

There are 30 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2000 by Random House Children's Publishers UK .

Roger McGough is a renowned performance poet, with many collections of well-loved children's poetry to his name. John Prater, whose books include "Is It Christmas?" and "Tom's Box," has been shortlisted for the Mother Goose Award.