Book Description

New Look! Relaunched with new jackets and 8 pages of new text!

The Middle Ages ran from the end of the Dark Ages to the Renaissance in the 15th century.This collection of superb photographs brings vividly to life rural and town life during that era - including the life of a peasant "tied to the soil," the power of the Church, and the rise of trade guilds.Starting with a description of the feudal system that existed in much of Europe, the book features artifacts, costumes, furniture, and building to illustrate daily medieval life.Discover the hardships of life on the land, as well as the magnificent tournaments of the royal court.Learn how food was prepared and served at a great banquet.See the illuminated chronicles kept by scholarly monks, and how master craftworkers used their skills to decorate the great cathedrals.Packed with fascinating facts, Medieval Life is a unique and compelling introduction to the people and culture of the Middle Ages. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A visual introduction to life in Medieval times
I have enjoyed several of the Eyewitness Books, ("Like a mini-museum between the covers of a book" according to "The Los Angels Times Book Review"), and picked up this one because I was reading Michael Crichton's "Timeline." That particular novel involves time travel back to Medieval times, and while the book involves descriptions of clothing, castles and weaponry, and a few sketches, I was looking for something that would help visualization. So "Medieval Life" was a virtual gold mine in that respect.

Andrew Langley covers medieval Europe from life on a country manor to the crowded streets of a developing town. We see how peasant's dressed, how medieval beds were constructed, their cooking utensils, and how to build a cathedral. Langely pays as much attention to the work of stonemasons as he does to jousting knights and how to guild letters on manuscripts. In short, you get a little bit of everything. There are two dozen sections covering running a manor, holy orders, and medieval music. This certainly helped me visualize the daring and dastardly doings in Crichton's novel. There is something of a resurgence of interest in Medieval times, which unenlightened folks used to refer to as the Dark Ages (darn those Renaissance revisionists), and books like "Medieval Life" amply illustrate why this is the case.

Limited info, but great pictures
DK eyewitness books are some of the greatest non-fiction books around. The distinctive white background and high-quality photography gives this book an edge over any other nonfiction picture book. And -- these pictures are real! They're beautiful museum-quality photos of all things related to medival times, accompanied by informative captions and text.

Learn about medieval life, from peasants to rich folks, their clothes, food, music, etc. The strength in this book lies in the photos, however, and this book isn't an exhaustive history of medieval times. Rather, it serves as a hook to interest people, and induce them to dig further, while giving them a bit more knowledge.

If you know someone (young or old) who is fascinated by medieval times, then you must introduce them to this book!

This book wasn't the greatest.
Knights, Castles, Medieval Life: Boring. I love Eyewitness books and I like a lot of the Water Eyewitness books, but Eyewitness books like Knights, Castles and Medieval Life just don't appeal to me. Eyewitness Medieval Life gets 1 star because in about 1 or 2 places in the book it is kind of intresting but other then that this book is very plain and boring.

Eyewitness Books are the BEST!
Knights, castles and medieval ways are vividly brought to life in this excellent book. Eyewitness books give you all the information you need in short text and captioned pictures...and they keep children's attention! ... Read more

Book Description

Up and up the wind drew him.
Haoyou looked about him and saw the whole
world beneath him. And it was his.

The Great Miao, master of the Jade Circus, offers Haoyou the amazing chance to escape his family's poverty -- by becoming a kite rider. Strapped onto a beautiful scarlet-and-gold kite, Haoyou is sent into the sky, earning money, freedom, and unexpected fame. Miao even plans for Haoyou to perform before Kublai Khan himself.

From Carnegie Medalist Geraldine McCaughrean comes a dazzling story of adventure, betrayal, family, and sacrifice set in the dramatic world of thirteenth-century China.

Reviews (2)

High-Flying Adventure
Unlike most stories where the hero faces one evil person or group, The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCaughrean pits the hero, Haoyou, against two unassociated malevolent individuals. This exciting story takes place in 13th century China, where Di Chou, a sailor, kills Haoyou's father in the hopes of marrying his wife, Qing'an, and sets fire to Haoyou's house. At this point, Haoyou and his mother move into Haoyou's great uncle Bo's house. Bo forces Haoyou's mother to work in a drinking house, locked up in the cellar and away from sunlight for months at a time to pay for his gambling addiction.

Haoyou and his cousin, Mipeng, set out to stop Di Chou by sending him and his evil plans on a sea voyage. However, Haoyou must bribe the ship's crew to get them to take Di Chou on board. He agrees to be a wind tester - a dangerous job where Haoyou is strapped to a kite and propelled upwards into the wind to test to see if the ship's voyage will be successful.

Haoyou wanted so much for his mother to be saved from the man who killed his father that he found the courage to risk his own life. After a man in the crowd sees Haoyou's skill as a wind tester, he approaches Haoyou's great-uncle Bo to ask that Haoyou join the circus. Bo gives Haoyou and Mipeng to the circus in the hopes of them earning money for him to gamble away.

When Haoyou and Mipeng begin to earn money in the circus, Haoyou's uncle Bo is there, ready to take it away from them. Haoyou faces a difficult decision - should he be obedient and respect his elders as is correct in 13th century China, or go against everything he has been taught and save the money for his mother and himself?

This exciting and suspensful story about Haoyou's quest to save his mother from Di Chou and his own family is sure to keep you turning page after page.

Richie's Picks: THE KITE RIDER
So, who's worse--the guy who kills your father and then burns up your house and livelihood in order to get his paws on your beautiful mother, or the great uncle who is doing his best to sell off that beautiful mother to the killer? And what has Kublai Kahn got to do with this historic adventure story that poses the question to teenagers--What if you are taught to always obey your relatives and those relatives make the Dursleys look like Ozzy and Harriet?

Haoyou is the boy living this nightmare, adrift in a sea of tradition, obedience, and superstition, who takes the daring gamble of offering himself as a wind tester:

"...Again the crew tugged on the rope, to tilt it back into the face of the wind. Haoyou's head cracked against the matting, and the rope handles burned the skin off his palms. He could hear the fibers of the rope creaking under the strain, his ribs bending inward where the harness crossed his chest. Perhaps his kite would burst apart. Perhaps there would be no air at all to breathe at the top of the sky"

The key to this riveting story set in thirteenth century Cathay (China) is a strong, cunning, heroic female character--a distant relative named Mipeng. I was continually touched and astounded by her bravery and intelligence as well as her friendship and support of Haoyou. She is fiercely determined to strip that blindfold of obedience from his eyes.

