Head and Tales — Susan Price

Linnet begs his mates to cut off his head, so his children can carry it with them on the road. It's 1770 and Linnet lies dying beside the 'stinking ditch' he has helped to dig for miles. His last desperate wish is for his children to go home to his mother, whom they have never seen.But how are they to reach her safely, without money or knowing the way? His work-mates think his request is fever-talk but still... A promise to a dying mate is a serious thing. So, when the children start their long walk, they carry their father's head with them, wrapped in his old work-shirt. What use is a dead man's head when the children meet danger and difficulty?It's then the head opens its eyes and tells stories. Stories have power. Almost as much power as a father's love. Susan Price has won the Carnegie medal and the Guardian prize and her many books have been sold around the world. She has a life-long love of folk-tale and legend and has published several collections of retellings.