In Noah Barleywater Runs Away, bestselling author John Boyne explores the world of childhood and the adventures that we can all have there.

Noah is running away from his problems, or at least that's what he thinks, the day he takes the untrodden path through the forest. When he comes across a very unusual toyshop and meets the even more unusual toymaker he's not sure what to expect. But the toymaker has a story to tell, a story full of adventure, and wonder and broken promises. And Noah travels with him on a journey that will change his life for ever.

A thought-provoking fable for our modern world from the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.



It's inventive, wily, twisty and, apart from the scenes involving Noah's mother, less emotive. ... Overall, Noah Barleywater Runs Away is a carefully crafted whimsical gem, a story to share with others and to discuss at book clubs, a true publishing event. I would recommend this unusual, life-affirming tale to adult readers, and as a read-aloud for thoughtful children of age eight or nine-plus.
Irish Independent (Eire)

This can be enjoyed for the magical, quirkily-amusing storytelling but will be long remembered for making the reader think about life and death, love and the importance of living without regret.
http://www.readingzone.com/index.php?zone=sz&page=book&isbn=9780385618953

It deals with some significant and difficult themes: mortality, growing up, family dynamics and living with regret. But it's not dour. And, with goodly dollops of magic and wonderful surrealism, it has a fable-like quality. If they like magical stories, and if they like to deal with serious issues in a metaphorical way, they will love this sweet, funny and kindly book. I certainly did.
Jill MurphyThe Bookbag

Noah Barleywater Runs Away is a lovely story wrapped in magic and fairytale, and has reminded me how much I love John Boyne's writing. Readers of all ages will find something charming about this story, and it'll make you think about your own actions and how time moves a lot quicker than we think. I highly recommend it to everyone, whether you're old, young or just an 8-year-old boy looking for an adventure.
Wondrous Reads

This is a beautiful tale that covers topics such as love, loss and disappointment but it does so in a gentle way that a child can understand...This really is a wonderful story and something to be enjoyed by all ages or together as a family for bed time reading.
Sarah's Book Reviews

I feel that this book is John's finest work to date, and heartily recommend it to everyone. It will change the way you see even your own life, at least that's what happened with me! The most memorable read this year
Vincenthttp://mrripleysenchantedbooks.blogspot.com/

Noah Barleywater Runs Away is a lovely story wrapped in magic and fairytale, and has reminded me how much I love John Boyne�s writing. Readers of all ages will find something charming about this story, and it�ll make you think about your own actions and how time moves a lot quicker than we think. I highly recommend it to everyone, whether you�re old, young or just an 8-year-old boy looking for an adventure.
http://www.booksonabout.com/review-noah-barleywater-runs-away-by-john-boyne