"And all at once, as if fear were a cloud layer through which he had risen, Haoyou looked about him and saw the whole world beneath him. And it was his. Like a sliver shield daubed with blue and green, it throbbed, convex, complex, beautiful. He was a swimmer floating on the surface of an ocean, borne up by such a clarity of water that he could see each sunken treasure, each darting fish, each twist of coral down there in the unbreathing fathoms below. He, out of all its sluggish inhabitants, could breathe! He alone had mastery over this shining province so beautiful that it spangled red and black and green in front of his eyes."

It is also fascinating to get such a vivid taste, vision, and smell of the Cathay encountered by Marco Polo--from the grimy, oily seaside villages to the opulence of the aforementioned Mongol conqueror.

And it's a rare adventure story that could top that feeling McCaughrean gives us in THE KITE RIDER--of flying hundreds of feet in the air, over a land of long ago, anchored to Mother Earth by a kitestring. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anastasia is a carefree young duchess, daughter of NicholasAlexandrovitch Romanov, tsar of all the Russias in 1914. While her fatherattends to the turbulent affairs of a vast and complex country, Anastasia'smajor concerns are how to get out of her detested schoolwork to play in thesnow, go ice skating, or have picnics. She wears diamonds and rubies, and everymorning her mother tells her which matching outfit she and her three sistersshall wear that day. Slowly a hint of future trouble enters her happy, pamperedlife. Anastasia's younger brother, the future tsar, is a hemophiliac--a"bleeder" who cannot stop bleeding if he is cut or bruised. Anastasia begins tolearn that all is not well in the outside world, either. Not everyone in Russiaworships her father as she does, and the Germans are about to declare war onRussia. Anastasia's world gradually deteriorates, as reported in her youthful,often playful journal.

As Russia entered World War I, hunger and poverty grew among the peasants, andthe Romanov ruling family began to lose favor, culminating in theirmurders--including Anastasia's--by Bolshevik revolutionaries. This fictionalizeddiary of the mischievous youngest daughter's last four years gives a fascinatingglimpse into a life of unlimited wealth--and the subsequent downward spiral.Historical notes, family trees, and photographs round out Carolyn Meyer'scompelling contribution to the popular Royal Diaries series. (Ages 9 to 14)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (75)

Another interesting Royal Diaries novel
"Anastasia: The Last Grand Duchess" was a great book that gave a much more realistic version of this young girl's life than the movies made about her!

12-year-old Anastasia has a wonderful time with her family, playing with her younger brother and father, reading her sisters' diaries, and visiting relatives. However, after her 13th birthday, her carefree life begins to change, when war breaks out with Russia. Continuing until she is almost 17, you will be amazed at the changes, generally not for the better, that take place in this teenager's life.

I really learned a lot about Anastasia, who lived not very long ago. The only thing I'd say against this book was that some years of her life were covered pretty briefly, but other than that, this first funny, and then serious novel was a great read! I'd definitely recommend it for ages 11 and up - I think this exciting book would appeal to a wide audience!

My name is Tika
I thought this book was very good. It really portrayed Anastasia as a real girl, not just someone in a history textbook in school. Anastasia is a young, blue-eyed, blonde Grand Duchess, the daughter of Czar Nickolas and Czarina Alexandra, the rulers of all Russia in 1914. The book tells all about Anastasia's life, how she snoops through her older sisters' diaries, goes sledding, plays jokes and games and puts on plays and stuff, birthday parties, and family acquaintances. The beginning is very detailed, and I like the invitation on the first page. However, as the book goes on, the story becomes less detailed. Sometimes Anastasia writes only once a month or even less, and I almost felt as if the author was in a hurry to get to the end of the book so she could write more about the days leading up to the Romanov family's tragic death. But if you liked this book and want to learn more about the Romanovs, read "Anastasia's album," by Hugh Brewster, or especially read "Nicholas and Alexandra: Tsar."

PERFECT! period!
I am very hard to please, and I critize anything when I'm not[just look at the review i wrote on Lady of Palenque], but this book about Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas and Tsarina Alexandra, is excellent! I loved it! It gives great information and I was never bored reading it! I have always been fascinated about Russian royal family, and this is perfect for anybody who wanted to know about the young Grand Duchess besides the information they get from text books! Ms. Meyer really out did herself, and i hope she continues to write just as well on the rest of her future books! I recomend this book to anyone who is a fan of the Royal Diary series and is interested in Anastasia. this is a must read!

An amazing book about princess Anastasia Romonov
Anastasia The Last Grand dutchess is about a young girl describing her life as a rich princess.Through her life Anastasia describes her life living as world war one goes on,and also being a prizoner in her own home.This book tells you the whole story about a real princess named Anastasia.The book also is not to deep that only adults could read it probbily the ages throgh 9-14. Anastasia is a wonderful book that I say describes her life well and deserves 4 and a half stars.

Anastasia, The Last Grand Duchess - Excellent Story!
Anastasia, The Last Grand Duchess is a wonderful yet sad story of 12 year old, Anastasia Nicolaviena. Last daughter of the last Tsar (sometimes spelled Czar) of Russia Nicolas II, her diary describes of the events in her life, such as when Russia was at war with Germany, when her father abdicated, and when her family was exiled, which led eventually to her tragic death at age 17 (how wrong is that? Her life was over before she had a chance to start it!). This book was a wonderfully written book, despite tragic events. If you are a new fan in the Royal Diary Series and are not sure where to start, I suggest reading Anastasia, The Last Grand Duchess first. Trust me, this book is worth it. ... Read more

Book Description

"America," the girl repeated. "What will you do there?"
I was silent for a little time.
"I will do everything there," I answered.

Rifka knows nothing about America when she flees from Russia with her family in 1919. But she dreams that in the new country she will at last be safe from the Russian soldiers and their harsh treatment of the Jews. Throughout her journey, Rifka carries with her a cherished volume of poetry by Alexander Pushkin. In it, she records her observations and experiences in the form of letters to Tovah, the beloved cousin she has left behind.

Strong-hearted and determined, Rifka must endure a great deal:humiliating examinations by doctors and soldiers, deadly typhus, separation from all she has ever known and loved, murderous storms at sea, detainment on Ellis Island--and is if this is not enough, the loss of her glorious golden hair.

