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The Dam
A haunting, stunningly illustrated story of loss, hope, and the power of music from multi-award winners David Almond and Levi Pinfold.
Kielder Water is a wild and beautiful place, rich in folk music and legend. Years ago, before a great dam was built to fill the valley with water, there were farms and homesteads in that valley and musicians who livened their rooms with song. After the village was abandoned and before the waters rushed in, a father and daughter returned there. The girl began to play her fiddle, bringing her tune to one empty house after another -- for this was the last time that music would be heard in that place. With exquisite artwork by Levi Pinfold, David Almond's lyrical narrative -- inspired by a true tale -- pays homage to his friends Mike and Kathryn Tickell and all the musicians of Northumberland, to show that music is ancient and unstoppable, and that dams and lakes cannot overwhelm it.
Kielder Water is a wild and beautiful place, rich in folk music and legend. Years ago, before a great dam was built to fill the valley with water, there were farms and homesteads in that valley and musicians who livened their rooms with song. After the village was abandoned and before the waters rushed in, a father and daughter returned there. The girl began to play her fiddle, bringing her tune to one empty house after another -- for this was the last time that music would be heard in that place. With exquisite artwork by Levi Pinfold, David Almond's lyrical narrative -- inspired by a true tale -- pays homage to his friends Mike and Kathryn Tickell and all the musicians of Northumberland, to show that music is ancient and unstoppable, and that dams and lakes cannot overwhelm it.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2018
2 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
David Almond
121 books823 followersDavid Almond is a British children's writer who has penned several novels, each one to critical acclaim. He was born and raised in Felling and Newcastle in post-industrial North East England and educated at the University of East Anglia. When he was young, he found his love of writing when some short stories of his were published in a local magazine. He started out as an author of adult fiction before finding his niche writing literature for young adults.
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
His first children's novel, Skellig (1998), set in Newcastle, won the Whitbread Children's Novel of the Year Award and also the Carnegie Medal. His subsequent novels are: Kit's Wilderness (1999), Heaven Eyes (2000), Secret Heart (2001), The Fire Eaters (2003) and Clay (2005). His first play aimed at adolescents, Wild Girl, Wild Boy, toured in 2001 and was published in 2002.
His works are highly philosophical and thus appeal to children and adults alike. Recurring themes throughout include the complex relationships between apparent opposites (such as life and death, reality and fiction, past and future); forms of education; growing up and adapting to change; the nature of 'the self'. He has been greatly influenced by the works of the English Romantic poet William Blake.
He is an author often suggested on National Curriculum reading lists in the United Kingdom and has attracted the attention of academics who specialise in the study of children's literature.
Almond currently lives with his family in Northumberland, England.
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing (2010).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
August 13, 2019
Kielder Water is the largest artificial reservoir in the UK. Work began creating it in the 1970s and it was finished in 1981. When the dam was constructed it flooded farmland and old houses had to be knocked down to make way for it. This is the story of a little girl and her father entering the houses soon to be flooded and the little girl playing her violin. The last time the place would hear music.
The book is beautifully illustrated and captures the essence of what it must have been like watching an area be flooded with water and peoples home being destroyed to make way for the reservoir.
It was hard to decide what I thought of this book due to the fact that I don’t believe children will understand it. It’s more a philosophical book than a story and with the illustrations so brown and dull I can’t see many children choosing to read it. However, as an adult, I think it is very touching and heartfelt.
The book is based on a true story about an artist who went on to be a great musician, Kathryn Tickell, unfortunately, I’ve never heard of her before, but will look her up. At the back of the book is factual information on a dam that most children have probably never heard of before. It will also open their eyes to how they made the reservoir and what people had to give up for to be created.
The way that David Almond mind works is just genius and if you haven’t read any of his work you should, just don’t expect the norm.
The book is beautifully illustrated and captures the essence of what it must have been like watching an area be flooded with water and peoples home being destroyed to make way for the reservoir.
It was hard to decide what I thought of this book due to the fact that I don’t believe children will understand it. It’s more a philosophical book than a story and with the illustrations so brown and dull I can’t see many children choosing to read it. However, as an adult, I think it is very touching and heartfelt.
The book is based on a true story about an artist who went on to be a great musician, Kathryn Tickell, unfortunately, I’ve never heard of her before, but will look her up. At the back of the book is factual information on a dam that most children have probably never heard of before. It will also open their eyes to how they made the reservoir and what people had to give up for to be created.
