The Boy Who Woke the Sun

by A. T. Woodley, Mike Deas (Illustrator)

Overview

A thrilling and empowering middle grade fantasy quest with serious themes of protecting the environment that is perfect for young readers!

"...a BEAUTIFUL book that made us feel as though we had pulled one of our favourite classics off the shelf!"
- Alan Barillaro, Academy Award winning filmmaker of Piper

"In clear language that steers the young reader clearly through the complicated plot, the author has created an utterly compelling and believable other world. The appealing hero and his hilarious octopus friend are memorable characters, and the serious environmental theme is balanced by the story's humor and joy."
- Kit Pearson, Governor General's Award winning author and member of the Order of Canada

Eleven-year-old Elliot is having a dismal pandemic summer when suddenly he's caught in the bubble of one of his own scary dreams. He is transported to another world - a world controlled by evil butterflies, where the sun no longer shines. 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 his way home. As Eliot realizes that he has the power to effect the things that have been causing him anxiety - the environment and protecting life on Earth - he understands there is a way to start change in both this world and in his home.

An epic middle-grade fantasy quest about discovering the true path to empowerment and a better world. A T Woodley has created a believable fantasy world supported with spot illustrations from acclaimed illustrator Mike Deas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780889956858
Publisher:	Red Deer Press
Publication date:	07/10/2023
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	704,265
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 7.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

A T Woodley was a filmmaker in another life. He grew up in Toronto and currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his family. This is his first novel.

Mike Deas (Salt Spring Island, British Columbia) worked as a concept artist, texture artist, and art lead in the video game industry in England and California before returning to his native Canada. He is the illustrator of The Buddy Bench and Gloria's Big Problem.

Editorial Reviews

2023-07-13
A boy must journey across unknown lands while avoiding menacing butterflies.

Eleven-year-old Elliot Wood is having a rough start to the summer. His family members are engrossed in phones and work, and the news is filled with the pandemic, climate disasters, and other worrisome things, but he takes comfort in the ocean and observing marine life. One night, Elliot wakes up, trapped within his nightmare and lost at sea on an island of plastic garbage he’d read about. After being chased by a giant masked man, he discovers he’s been transported to Lappanthia, a world shrouded in darkness. Lappanthia is plagued by butterflies whose “sole purpose is to make you feel so sad, you wish you’d never been born.” Elliot learns the only way home is a 10-day journey through wild terrain. Along with new friends—a talking octopus and an old woman named Granny Yilba—Elliot must face his fears and evade the evil butterflies to return home. Although the subject matter is heavy, this well-paced fantasy is full of lighter moments that are enhanced by the black-and-white illustrations. It explores emotional pain while guiding readers to think about who they are and what brings them happiness. Themes of pollution, kids as changemakers, friendship, family, and self-discovery recur throughout, with everything working together cohesively and offering readers new perspectives to ponder. Elliot is shown with dark hair and lightly shaded skin.

Moving and serious yet leavened with humor. (author interview) (Fantasy. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews