Death, Duck and the Tulip by Wolf Erlbruch

A strangely heartwarming story. In Death, Duck and the Tulip, Duck strikes up an unlikely friendship with Death. 'Who are you? Why are you creeping along behind me?' 'Good. You've finally noticed me', said Death. 'I am Death'. Duck is startled, then relieved when, the next day, she wakes up alive...you can't blame her for that. Duck and Death experience life together, swimming in the pond, climbing a tree and keeping company together until one day Duck feels very cold...

This beautifully illustrated picture book can provoke an emotional reaction from readers. Death, Duck and the Tulip is intriguing, haunting and thought- provoking. I recommend this book to teenagers and adults. This book deals with a difficult subject in an elegant, witty and straightforward way.

If you like this book you might like The Life of Riley by Colin Thompson

Dragon's Bait by Vivian Vande Velde

Carrying on the supernatural theme, I found Dragon's Bait to be a quick, entertaining read.

Alys, the daughter of a poor, sickly village tinsmith has a date with a dragon. Unfortunately this is a date that is not destined to go well. A group of greedy, corrupt villagers have conspired to have Alys declared a witch - and the punishment for witchcraft in her village is to become a tasty snack for the local dragon. The villagers stake Alys out on a hillside and scurry home to their warm beds. It's late, it's cold and it's raining, and all Alys can think about is revenge. Then the dragon shows up, a dragon that is full of surprises...

If you like this book you may like Eragon by Christopher Paolini and the Pern series of novels by Anne McCaffrey.