The way that David Almond mind works is just genius and if you haven’t read any of his work you should, just don’t expect the norm.
September 3, 2019
3.5 stars. Based on a true story about an area of land in Northumberland where a dam was built and an area of land was flooded. The illustrations are lovely. The book has a very sad feel, the girl and her father walk around the area before it is flooded and she plays violin for the people and memories of that place.
September 11, 2018
Based on a true story retold to him by the Tickells, Almond (with Pinfold outstanding illustrations) tells the tale of the building of the largest artificial lake in the UK. Set in Northumberland, it follow the story of a father and daughter who visit the land which is to be lost to the lake. Instead of anger, they choose to sing, dance and play music to the memories of those who have left and the homes that now lay empty.
What is beautiful about this story is that the dam itself also brings a peace and tranquility with it but that the music within the lake and the stories of all those who had lived there should be remembered and celebrated. It is not, as would be so easy to do, cast as the villain but rather as an image of change and new beginnings.
I had read a picturebook written by Almond only a few months ago and it was poor. He wrote too many words and didn't trust the illustrator to handle the telling. Not this time. This time it feels as if Almond understands that the picturebook should be the cradle for words and pictures to work together. He gives Pinfold the space to share his own vision of the bleak yet beautiful Northumberland landscape and in doing so, together they sing and dance a beautiful story: one that I will not forget.
What is beautiful about this story is that the dam itself also brings a peace and tranquility with it but that the music within the lake and the stories of all those who had lived there should be remembered and celebrated. It is not, as would be so easy to do, cast as the villain but rather as an image of change and new beginnings.
I had read a picturebook written by Almond only a few months ago and it was poor. He wrote too many words and didn't trust the illustrator to handle the telling. Not this time. This time it feels as if Almond understands that the picturebook should be the cradle for words and pictures to work together. He gives Pinfold the space to share his own vision of the bleak yet beautiful Northumberland landscape and in doing so, together they sing and dance a beautiful story: one that I will not forget.
September 23, 2018
This was a gorgeous book to spend time with. Almond’s poetic writing is touching as he documents the true story of a community transformed through the construction of a dam, tackling with the concepts of loss and hope along with the power music can play.
This picturebook features rich illustrations that follow young Kathryn and her father as they take their final opportunity to explore the expansive landscape in which they have lived their whole life, bringing music to places that may never hear it again. Pinfold manages to really capture the beauty and starkness of the Northumbrian wilds through a colour palette that is lifted through the presence of the characters’ music. Music serves as a beacon of hope during The Dam, which indicates that with it the changes the world may face physically may not change them spiritually and emotionally.
This picturebook features rich illustrations that follow young Kathryn and her father as they take their final opportunity to explore the expansive landscape in which they have lived their whole life, bringing music to places that may never hear it again. Pinfold manages to really capture the beauty and starkness of the Northumbrian wilds through a colour palette that is lifted through the presence of the characters’ music. Music serves as a beacon of hope during The Dam, which indicates that with it the changes the world may face physically may not change them spiritually and emotionally.
November 10, 2018
Time and tide stop for no-one, and this picture book was inspired by the true story of the building of a dam in Northumberland, England in 1981. Like most parts of the world, there are often legitimate reasons for building a dam, but there is also a human and natural world cost to doing so. This story highlights the latter.
The art in this book alone makes it worth picking up. It is absolutely gorgeous, but I was less enamored with the actual text. 5 stars of the art, 2 for the text.
The art in this book alone makes it worth picking up. It is absolutely gorgeous, but I was less enamored with the actual text. 5 stars of the art, 2 for the text.
September 11, 2018
Stunning. Beautiful. True.
Almond does not disappoint. As always, haunting, heart-string-tugging yet not saccharine. Completely accessible, slightly magical.
Pinfold’s illustrations are just exquisite.
👌🏻
Almond does not disappoint. As always, haunting, heart-string-tugging yet not saccharine. Completely accessible, slightly magical.
Pinfold’s illustrations are just exquisite.
👌🏻
May 20, 2021
I have to say that I needed this as I am feeling a little stuck in rut at the moment - So nothing more motivating that something new and totally different.
This a beautiful children's book ( hey don't judge me) with some very provocative images and words. Ironically it was inspired by real events - as the creation and flooding of he Kielder reservoir .
I think for me its impact comes from a celebration of all that has gone on before and is in danger of being lost and all the potential of the future yet to be realised.