Based on a true story from the author's family, Letters from Rifka presents a real-life heroine with an uncommon courage and unsinkable spirit.
... Read more

Reviews (67)

Letters from Rifka
"Letters From Rifka" is about a young jewish girl who lives with her parents and two brothers, Nathan and Saul in Russia around World War II. They later leave russia, because all the Jewish people are being captured and tortered by the Russians.The family goes to America to live a better life, but on way rifka developes a disease called, "The Ringworm" which caused all her hair to fall out. The Government won't let her enter America, so her family left her on an island, not far from New York City. She is left with special doctors to help her heal her Ringworm. she later becomes cured and joins her family in America.
My favorite part of the book was when she was in the hospital, the one she was left on to cure her "Ringworm",and takes care of another patient in the hospital. this patient is a young orphan russian boy. Rifka is like a mother to him. the boy only speaks to rifka and not his doctors,who want to send him back to Russia. I thought that was nice of her, even though Rifka was only "13".
I would recomend this book to anyone who enjoys diary-type books that take place in the past.

Letters From Rifka
Letters From Rifka is a great book by Karen Hesse.In this book a Jewish girl named Rifka has to escape from Russia with her family.The Russians and other people are treating the Jews badly there.Rifka and her family have to escape to Russia to get a better life.They catch a train to Poland.Shortly after they leave Poland Rifka develops a deadly disease,typhus.So the family has to stay in Poland for a while.
When Rifka and her family finally get to the ship to America they have to leave Rifka behind.The doctors won't let her board the ship.The reason why is because she has ringworm.You'll want to read this book to find out how Rifka survives without her family.

Excellent Jewish History Book
Letters from Rifka is a kids novel that is a good read if you want to know more about life as a Jew in the past. Rifka is a girl whose family is trying to flee Russia's horrible treatment and go to America. Things just don't seem to work out for her and her family though and she ends up being left behind. As the title suggests, this book is written as a collection of letters to her cousin Tovah. This book has won the National Jewish Book Award by the JWB Jewish Book Council and it was rightfully earned. I recommend this story to those in grade 4 and up.

Letters from Rifka
Letters From Rifka is an extraordinary book. It is about this girl named Rifka, she is 12 yrs. old. Rifka and her family are fleeing from Russia to America in 1919.The main characters are her brothers Saul and Nathan, Papa, Mama, Tahova, Rifka and Sister Katrina. They are going to America on a train.
Rifka writes letters in the margins of her favorite book her mom got her called Puskin. Tahova, her cousin still in Russia, is the person she is writing too in the book. Rifka and Tahova have a very serious relationship, even though Rifka knows that Tahova will never get her letters she insists on writing to him. In the letters she writes, she talks about the illnesses that she got along the way and the things she had to do to get to America.
My opinion about this book is very strong because it teaches a lot about how cruel the Germans were to the Jewish people. I also like this book because it shows you that just because you have a different religion doesn't mean that you are different from anybody else. Does Rifka make it to America is still a mystery, but read this book and you will find out.

Letters From Rifka
The name of the book I read Is called Letters From Rifka,which Is historical fiction. The main character of the book Is Rifka who tries to escape froom the Russian guards that are cruel to Jews.
I rated this book as a 4 because It had a lot of things I can relate to. For example,In letters from Rifka her mom sees that Rifka becomes friends withIlya and her mom's disappointed because Ilya Is Russian and because the Russians are cruel to Jews. I can relate to that situation when my mom saw a friend of mine and she doesn't like her because of the way she acts. The two situations are different because Rifka mother was commenting about how her daughter was friends with a Russian and my mother was making a decision on how my friends act. But the two situations are also similar because the two parents are worried about who are their children hanging out with.
What I learned from this Is when my I'm a parent I'll let my children be friends with anybody they want to as long as my children don't do bad things like the other children do. ... Read more

Book Description

In her long-awaited new novel, Newbery medalist Karen Cushman assembles a cast of unforgettable characters in a fascinating and pungent setting: the medical quarter of a medieval English village. To Blood and Bone Alley, home of leech, barber-surgeon, and apothecary, comes Matilda, raised by a priest to be pious and learned, and now destined to assist Red Peg the Bonesetter. To Matilda"s dismay, her work will not involve Latin or writing, but lighting the fire, going to market, mixing plasters and poultices, and helping Peg treat patients. Matilda is appalled by the worldliness of her new surroundings and yearns for the days at the manor when all she did was study and pray. Lonely and misunderstood, she seems destined for a fate as tragic as that of any of the sharp-tongued saints she turns to for advice.

Filled with the witty dialogue and richly authentic detail that Karen Cushman"s work is known for, Matilda Bone is a compelling comic novel about a girl who learns to see herself and others clearly, to laugh, and to live contentedly in this world. Author"s note. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Not what I would call a "MUST READ"...
Matilda lives in Blood and Bone Alley, where she serves Peg the bonesetter. Matilda is very unhappy in her new life as a bonesetters assistant. Before moving in with Peg, Matilda lived in a manor where her life was filled only with prayer and study. In Peg's home she is expected to go to the market, tend the fire, and help treat patients. Surrounded by people who laugh and joke instead of pray and study, Matilda feels alone and misunderstood. She longs for her former life at the manor. But she cannot return to that life, and thus Matilda struggles to find contentment in her new one.

While I enjoyed reading about life in Blood and Bone Alley, I did not like Matilda as a character or a person at all. While the setting and story are interesting, the overall disgust I felt with Matilda often overshadowed my enjoyment of the novel. This is a good book for someone who is interested in medieval times, medieval medicine, or in historical fiction and has a few hours to while away.

Life lessons
Father Leufredus has taught Matilda how to read, speak, and write Latin, how to read and write in English, information about various saints, how to pray in different positions and at several times during the day, how to judge, all about the countless things that are wrong and bad for her, but he hasn't taught her how to listen, to love, to laugh, to dream, or to give of herself. He hasn't taught her what a friend is, or what it feels like to belong. But when he drops her off to apprentice to Red Peg the Bonesetter on Blood and Bone Alley, Matilda's journey to learning how to LIVE life, to find her talents, her heart, her friends, her home - where she belongs - has finally begun.

Light reading
Matilda Bone brought me mixed emotions. I loved the medieval setting, and the lessons on medicine, but that's about as far as it goes. Matilda is, to put it plainly, a spoiled brat. She is rude, narrow-minded, and very tedious to trudge through the story with. Her change of heart at the end is more of a relief than heart-warming. If not for the setting or a fairly humorous band of characters, I probably would have given the book up. I didn't, and I'm somewhat glad.

