Mouse Bird Snake Wolf by David Almond and Dave McKean

Mouse Bird Snake Wolf is a cheeky creation fable by David Almond, lavishly illustrated by Dave McKean.

McKean's use of texture in the opening pages is exquisite.

"Long ago and far away, in a world rather like this one, there were three children: Harry, Sue and Ben."

"The trouble was, the gods who had made the world had become rather fat and rather too pleased with themselves."

While the gods lie around on clouds, sipping tea and nibbling cakes, the children discover that they can create marvellous things too.

This would make a great family read-aloud and also a catalyst for discussion about the power of imagination.

Readalikes: There Is No Dog (Meg Rosoff); Mr and Mrs God in the Creation Kitchen (Nancy Wood and Timothy Basil Ering); Harold and the Purple Crayon (Crockett Johnson).