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Klabb Kotba Maltin has just published a modern fairy tale which is ideal as a gift for the very young as well as the very old.

Il-Ħamiem ta’ Matty, written by David Aloisio, and illustrated by Matt Stroud, is the latest novel published by Klabb Kotba Maltin. The modern-day fairy tale focuses on the relationship between a child and a grandparent.

The book offers a simply presented tale for children recounting the extraordinary relationship between a young, probably orphan, boy and two female pigeons given to him by his loving and caring grandfather. Gradually, the pigeons will touch both Matty’s and his grandfather’s life; they will be a source of awe, affection as well as sorrow.

The narrative, however, may also be interpreted symbolically and suggests the idea shared by some world religions that, when a person dies, his or her soul takes the form of a pigeon. Therefore, when people feed the pigeons it is believed that they are caring for the souls of their departed ancestors. The story also highlights the naturally-created bond between grandparents and their grandchildren.

Il-Ħamiem ta’ Matty creates an authentic familiar atmosphere for the Maltese reader that transcends the limits of space and time by offering children and adults alike an opportunity to reflect on the simplest treasures in life. Although presented as a picture-book, it offers an ideal read for children aged between seven and 10. It is available from all leading bookshops and online.

www.midseabooks.com