Matilda Bone is good for light reading, but don't expect to be sitting at the edge of your seat or fighting back tears. The book is still but a seed in a field of ever-growing fantasies.

Life on Blood & Bone Alley
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I have read two other books by Karen Cushman (Catherine, Called Birdy & The Midwife's Apprentice), both of which I have loved. This book has also gained the same special place in my heart.

Matilda, who was used to a fairly easy lifestyle following the teachings of a priest (she takes her religion very seriously); arrives at Blood and Bone Alley (the community where you can find Bonesetters, Bloodletters & Barbers)and she is more than disappointed and offended. Desperately awaiting her most respected priest's return, she starts to find herself thrown into the life of a bonesetter's helper. Through this she experiences what she had never experienced before - people, and people different from herself.

I found Matilda's journey of self-discovery and realization of the human heart entertaining, thoughtful and at times, funny. It's a good book.

Entertaining, Relevant, and Educational
As done before in The Midewife's Apprentice, Karen Cushman again creates a historical fiction novel for young adults called Matilda Bone. She constructs a young, female protagonist, Matilda, who is struggling for identity and companionship all the while showing historical facts. She develops a beautiful integration between the fictional plot and the historical facts, which are nearly inseparable. While learning about medieval times and medicine, the reader will become entwined into the story and will connect with Matilda even though she's in a completely different time period.
Throughout this novel, the reader will gain knowledge and information about the practices and culture of Medieval England. Cushman uses a variety of techniques to integrate historical facts. First, she uses setting as a way of showing the reader what it would be like to be on 'Blood and Bone Alley,' a fictional street in this medieval town. "And so many buildings: Houses and shops crowded together, leaning higgledy-piggledy against each other and away, to the left and to the right; taverns and inns, dark and crowded and ominous; churches with their bell towers pointing up to heaven" (Cushman 21). After being sent here, Matilda is left to work for the bonesetter, Peg. This is quite culture shock for Matilda from the proper life that she had living under Father Leufredus. She'd been educated in Latin, and Cushman includes some Latin words throughout the text to add more historical aspects to this novel. For example, Cushman will use Latin words with English translation following close behind. "[M]isericordia, distress of the heart" (82). Cushman also presents factual information through terms that are relevant to this time period. Bleeders, leeching, apothecary, bonesetting, and many tonics and potions are just a few of the terms included throughout the novel to show and explain what medicine and life were like in Medieval times. Some of these terms might be unfamiliar to the reader, but these terms give an opportunity for research. Learning about these facts will add to the reader's understanding of the times and practices.
Even though the reader is learning about bleeding and leeching, he/she will be able to connect to the story and identify with the main character. Matilda is a girl who feels abandoned and alone. Due to her mother's desertion and her father's death, Matilda is left in the hands of Father Leufredus. He's now left her to be of help to the bonesetter, Peg, while he is away in London. Matilda's loneliness is portrayed so that the reader can understand and sympathize with her. "Never had she felt so alone. If only she could talk with her holy priest, she would be comforted, but she could not" (40). Another way that the reader will connect with Matilda, even though they are in two different time periods, is Matilda's search for her own identity. She had been told what to believe, so she had never considered what she thought. Anyone who thought differently than Father Leufredus was in the wrong, and she was unable to accept any other perspectives. Matilda's own view and thoughts develop throughout the story and show her awakening to her identity. "Love brightens and purifies the heart? Never had she heard such a thing from Father Leufredus. She was beginning to think there was much she had never heard from Father Leufredus that she would like to hear now" (119-120).
Overall, this book is accurate and a wonderful piece of historical fiction. The only aspect of this book that might be a deterrent is the negative portrayal of religion and the church. Cushman uses Father Leufredus as a figure that Matilda modeled herself after. Her own identity comes when she realizes that there is more to life that what he's taught her and that different types of knowledge are possible. Other characters in the book tell her to forget about what he's told her because it's not all true. But, the reader might get confused with these negative comments. It is important that the reader sees that it's not religion or the church that is incorrect but that it's Matilda's unwillingness to accept anything but that of what she's been taught.
For example, when Peg was treating a cat, Matilda didn't want to be involved. "Truly you should not be treating cats, Mistress, Peg. Father Leufredus says a cat is cane pejor et angue. That means worse than a dog or a snake" (39). Obviously, the reader is going to realize that treating cats is all right. But, if the reader assumes that Father Leufredus (and the church) are incorrect, this could develop negative views toward the credibility of religion. Cushman tries to somewhat counteract this through the character of Walter, a young man around the same age as Matilda, but this might be a bit unsuccessful. He tries to show that there is more to God and faith than what Father Leufredus has taught her. " 'What about God's love?' God's love. Walter must know a different God than she did, remembering Father Leufredus's warnings about Hellfire and punishment and God's anger" (136).
This novel would be a great asset to have children read when studying the Mideval times. Not only will the children learn historical facts and practices, but also they will be able to identify with the main character and the people of that time. The story line keeps interest, while teaching new terms. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A Cecile fan!
This book is so good! I cried. I laughed. I felt like I was Cecile!! Mary Casanova is an excellent writer. I don't want to tell you anything about the book, then it'll spoil it and you wont read it!! I also suggest you read the other Girls of Many Lands books, although this is the only one I've read so far.

On a scale from 1 to 10, I choose 12!
Before you press the NO button on the bottom of this review saying that it is not helpful, please read my review because it is OK. This book is so horribly horible it is wonderful. The book begins at 12 year old Cecile Revel's poor village. She finds a woman (the king's sister in-law to be correct) who is injured and has her father help the lady. The lady then lets Cecile come with her, leaving her life as a peasant to be a servant of dogs at the kings palace. And of course even a servant to dogs at a palace is better than being a peasant in a shack. So then she goes to a life at court and recieves word that her father has died. So then she's all depressed and then she starts to fall for Phillipe, a boy her age that often escorts her around. Then she is accused of killing royalty, and then more royalty, and then again, another member of the royal family. She learns of her father's devestating past. She is not allowed to go to the Royal Christmas Ball. (What a shame that was, I was looking forward to her going with Phillipe) She is sent away to a boarding school at the end of the story. About all of the main characters die. It is a book that is so horrible, but, in a funny way, it is good. I would recommend it to all GIRLS aged 11 to 14.

