Bobby Burns, who lives in the quiet coal-mining village of Keely Bay in Northumberland, has had a wonderful summer.

But in autumn his father falls mysteriously ill, and he loathes his new school which is pervaded by bullying.

Bobby's wonder-working friend Ailsa Spink and McNulty the crazy fire-eater open Bobby's eyes to the possibility of miracles.

Kirkus Reviews wrote "Like the choicest of Almond, this is moody and layered."

"[1] while Publishers Weekly concluded that "Sensitive readers will marvel at Almond's ability to show, not tell, with his highly introspective—at times enigmatic—writing style.