As a result the book has a sombre note to it - but it does end with joy and potential - I know I am not the target audience for this book but ironically I took a lot away from this book. I guess that is the thing with books and reading - it is down to your own personal impact and reflection - and that is something a lot of other media just cannot connect to.
This a beautiful children's book ( hey don't judge me) with some very provocative images and words. Ironically it was inspired by real events - as the creation and flooding of he Kielder reservoir .
I think for me its impact comes from a celebration of all that has gone on before and is in danger of being lost and all the potential of the future yet to be realised.
As a result the book has a sombre note to it - but it does end with joy and potential - I know I am not the target audience for this book but ironically I took a lot away from this book. I guess that is the thing with books and reading - it is down to your own personal impact and reflection - and that is something a lot of other media just cannot connect to.
February 26, 2022
Lovely illustrations.
October 21, 2018
Almond and Pinfold depict a final visit to the land and the homes within the Kielder Valley prior to it being overcome by the building and filling of a Dam. With celebration rather than mourning, father and daughter play music to remember the special times shared and moments spent with the people who have had to leave. They gift song and life to the land before it is submerged, allowing it to be reborn rather than lost entirely.
The Dam is truly beautiful. This story is uplifting and hopeful for what is to come, without grieving what has been taken away. Although the valley might have changed physically, it lives on through the music that has been played, trailing through the flowing waters and the blood of those that still visit. Such moving ties are made between music, the land and memory, and I loved how the water was shown to cleanse the valley instead of destroying it. A haunting book that allows for a lot of contemplation.
The Dam is truly beautiful. This story is uplifting and hopeful for what is to come, without grieving what has been taken away. Although the valley might have changed physically, it lives on through the music that has been played, trailing through the flowing waters and the blood of those that still visit. Such moving ties are made between music, the land and memory, and I loved how the water was shown to cleanse the valley instead of destroying it. A haunting book that allows for a lot of contemplation.
October 12, 2018
Slow and thoughtful text, stunning illustrations. And a true story!
It reads more like a picture book for adults than for kids - most of my storytime kids don't even know what a dam is, so getting them to the point where they'd grasp this book would be.... difficult.
But the text is as lyrical and songlike as the music Kathryn and her father play before the water comes.
It reads more like a picture book for adults than for kids - most of my storytime kids don't even know what a dam is, so getting them to the point where they'd grasp this book would be.... difficult.
But the text is as lyrical and songlike as the music Kathryn and her father play before the water comes.
September 6, 2018
Such a beautiful and haunting tale of the creation of Kielder Water. Almond’s words are poetic and Penfold’s illustrations are stunning. It’s clear that Almond is still wildly in love with Northumbria (as am I) ❤️
December 15, 2018
“This will be gone...and this will be washed away...and this will never be seen again:” this celebration of a village lost when Kielder reservoir was built is a superb production in terms of language and art work. Haunting, muted tones fill the pictures in the first pages, as a child plays a violin to say goodbye to the family village and its way of life just as the dam is completed. Brighter colours bring us to the glory of open water and peaceful countryside in the present day: this is no longer a place of mourning, although it is only with some wistfulness that the music is played again.
Music unites the times and inspires an understanding of what was lost so that “within the water the music stays...it flows through all the dams in us..”
A really subtle book, rich, celebratory, yet regretful.
Music unites the times and inspires an understanding of what was lost so that “within the water the music stays...it flows through all the dams in us..”
A really subtle book, rich, celebratory, yet regretful.
November 23, 2018
No doubt one of the most beautifully illustrated books I have come across. Took several readings but I soon began to appreciate the thoughtful and meaningful storyline, and look forward to exploring it in my 'close readings'!
November 2, 2018
Beautiful story that would be good for a persuasive writing lesson in KS2
November 5, 2019
This is such a reverent and melancholy tale. It balances well the loss and hope that comes with change through both text and illustrations. It's a very thought-provoking true story and my son and I immediately wanted to know more about how dams are built.
September 25, 2019
This is an interesting book which has a poignant story, but it might not be enjoyed that much by children as it will be by adults. ‘The Dam’ is around A4 in size and filled with glossy thick pages of illustrations and text. The story follows a father and his daughter as they visit the place in a valley which will soon be flooded when a dam is completed. The area is already abandoned, people have moved out, but the father and the girl decide to bring music to the area, to sing and to play the violin one last time, to honour those who lived there before.