Mary Casanova has done it again!
This awesme book is a perfect example of love and kindness. In this book Cecile,a 13 year old girl and also a commoner, goes to live in court after she saves Madame from when she fell off her horse, and in return she is invited to stay in the palace. While shes there she learns he way of a proper lady. And meets wonderful new people! I recomend this book to anyone who loves adventure!

THE BEST BOOK EVER!!
This book is about 12 year old Cecile Revel who dreams of life at court. She watches madame's dogs and meets new people. This is such a good book I can't write it all down!

Tres Bien!
I originally picked this up because it was by the same publisher as the American Girls Series (I am a huge fan of the Josephine and the Felicity books), along with Spring Pearl. I dove into this book, to say the least. The story is about the daughter of a widowed French man, named Cecile. One day while out in the woodlands, a royal entourage passes by and a woman losses her course and finds Cecile. As it turns out, she is the Duchesse de Orleans from the Versailles Court. Madame as she known as around Versailles adopts Cecile and takes her to the frivolous court where Cecile is introduced to the royal family and the grandeur of France. The stories of the Versailles intrigues w/ Cecile are wonderful. They are very detailed, very amusing, very entertaining, and full of hidden morals. Although some of the scenes were unecessary, the story overall was a grand treat. The best scene I think was perhaps the Christmas ball, as entertaining and scandalous as it was. The story ends in tragedy, with the death of one of the little dauphins. Cecile is banished because she helped keep the other dauphin from his family, therefore putting him in danger (but really saving him). Cecile is sent to a girls' school, and forever leaves behind Versailles behind the gates of gold.
This story was great, the best in the series I'd say. Great details, development, characters, and enough to capture your mind. Although, I may be overating this book, as I am obsessed with the French courts of Versailles, Marie Antoinette, and all French royalty, I am sure everyone who tries this book will enjoy it. And of course, since I am one of the biggest fans of the Royal Diaries out there, I have to add that Marie Antoinette, Princess of Versailles, would be an excellent book to read alongside Cecile.
Bon travail Mary Casanova! ... Read more

Book Description

Nicknamed after his hometown of Kakabeka, Canada, Kak dreams of flying with the Allied bombers in World War II. So at 16, underage and desperate to escape his abusive parents, he enlists in the Canadian Air Force. Soon he is trained as a wireless operator and sent to a squadron in England, where he’s unabashedly gung ho about flying his first op. He thinks the night ops over Germany will be like the heroic missions of his favorite comic-book heroes. Good will vanquish evil. But his first time out, in a plane called B for Buster, reveals the ops for what they really are—a harrowing ordeal.

The bombing raids bring searchlights . . . artillery from below . . . and night fighters above hunting to take the bombers down. One hit, Kak knows, and B for Buster, along with him and his six crewmates, could be destroyed.

Kak is terrified.

He can’t confide his feelings to his crew, since he’s already worried that they’ll find out his age. Besides, none of them seem afraid. Only in Bert, the slovenly caretaker of the homing pigeons that go on every op, does Kak find an unlikely friend. Bert seems to understand what the other men don’t talk about—the shame, the sense of duty, and the paralyzing fear. As Kak seeks out Bert’s company, he somehow finds the strength to face his own uncertain future. ... Read more

Book Description

It is a.d. 79. The Roman world is reeling from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Hundredsof refugees are living in a makeshift camp, trying to come to terms with what hashappened. Then even more tragedy strikes: the camp’s children begin to disappear. FlaviaGemina and her friends Jonathan, Nubia, and Lupus are determined to find out more andstart to investigate a powerful and charismatic man known as the Patron. A dangeroustrail leads them to the caves and grottoes of Sorrento, where they encounter pirates, slavedealers—and possible death. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An exciting adventure.
This is an exciting adventure for Flavia, Lupus, Jonathan, and Nubia in the Ancient Roman Empire. There are pirates taking kids all over the area around Mount Vesuvius after it erupts. Flavia and her friends face many dangers while they're trying to figure out who the kidnappers are.

If you like exciting, mysterious, historical fiction you should read this book. It is best if read in order in the Roman Mysteries series. This is book III.

The best kids' series!
My son and I discovered the first book in The Roman Mysteries series in our local library. We both loved it - and waited so patiently for the second! Then, in the summer, we visited England. And discovered the rest! Pirates of Pompeii, which is, thankfully, available in America, was our favorite. If it was possible to choose. We could not put this down! I would recommend reading this after The Secrets of Vesuvius, since the action picks up from the next day. What a great page turner!

GREAT
The Pirates of Pompeii is another great book written by the wonderful author Caroline Lawrence. The book comes after the second book The Secrets of Vesuvius and contains loads of new characters. The four main characters (Flavia, Nubia, Johnathen and Lupus) all have more exciting adventures throughout the book so make sure that you read it. ... Read more

Book Description

The samurai warriors of ancient Japan were taught to fight with their hearts and minds as well as with their swords. But even the best of training doesn't prepare a samurai for every situation...

• A lone samurai is attacked by two Ronin--can he keep his head and come out of it alive?

• Can a samurai with a reputation for being unlucky to defeat a ferocious dragon and regain his honor?

• A brave girl fights tradition to learn swordmanship, but can she master the arts of the samurai?

Reviews (2)

Sword of the Samurai
Sword of the Samurai is a great book. It is a series of several stories about samurais. Even though this book is fantasy it brings in life lessons that you can relate to in real life. Like when 3 samurai trick someone into a ride in their oxcart because they don't want to walk to a festival their journey ends up to be a misrable one. That is why you should not trick people into doing something for you because the samurai almost lost face. You'll have to read this book to find out why. This book brings out many journeys with weak and brave samurais but I think you will love every one. Each and every one has a different moral to it and it makes you think about real life situations. If you like action adventure and fictional books I think you should read Sword of the Samurai by Eric A. Kimmel.

Far better than Pokemon and Digimon
This collection of Samurai stories is written for a child to read themselves. The stories are short and entertaining - a head severed and reattached, a tea master frightening a swordsman, an unluckly samurai accidently finding the secret to destroy a dragon, a no-sword samurai master outwitting a braggart samurai, a female samurai ... all in all good fun for the right child.

