David Almond is a British author known for his children's and young adult literature. He was born on February 15, 1951, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Almond's writing often blends elements of fantasy and realism, exploring themes of childhood, imagination, and the human experience. He gained widespread recognition with his novel Skellig, published in 1998, which won several awards, including the Carnegie Medal. Almond has written numerous other books, such as Kit's Wilderness and The Fire-Eaters, and is celebrated for his unique storytelling style and ability to engage young readers.