Like his celebrated parable Grammar is a Sweet, Gentle Song, Erik Orsenna’s Tidings from the Isle of Flight is an inspirational story for all ages. Here the protagonists are again children, each one with a particular ability. They have been sought out by a business leader eager to encourage passion in children instead of learning by rote.

They pool their talents in a creation that breaks down the barriers of language and culture, and represents technological innovation at its best.