Zak [Paperback]

"Zak is a story of considerable interest and value to children and adults alike. It is a kind and human story delivered through the fascinating self-reflection and empathy of Zak, the 11 year old central character. It is highly entertaining, but also beautifully demonstrates the wisdom and ways of respect, acceptance, warmth and humility. I will read it again and again." -- Hilton Davies, Professor of Child Health Psychology, Kings College, London and Director of the Centre for Parent and Child Support. "I believe this to be a classic which promotes creativity, peacefulness and well being in our children. It is a fantastic school novel or gift for 7 year olds to adults." -- Connect Magazine, April 2007. "Original, quirky and amusing - one to be recommended." -- The School Librarian. "Celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the possibility of mankind interacting with it in a more magical and respectful way." -- The Ecologist.

A story with potential to be as successful as some of those we have come to regard as classics.

At the end of an amazing summer holiday Zak, age 11, decides to write his life story, because he wants people to understand his unusual experiences. He describes looking out from inside his mothers tummy, being born flying, learning to talk with animals, his inner not nowhere world, and the adventurous and mysterious summer he spends on River Island. There he encounters the wondrous zing that develops where nature is undisturbed by humans, and meets Leah, age 8, who to his surprise also talks with the animals, and becomes his best friend. Loved by boys and girls, 7 to 12 years old, ZAK is a book which parents and teachers are delighted to discover. It addresses the roots of present day dilemmas -- how to preserve our climate and planet, and how human beings can create peace.

I am not exactly a usual boy. And I started being unusual even before I was born. Maybe you are unusual too. I used to think I was the only one but I'm beginning to suspect there are a lot more of us than I ever imagined.
Born flying, Zak's first proper conversation is with a duck. He flies out the window on his first day of school and lives his zany, wondering life with his cat and his family. . .

. . . until one summer, age 11, he goes to River Island. He meets Laloune and Sh'krump who lead him into a series of funny, scarey and astonishing adventures, through which Zak discovers that reality is full of magic and that even people make good friends.
'I like Zak because the magic is believable.'
'Inspires wonder and respect for nature and people.'

Bridget Belgrave has taught juggling, ridden across Afghanistan on a horse, studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University, restored Oriental tribal rugs, brought up a son, and worked for fifteen years as an Alexander Technique teacher and energy healer. For the last ten years she has been an international Nonviolent Communication (NVC) trainer, and has developed innovative NVC training materials that are translated into eight languages.