The story is a simple one with the father and daughter waking up one morning and heading to the area, creating their music that one last time before the dam floods everything. The dam is then flooded but the music and memories of those before never die, they are always remembered with more singing, dancing and music. The story is actually based on the Kielder Water dam in North Northumberland which really was created, flooding the area in 1981. This information is at the back of the book which helps the story to make more sense for those that don’t know it. However, despite knowing this tale and the poignancy of the loss of an area when it is flooded, I don’t know if kids will really enjoy this picture book.
The words are almost poetic in this story, there is a feeling of the loss of everything, and there are some lovely illustrations of the spirits of those before remembered, but the words, at times, are so poetic that reading this purely from a child-like perspective, I struggle to understand any of it. There is a feeling of the sadness that surrounds the tale, and for those that remember the actual dam flooding, or a similar incident, this might bring back memories or evoke strong feelings, but it’s not really something I think any children will understand without help, and even then I’m not sure if they will really appreciate the story that much.
The illustrations are lovely and very clear. They evoke a real sense of the dark and depressing atmosphere and the feeling of the impending loss of the area. I really liked how the spirits of those past are drawn, and how well the pictures show the overall darker atmosphere. After the dam is flooded the illustrations have a lighter tone and are more colourful, bringing a sense of happiness despite the flooding. However as a picture book that’s aimed at children, I really don’t like just how dark and dreary the images look. The illustrations really are poignant and good, and I do like this style of illustrations, especially when evoking dark feelings of loss. But as a children’s book i just don’t think this will really engage that many kids. It’s certainly not a book I would have been that interested in looking at as a child, and except for the double page image of the father and daughter creating their music, which is interesting to look at, I don’t think any of the other images are quite as powerful that they would make me want to read this when I was younger.
This book is lovely, based on real people and a real event in history, however I’m really not sure that children will enjoy the book and that’s a shame. If there was a market for short picture books aimed at adults then I think this would fit better there, but as a book aimed at children, I just don’t know if any child would really appreciate it, especially if they don’t live in Northumberland and don’t know about the dam. In the end I don’t quite know who to recommend this book to. It’s a lovely book with poignant images and story but I think adults will appreciate it far more than children.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
The story is a simple one with the father and daughter waking up one morning and heading to the area, creating their music that one last time before the dam floods everything. The dam is then flooded but the music and memories of those before never die, they are always remembered with more singing, dancing and music. The story is actually based on the Kielder Water dam in North Northumberland which really was created, flooding the area in 1981. This information is at the back of the book which helps the story to make more sense for those that don’t know it. However, despite knowing this tale and the poignancy of the loss of an area when it is flooded, I don’t know if kids will really enjoy this picture book.
The words are almost poetic in this story, there is a feeling of the loss of everything, and there are some lovely illustrations of the spirits of those before remembered, but the words, at times, are so poetic that reading this purely from a child-like perspective, I struggle to understand any of it. There is a feeling of the sadness that surrounds the tale, and for those that remember the actual dam flooding, or a similar incident, this might bring back memories or evoke strong feelings, but it’s not really something I think any children will understand without help, and even then I’m not sure if they will really appreciate the story that much.
The illustrations are lovely and very clear. They evoke a real sense of the dark and depressing atmosphere and the feeling of the impending loss of the area. I really liked how the spirits of those past are drawn, and how well the pictures show the overall darker atmosphere. After the dam is flooded the illustrations have a lighter tone and are more colourful, bringing a sense of happiness despite the flooding. However as a picture book that’s aimed at children, I really don’t like just how dark and dreary the images look. The illustrations really are poignant and good, and I do like this style of illustrations, especially when evoking dark feelings of loss. But as a children’s book i just don’t think this will really engage that many kids. It’s certainly not a book I would have been that interested in looking at as a child, and except for the double page image of the father and daughter creating their music, which is interesting to look at, I don’t think any of the other images are quite as powerful that they would make me want to read this when I was younger.
This book is lovely, based on real people and a real event in history, however I’m really not sure that children will enjoy the book and that’s a shame. If there was a market for short picture books aimed at adults then I think this would fit better there, but as a book aimed at children, I just don’t know if any child would really appreciate it, especially if they don’t live in Northumberland and don’t know about the dam. In the end I don’t quite know who to recommend this book to. It’s a lovely book with poignant images and story but I think adults will appreciate it far more than children.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy for review.
September 25, 2020
I wasn't sure about this book but I ended up enjoying it. The illustrations as you would expect from Levi Pinfold capture the atmosphere of the story and David Almond's words compliment the pictures. Based on an event that happened in Northumberland it is not a book only of interest to locals as there are valleys all over the country that have disappeared under water and now exist as ghostly echoes.
