This month sees the publication of a breath-taking picture book collaboration by a multi-award winning pairing - author David Almond with illustrator Levi Pinfold.

The Dam, published by Walker Books is a re-telling of a true story originally told by Kathryn and Mike Tickell, a striking and moving tale of loss in which David Almond pays homage to all musicians, showing the ancient and unstoppable power of creativity.

When Kielder Water, the UK’s largest man-made reservoir was built in Northumberland, whole communities with farms, schools and homesteads had to be evacuated. The Dam follows two musicians who returned to the abandoned valley just before it’s filled with water. They tore down the boards over the houses, stepped inside and started to play - for this would be the last time that music would be heard in this place. Levi’s atmospheric landscapes perfectly capture the stunning Northumbrian countryside and celebrates the memories of the communities and families who once brought life to this now barren landscape.

Levi Pinfold is represented by Arena Illustration.