Friendship and magical realism sparkle on the page in this heartwarming,delightfully eccentric illustrated middle-grade gem from an extraordinary new literary voice. Perfect for fans of A Snicker of Magic and The Penderwicks. Alberto lives alone in the town of Allorawhere fish fly out of the sea and the houses shine like jewels. He is a coffin maker and widowerspending his quiet days creating the final resting places of Allora’s people. Then one afternoon a magical bird flutters into his gardenand Albertolonely insidewelcomes it into his home. And when a kindhearted boy named Tito follows the bird into Alberto’s kitchena 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 dangerhe 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 Mooncharming characters reminiscent of The Penderwicksand the whimsy of A Snicker of Magicthis is a novel to curl up withan extraordinary work of magical realism that makes the world feel like a warmer and happier place. Complete with dazzling interior illustrationsa gem from start to finish. Praise for The Boythe Bird & the Coffin Maker: \