Eleven–year–old Elliot is having a dismal pandemic summer when suddenly he's caught in the bubble of one of his own dreams and transported to another world, controlled by evil butterflies, where the sun doesn't shine. Along with his octopus sidekick, Elliot discovers the reason for these butterflies–gone–wrong, and realizes that things must be set right if he is ever to find the way home. An epic middle–grade fantasy about discovering your true path.
A.T. Woodley was a filmmaker in another life. He grew up in Toronto and currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife, their two daughters, and a Pomeranian named Bowie. The Boy Who Woke the Sun is his first novel.
Mike Deas has worked as a concept artist, texture artist, and art lead in the video game industry, and has illustrated award-winning graphic novels and picture books. Mike lives with his family on sunny Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
"Elliot is sensitive, brave, and persistent. The octopus is intelligent (explaining, for instance, the arrogance of humans in an entertaining and instructive conversation with Elliot) and determined to survive. Granny Yilba has insights and a sense of humour that keeps the dark at bay for the children in her charge. The characters that the three meet on their trip (including a robot) are all colourful and deftly drawn. And the book's main message — that, as our world changes and life takes on different challenges, it can still be good and worthwhile — is empowering for young people troubled by issues such as environmental destruction and global warming.
"While Elliot is only 1-years-old, given this story's complexity, The Boy Who Woke the Sun is best suited to either older readers, strong readers aged 10 to11, or those who are able to read it with an adult."
Highly Recommended
— CM Magazine
Shortlisted for the 2024 Jean Little Award
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