Every child has silly ideas, but very few meet people who turn them into reality. When Paul decides to go to the top of his apartment building to touch the sky, he meets Mabel. Mabel speaks in non-sequiturs and consistently contradicts herself. Although nothing she says makes sense, Paul and his parents are amazed to see her outlandish statements become reality. The four of them go on a drive around the neighborhood searching for Mabel's eccentric brother Benjamin. The sister and brother convince Paul that his silly theory about the moon really being a hole in the sky may be true. Before long Paul finds himself climbing through that hole. There he discovers another world of beings that have somehow passed through this hole and never gone back to earth: pilots, acrobats and even a flying dog.

David Almond has created an amusing story in which logic is totally suspended. Formerly shy and friendless, Paul earns the respect of everyone in his neighborhood. Most importantly, however, he learns to respect himself. Children will particularly enjoy the absurdity of the book's dialogue and will be captivated by the unpredictable behavior of the characters.

Jennifer Minicus is a former teacher currently living in Ridgewood, NJ.

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