Fia and the Last Snow Deer

Fia is keeper of Solas, the last Snow Deer. They share a birthday – the Winter Solstice and are the physical symbols of hope – the hope that winter will end. But there is no sign of that – the game has gone, the food stores almost empty. Surely it is time to sacrifice the Snow Deer for the good of the tribe. Desperate, Fia and Mish set out with Solas in search of the Deer Mother. It is a that will test them to the end.

This is an engaging, readable story that will carry the young reader across the pages following Fia and Solas on their quest. Fia is a determined character whose belief and doubts, courage and fear are credible and real. The sense of the winter cold and the landscape through which they travel is palpable. The language and descriptions are vivid and rich. Dermot Flynn’s illustrations are immersive, atmospheric, bringing the narrative to vivid life through his mastery of the black and white. Though this is presented as a verse novel the text would work as well as straight prose, and might indeed be easier to read.  However, young readers may be attracted by the stylish format and revel in the visual elements, willing to follow Fia on her journey.