The author has provided a very short introduction to each story to place the story culturally - this keeps the "Japanese" aspect from provided a cultural barrier to the reader's understanding. The author has used a few Japanese words and provide a glossary of them ... just enough to remind the reader these are samurai not knights. ... Read more

Book Description

Mangus the Magician must free a princess from a terrifying ghost. Naturally, Mangus doesn't believe in ghosts. He doesn't even believe in magic! However, his servant boy, Fabrizio, is a secret friend of the princess and is determined to prove the ghost is real. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (44)

Watch out, Elizabeth
This story takes place in London, during the rule of King Henry VIII. He has two daughters, one to his first wife, Catherine, he had their marriage anulled and then married Anne Boleyn, who beared his second daughter, in which after he has her beheaded. Mary, was his first born, and Elizabeth his second. They were both told they were not fit to rule London. Their father has another child, though, a boy this time, in which is fit to rule.
At the palace in which Elizabeth is staying, she gets news that her father has died. Now they go to London, and Elizabeth's brother becomes King. But when things don't go well for him and he dies, Mary becomes Queen and restores the Catholic religion. Elizabeth, a prostentant, is forced to attend Catholic mass, and is no longer allowed to beleive the Prostentant religion. The throne isn't as close as she thinks, and her sister won't easily be persuaded to make her the heir.
This book was particularly good. I enjoy fantasy stories as well as historical fiction, so this one i loved. I also read Mary, Bloody Mary, which in my opinion, wasn't an exciting of a story. This book makes you think how difficult life was back in the 1500's with all the beheadings and so. I would reccomend this book to everyone who love to read. I personally give this book 5 stars.

A fascinating portrayal of the young Princess Elizabeth.
As the daughter of King Henry the VIII and Anne Boleyn, the wife he had executed on false charges of adultery simply because she did not birth him a son, the young Princess Elizabeth was at various times pampered, scorned, or simply ignored by her father. She and her young half-brother Edward, the heir to the throne, were close. But Elizabeth and her half-sister Mary - daughter of the woman Henry divorced to marry Anne Boleyn - were barely civil to each other. Mary hated Elizabeth simply for her mother's identity. When the King dies and Edward is crowned, the two sisters manage an uneasy peace - until Edward dies and Mary becomes Queen. Now Elizabeth is in grave danger. There are many reasons her sister could want her out of the way. Elizabeth will need all of her wits if she is to survive the dangers of her sister's reign so that someday she can become Queen of England. This was a fascinating portrait of Elizabeth as a teenager and young woman. I highly reccomend this book.

beware of princess elizabeth
I liked the book. I was fond of elizabeth. I did my projects on her when I had the chance, I like that she showed men who was the boss, and that she didn't need them for anything at all, Elizabeth was indepent. I would consider this book to who ever likes to hear stories about the royal familys,like I do. Elizabeth was mean when she got mad,but she never send any body to cute their heads off for pleasure.

Great Suspense Novel!
This book is a great one, I loved it! I liked how you never knew what was going to happen because there was twists and turns at every page! I would tell you my favorite part, but I don't have one, I loved it all! I want to read it over and over again. My favorite character was Elizabeth because she is just like me. I would have done the exact same thing if I was in her situation. If you are looking to find a great book, this is it. You will love "Beware, Princess Elizabeth!"

*cool*
I got this book 2 years ago at my school's book fair.I simply couldn't put it down. So far I've read it over 9 times (and no, I'm NOT exagerrating).After I read it once I had become a total Tudor freak.So,enough about me.The book starts off with Elizabeth learning that her fathers dead.And that her brothers King (it would be SCAREY if my brother were 'king').I love how Carolyn Meyer gives history a fun twist.Plus the book has only 1 bad word.I'll sum it down to this :if your considering buying this book DO IT !! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Montmorency on the Rocks, the second volume of Eleanor Updale’s popular Victorian spy drama, finds our title hero in a much darker place than the London sewers where his alter ego Scarper used to dwell. It has been five years since Montmorency teamed up with gentleman spy George Fox-Selwyn. They enjoyed much success infiltrating the Ottoman underworld, until Montmorency acquired a treacherous taste for opium. Now addicted, he has come dangerously close to revealing his criminal past to Fox-Selwyn while under the influence. Meanwhile, the British government has called the duo home to discover the identity of a bomber who is targeting London’s landmarks. Frustrated Fox-Selwyn decides to bring Montmorency to the one person who knows the former thief better than anyone: Dr. Robert Farcett. But Farcett, who saved Montmorency before, has recently lost his nerve in the operating arena. However, in teaming up with the undercover agents, Dr. Farcett comes across a community that is losing youngsters at an appalling rate, and discovers something that just might give him reason to practice again. All of these threads come together in a brilliant climax that will leave exhilarated readers with a surprising question on the very last page.

Montmorency on the Rocks can stand on its own, but no teen reader should be denied the thrilling experience of getting to know the Victorian thief-turned-gentleman from the beginning. Adolescent Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes fans are sure to enjoy this intriguing "extreme makeover" of the traditional British mystery. (Ages 10-15) --Jennifer Hubert ... Read more

Book Description

There were no spaceships or airplanes when Zoro was a boy. He lived in Italy during the era we now call the Renaissance, a time when the sky belonged to the birds. But one unusual man dreamed of incredible flying machines. "One day, Zoro," he told his pupil, "people will sail through the clouds and look down at the world below." Zoro was curious. He knew that his teacher did more than merely dream about the future, but was an important artist and inventor. Then Zoro made an astonishing discovery. His teacher was building a mysterious machine. A machine intended to fly! Here begins a fascinating story based on a true event, for Zoro's master was the famous artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci. Full-color illustrations throughout this beautiful book include reproductions of some of Leonardo's famous artworks. (Ages 4-8) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

anti-Christian book
This book is positively horrible! Within just the first few pages it starts up with the old stereotypes of the mean Catholic nuns teaching school. It then goes on to develop the hero of the story - Kathleen's 20 year old aunt "Polly" who likes to wear bright red lipstick, smoke, and hates anything to do with Christianity or the Church. The truth is that "Polly's" real name is "Mary", but she cannot bear the idea of that name so she demands that everyone call her "Polly" instead. In one scene Polly lectures her brother-in-law, Kathleen's father, on the dangers of going to church, praying, and devotions.

