Grandad is the most important person in Gavin's life. The two understand each other perfectly. Grandad teaches Gavin to fish in Stonehaven harbour, and is making him a beautiful model boat for his birthday. Gavin names her Selkie, after the mythical seal-people, who will help you if you're in trouble. When Grandad is suddenly struck down by a massive stroke, Gavin is devastated. But he is determined to prove the doctors wrong, and find a way to reach his real Grandad, trapped somewhere inside the paralysed body in the hospital bed. He is sure that, somehow, the little boat, and the magical selkies in the sea, hold the key to bringing his grandfather back to life, against all the odds.

'This little story is a masterpiece . . . gripping . . . the work of a major writer at his very best' Books For Keeps

There are 144 pages in this book. This book was published 2005 by Pan Macmillan .

Peter Dickinson is the author of over fifty books for both children and adults. He was one of three British writers nominated for the position of the first Children's Laureate and he has won nearly every major literary award for his children's novels. Russell Hoban was born in Pennsylvania. His books for adults include the modern classic Riddley Walker. He has written more than sixty picture books, including The Sea-thing Child, shortlisted for the 2000 Kate Greenaway Award, as well as the novel The Mouse and His Child. Ian Andrew has worked on numerous animated films, including Father Christmas and his own film, Dolphins, which won the First Bite Award in 1987. His book The Lion and the Mouse was shortlisted for the 1996 Mother Goose Award, and he has also illustrated the Walker picture book The Midnight Man, written by Berlie Doherty.