The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin Maker

By Matilda Woods, Anuska Allepuz (Illustrator)

A lonely coffin maker and a scared boy find hope and friendship in a magical town.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,940 ratings

208 pages· 29,164 words· Est. 4 hour read

$7.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In the enchanting town of Allora, where fish fly and houses gleam, Alberto, a solitary coffin maker, encounters a magical bird and a frightened boy named Tito. As Tito seeks refuge from danger, an unexpected friendship blossoms, offering both a chance to heal and escape their past shadows. Can they find safety and warmth in each other's company amidst the magic surrounding them? This tale of friendship and magical realism invites readers to discover the power of connection and hope in a world where the extraordinary feels possible.

From the publisher

Alberto lives alone in the town of Allora, where fish fly out of the sea and the houses shine like jewels. He is a coffin maker and widower, spending his quiet days creating the final resting places of Allora’s people.

Then one afternoon a magical bird flutters into his garden, and Alberto, lonely inside, welcomes it into his home. And when a kindhearted boy named Tito follows the bird into Alberto’s kitchen, a door in the old man’s heart cracks open. Tito is lonely too–but he’s also scared and searching for a place to hide. Fleeing from danger, he just wants to feel safe for once in his life. Can the boy and the old man learn the power of friendship and escape the shadows of their pasts?

With a tender bond that calls to mind The Girl Who Drank the Moon, charming characters reminiscent of The Penderwicks, and the whimsy of A Snicker of Magic, this is a novel to curl up with, an extraordinary work of magical realism that makes the world feel like a warmer and happier place. Complete with dazzling interior illustrations, a gem from start to finish.

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