Passed By (Too Quickly) With Flying Colors!
"The rough, distempered floorboards seemed to disappear from under me, my feet barely brushed them, and I flew. It was all airy and feathery, like walking on water, like skimming over clouds. I was kicking and twirling in a new, airy element flying in time with the music into a different world, where weight didn't matter, where gravity didn't exist...I was going to dance my way to the stars on airy-fairy feet, light as air, free as a bird." Just like Kathleen feels when she's dancing, this book flew by in a whirl of vivid characters, brilliant descriptions, and happily ever afters.
Kathleen Murphy, a poor Irish girl, is made to take dancing lessons by her strict teacher Mother Rosario. After being tricked into believing the lessons are free, she has to quit after one wonderful, tantalizing class because it is too expensive. Mrs. Maguire, the dance instructor, gives her a scholarship, and it seems like she can finally dance, as she loves to do. But soon, she is accepted into the dancing feis, a big competition, and needs a costume. Kathleen will try anything to get that expensive costume!
This book was delightful to read. The plot was sometimes funny, sometimes serious, and it ended in a wonderful happy ending. The characters were all very true-to-life, and you could relate to them and feel happy and sad for them. I also learned about Ireland in the 1930s and '40s.

"Riverdance" meets "Angela's Ashes"
Kathleen Murphy lives in Dublin, Ireland in 1937. Ireland is in the midst of another Depression, and Kathleen's father is out of work. After showing up to her (Catholic) school late one too many times, one of the sisters recommends Irish dance lessons as a way to keep Kathleen out of trouble. Kathleen finds from the very first lesson that she loves to dance and has a real talent for it, but the issue of not being able to pay for classes nearly ends her career at the beginning.

She is chosen to represent her dance school at a feis (dance competition), but is haunted by her mother's severe illness and her lack of money for a dance costume (a requirement to participate). Her favourite Aunt Polly grows distant as well, and Kathleen prays for a miracle. Her miracle does indeed come, but not in a way anyone expected!

"Kathleen: The Celtic Knot" is a fabulous read, very Irish in character (each novel is written by someone from the country it takes place in) and similar at times to Irish novelist Frank McCourt's voice. Many Irish expressions and Gaelic words are sprinkled liberally in the text. The back of the book features a segment on life in Ireland and a glossary of Irish/Gaelic words and expressions. An uplifting tale for American Girl fans and Irish dance enthusiasts, those who love Irish culture or those just looking for an entertaining read.

A story of miracles
It is 1937 and Ireland is in another Depression and once again twelve-year-old Kathleen Murphy's father is out of work. For Kathleen it is devastating for she will never be able to afford Irish dancing lessions which she hold so dear to her heart. But miracles do happen, and because she has a great amount of talent Mrs. Maguire , the dance teacher, allows Kathleen to take lessons for free, but when the yearly contest draws near, Kathleen begins to dread each impending day for she knows her family has no money to spare for a fancy dance costume. Of course miracles continue to happen for Kathleen and it looks like she might acturally get her dress, but yet again there is another roadblock for her mother falls unexpectantly ill. Who will now make the dress Kathleen so desires and where will the money come from? It seems impossible, but when one thing leads to another Kathleen finds herself flying across the stage in her first contest. This was another great Girls of Many Lands book. I recommend you to read all the other ones too.

Good story!
In this story, twelve-year-old Dubliner Kathleen Delaney is given the chance to take Irish dancing lessons in 1937 and discovers she has a talent for it.
I really liked this book because it showed you all about Irland in the 1930s. IRLAND RULES! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Paris in the 1400s. A young girl named Marguerite delights in assisting her father, Jacques, in his craft: illuminating manuscripts for the nobility of France. His current commission is a splendid book of hours for his patron, Lady Isabelle, but will he be able to finish it in time for Lady Isabelle's name day?

In this richly illustrated tale, Marguerite comes to her father's aid. She journeys all over Paris buying goose feathers for quills, eggs for mixing paints, dried plants and ground minerals for pigments. Then she expertly finishes the illumination of Lady Isabelle's book, to the delight of her father and his patron. This delightful book, brought to life by the finely detailed, evocative art of a renowned children's artists, was inspired by an illuminated manuscript in the collection of the Getty Museum. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Illuminating book about the Middle Ages
Marguerite's father Jacques is the most famous manuscript illuminator in Paris, when he is injured and cannot finish the book he is working on, Marguerite sets out to do it for him. We see Marguerite travelling round Paris buying the things she needs to complete the book, then we see her preparing the pages, mixing the paints, and completing the picture her father was working on. The story is accompanied by beautiful illustrations showing life in medieval Paris and details of illuminated manuscripts. This charming book is an ideal intoduction to the middle ages for children (especially girls) showing that there was more to the period than knights in armour and plague. A lovely and unusual book.

summery
600 years ago, Lady Isabelle of Paris ordered a book from Papa Jacques, a famous book maker and he has only three days left to finish it. However, Jaqueses' eyeglasses is broken. So Jaqueses' daughter, Marguerite finished the book for him. Margurite went to Master Raymond's house for gold leafs, a farm for parchment, the market for eggs, goose feathers,parsley, and a pot of honey, and finally the apothcary for dried saffron flowers, madder roots, a cake of vermilion, some wax, pine pitch, and some lapis lazuli stone. At her house, Marguerite prepared he pens and paint. Then Marguerite started to paint. On one page, which was decorated with Lady Isabelle's favorite daises Marguerite colored Lady Isabelle's robe and hair. When Isebelle came to check on the book, she was very impressed.

Maguerite Makes a Book
Wow, this book has the most beautiful illustrations I have seen in a long time! My daughter and I just love the story and the fold out pages! We have been inspired to do more digging into this topic. I am going to share this book with my Grade 2 and 3 art students. A definite must for little artists.

Marguerite Makes a Book
I have always been fascinated by illuminated books so this book immediately caught my attention when shopping for nieces and nephews. It is beautifully illustrated and the story is sweet. It would be nice though if once a young lady could render assistance by being invited instead of having her father injure himself first! The center fold on how to make paints is a little unusual. Read the two opposing pages first, then open. Lovely book for children and their parents.