October 10, 2025
Con la sua scrittura lirica e profonda, The Dam di David Almond racconta la memoria di un luogo destinato a scomparire sotto le acque di una diga. Accompagnato dalle evocative illustrazioni di Levi Pinfold, il testo diventa una riflessione poetica sul potere della musica, dell’arte e del ricordo di dare voce a ciò che il tempo cancella. Un albo intenso e contemplativo, dove la bellezza resiste anche nella perdita.
September 6, 2018
If you're going to pair one of my favorite authors with one of my favorite illustrators, why can't the book be three times longer? ...Other than, I suppose, the integrity of the story and all that. Sigh. So lovely.
October 23, 2020
Little snippets of pictures to show details. Double page spread of images with no words to immerse the reader in the story and to focus on the images. The images seem dark and get a little lighter towards the end. Based on a true story so could do some cross curricular work. Beauty of nature.
November 25, 2018
The paintings are beautiful, but mostly shades of brown the first several pages. Once the lake has arisen behind the dam, the illustrations become more colorful.
Read
December 26, 2021Came for the art, was not disappointed. Love Levi's art style. Sad and melancholy.
September 29, 2020
Told in Almond's classic soul-stirring style, 'The Dam' explores the power music can have in a dire situation.
The illustrations are really beautiful and rather haunting. I would use them as a stimulus for creative writing with an older class. We would discuss what is happening and investigate the character's feelings and voice their thoughts using drama techniques. I would also want the children to create pieces of music to accompany their writing, drawing upon the theme of the violin and it's shrill but merry sound. We would discuss how music can influence people's feelings and perspective on a negative situation. This could link to the children's experiences during the lockdown - did they listen to music to help them cope?
The influences from Almond's life in Northumbria are manifested through Pinfold's amazing landscapes and ghostly drawings.
The illustrations are really beautiful and rather haunting. I would use them as a stimulus for creative writing with an older class. We would discuss what is happening and investigate the character's feelings and voice their thoughts using drama techniques. I would also want the children to create pieces of music to accompany their writing, drawing upon the theme of the violin and it's shrill but merry sound. We would discuss how music can influence people's feelings and perspective on a negative situation. This could link to the children's experiences during the lockdown - did they listen to music to help them cope?
The influences from Almond's life in Northumbria are manifested through Pinfold's amazing landscapes and ghostly drawings.
June 4, 2022
Pinfold’s illustrations are excellent. Not too effusive, not too spare.
I’m reading and rereading a number of David Almond’s books these days. He is such a top notch kids author and doesn’t seem to get as much attention as he deserves in the US these days. This picture book shows an area that people used to live in, before the dam was built, and then the benefits of the dam afterward.
I was quite surprised because nowadays the thought is not to divert water because it wreaks havoc with the flora and fauna or a particular area.
I think this book could serve as an excellent talking point for students Gr5-8 about such changes.
I’m reading and rereading a number of David Almond’s books these days. He is such a top notch kids author and doesn’t seem to get as much attention as he deserves in the US these days. This picture book shows an area that people used to live in, before the dam was built, and then the benefits of the dam afterward.
I was quite surprised because nowadays the thought is not to divert water because it wreaks havoc with the flora and fauna or a particular area.
I think this book could serve as an excellent talking point for students Gr5-8 about such changes.
December 3, 2018
I throughly enjoyed this book, even more so when i found out it was based on truth. I feel I could use this book well in a classroom, as I intend to teach in the north east and could easily take children to Kielder. The book was so gripping and haunting it inspired me to do more research on the area.
October 20, 2018
An absolutely stunning book. I was totally captivated from the beginning. Really moved me.
May 24, 2025
Le texte aurait pu être plus étoffé mais les illustrations sont incroyablement belles et touchantes.
April 28, 2024
A stunning picture book. Melancholic yet hopeful at the same time.
October 21, 2025
A father and daughter pay homage to the valley that will be flooded when a dam under construction is completed
February 15, 2020
Al di là della diga
nell'acqua la musica resta,
non svanirà mai.
La sentiamo quando camminiamo lungo le sue sponde,
…
Quando guardiamo le stelle.
(pagina …)
nell'acqua la musica resta,
non svanirà mai.
La sentiamo quando camminiamo lungo le sue sponde,
…
Quando guardiamo le stelle.
(pagina …)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews