Sally Prue’s compelling debut is unlike anything we’ve seen here for a long time. Written in a beautifully lyrical style, it explores the nature of human relationships and issues of identity, all within an impressive and at times chilling tale.
Hunted by his parents, Tom is forced to flee the Tribe and so seeks refuge in the world of ‘The Demons,’ where he encounters Anna, a girl whose own fractured family life provides a poignant reminder of human fragility. A dark splendour emerges throughout the tale as Tom struggles to find safety and sanctity between these two very different worlds. This is without doubt a highly original piece of writing which should be experienced by young and old alike.
Tom is one of the Tribe. But he is not like the others - he is clumsy and heavy, and the Tribe drive him away into the demon city. But Tom can't live with demons either - they are so hot, so foul, and he knows they are trying to enslave his mind. But there is nowhere else to run. Between the savage Tribe and the stifling demons, is there any way out for Tom? This beautiful story about Tom, caught between his elfin home and the world of humans, is being reissued with a stunning new cover by Helen Crawford-White for a new generation of readers to enjoy.
Sally Prue first started making up stories as a teenager, when she realized that designing someone else's adventures was almost as satisfying as having her own. After leaving school Sally joined practically all the rest of her family working at the nearby paper mill. She now teaches recorder and piano and enjoys walking, painting, day-dreaming, reading and gardening. Cold Tom, Sally's first book won the Branford Boase Award and the Smarties Prize Silver Award.
Sally has two daughters and lives with her husband in Hertfordshire.