Story and Illustrations are wonderful
Both the story and illustrations in this book are wonderful. The story explains how books were illuminated. A fold out section explains how the different color paints were created. The story may be a little long for beginning listeners in a read aloud situation. The book has a glossary of technical terms that expands on the meaning given in the text. Inspired by a group of Parisian Manuscripts in the Getty Museum. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (17)

While you wait for the next Harry Potter
I'd never heard of the Green Knowe books until I recently picked this one up. Too bad, this is a story I would have loved to have someone read to me when I was a kid and which I look forward to reading to my own kids. It is the magical, mysterious tale of young Master Toseland, who goes to spend the Christmas holiday with his great-grandmother Mrs. Oldknow at the family estate of Green Noah. Arriving by train, he finds the grounds flooded and the groundskeeper, Mr. Boggis, must pick him up in a rowboat to carry him to the house. It gradually becomes apparent that the house is temporally as well as physically isolated. First through overheard giggles and then by shadowy glimpses, it is revealed to Tolly (as Mrs. Oldknow calls him) that the house is inhabited by the spirits of children from generations long passed. In particular, Toby, Linnet and Alexander, three siblings felled by the plague hundreds of years earlier, romp about the building and grounds. Mrs Oldknow, who is well aware of the phenomena, tells Tolly stories about the children and the history of the manor, including a gypsy curse that was placed on a creepy topiary of Noah, which is how the place (originally Green Knowe) got its name.

Lucy Boston was inspired to write these books--this is the first in a series of eight--after restoring the Manor House at Hemingford Grey, which dates to the year 1130. The restoration process discovered all kinds of hidden fireplaces and windows and other reminders of the house's ancient past. This apparently awakened in her a sense of history on a human scale and reminded her of how easily we ignore such things. She set out to help others recall this sense of wonder:

I would like to remind adults of joy, now obsolete, and I would like to encourage children to use and trust their senses for themselves at first hand--their ears, eyes and noses, their fingers and soles of their feet, their skins and their breathing, their muscular joy and rhythms and heartbeats, their instinctive loves and pity and awe of the unknown.

She succeeded brilliantly. This enchanting book is suffused with an aura magic and a real spirit of joy.

GRADE: A

Best-Kept Secret in Children's Literature?
This wonderful book escaped my notice as a child, and now I know why--the local library doesn't have a copy of this, or any of the other titles in the series! How awful!

I first found Green Knowe through a listing in the "Best Books for Children" guide. It's now my absolute favorite! I won't attempt a synopsis here--you can read the other reviews for that. But I did want to say it's absolutely MAGICAL! The story is a bit spooky, definitely old-fashioned, mysterious, and sweet, all at the same time! I have to say, as someone who reads a lot of "kiddy lit," I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop in this book. In a lesser novel, the sweet old grandmother character would've turned out to be secretly evil, or a witch, or some such nonsense. Happily, she's a magical sweet old lady, and the relationship between this ancient one and her little (great) grandson is really charming.

As a matter of fact, the real conflict only comes in just at the end (with a scary scene I won't spoil), so parents who are overly-concerned that their child not read *anything* containing conflict, "bad guys," or evil, be forwarned--all is not goodness and light here. Personally, I find a story about the struggle between good and evil (in the same category as C.S. Lewis' Narnia books) uplifting. The magical "ghost" aspect of it is also treated in a way that promotes good feeling, in my opinion (I know some parents do not appreciate *any* references to the paranormal, either--so I wanted to mention it).

But for the rest of us--what a FIND the Green Knowe books are! I've bought a copy for all my neices and nephews. They're off reading Harry Potter and the like. I've read HP, by the way, just to be able to make educated remarks about it. It certainly wasn't the worst book I ever read, but I sure hope you parents are also giving your kids copies of: The Hobbit, and the rest of Tolkein, the Narnia books (Did you know C.S. Lewis and Tolkein were good friends?), the Edward Eager books (start with Half-Magic), the E. Nesbit books (talk about classics in Brit. Kid Lit!! C.S. Lewis cited Nesbit as a big influence!), and Lucy Boston's beautiful series!! Why not throw in Richard Peck's series? Wow--I've got a lot of books here--time to make a list! Happy Reading!

Green grow the rushes oh
I wasn't entirely certain what to expect when I picked up the much beloved but rarely discussed, "The Children of Greene Knowe". What I found was a book that was a little like "The Secret Garden" and a little like the beginning of "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase". It is, all in all, a very pleasant story about a boy and his ghostly companions. There are brief moments of conflict, but on the whole only good things happen to the protagonist. For children, this is an excellent introduction into the world of mysterious goings on.

Toseland (or Tolly for short) has just been sent by his father in Burma to live with his great-grandmother in jolly old England. Tolly is a little nervous, not knowing quite what to expect. What he finds is a magical castle called Green Noah, presided over by a loving kindly grandmother. But strange dealings occur in the house when Tolly arrives. A snatch of laughter here, reflected children's faces there, and inanimate objects that have the tendency of coming to life. To Tolly's delight there are three children in the castle, cheery ghosts of siblings that lost their lives in the Great Plague. Don't expect any meanderings on the meaning of life after death, or any explanations for that matter. The children are perfectly happy flitting about from inside to outside, and in time they and Tolly become good friends. It is only the malevolent presence of the nasty gypsy-cursed tree Green Noah that keeps Tolly from perfect happiness.

When you pick up a book in which a veritable orphan is being sent to live with previously unknown relatives, you usually do not find an idyllic situation. Anne of "Anne of Green Gables" had her problems. So did the Baudelaire orphans of "A Series of Unfortunate Events". Which makes Tolly's story all the more interesting. For quite a while I was convinced that there would be no real conflict at any point. Tolly's days are fun, improving when he comes to know the children better. Reading this book, I was reminded of my own childhood days and the millions of ways kids can find to have fun on their own. When Green Noah makes his appearance in the tale he is a truly odd spectacle. I was delighted to find, however, that when the tree decides to blindly come after Tolly it is a moment of real heart-stopping terror.

The writing in this book may strike some as a little pendantic. So I cannot say whole-heartedly that every child will like it. But some will love it, I can tell. L.M. Boston is the kind of author who can write deeply evocative sentences in a children's book and never appear ridiculous for it. I was particularly taken with a passage that read, "In front of him the world was an unbroken dazzling cloud of crystal stars, except for the moat, which looked like a strip of night that had somehow sinned and had no stars in it". The book is full of beautiful lines like this one, yet it retains the interest of the child reader.

Kids who like fantasy but find some books a little too scary or nerve wracking might take to "The Children of Greene Knowe" very readily. Any kid who has loved Frances Burnett, Edward Eagar, or E. Nesbit will adore this story. Get 'em while they're young and they may even wish to read this book's multiple sequels. It is a charming series.

The very best children's magic
I've been spe