Book Description

Read by the author and a full cast
10 hours, 49 minutes
9 CDs

When Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon decide to spy on a presentation her uncle, the commanding Lord Asriel, is making to the elders of Jordan College they have no idea that they will become witnesses to an attempted murder—and even less that they are taking the first steps in a journey that will lead them into danger and adventure unlike anything Lyra's unfettered imagination has conjured up.

Though she has been reised at the college in an atmosphere of benign neglect that has allowed her to become a half-wild child of the streets, Lyra soon finds herself apprenticed to the elegant Mrs. Coulter—and in possession of a strange device called the alethiometer, a "golden compass" that reads not true worth, but truth itself.

But truth is a precious commodity, and before long Lyra and Pan are running for their lives, the object of an obsessive hunt by mysterious forces who have been stealing children for dark purposes that no one understands.Lyra will need all her street-learned wiles if she and Pan are to survive.

An international sensation from the moment it was published, The Golden Compass comes to spectacular new life in this unabridged recording, narrated by Philip Pullman himself, with the support of some of the finest actors of the London stage. ... Read more

Reviews (1079)

One of the best books ever written...
Ok, so one day I was at the book store looking through the fantasy section. I just happened to see The Golden Compass. It looked interesting, so I bought it and brought it home. I began reading it at about 6pm. I had finished it the next day at about 7 pm. I never left the couch. It is by far one of the best books I have ever read. Philip Pullman is a very gifted author with a very complex imagination. I recommend this book for anyone.

Lyra has lived in Jordan College her whole life, unsupervised, free to tear around the streets whenever she wanted. But one day, she sneaks into the Retiring Room and her entire life changes. Before she knows what is happening, her best friend Roger is kidnapped and she is living with Mrs. Coulter, a nice woman who promises to take her north. From there, Lyra is hurtled into a race against time to save hundreds of children from an unspeakable fate. Included in this book are armored bears, demon flies, and a bunch of other cool stuff. READ IT!

Will Goodness and Truth Triumph over Evil and Deception?
Lyra Belacqua's idyllic existence at Jordan College, where she is being raised by the Scholars, is thrown into chaos when the Gobblers kidnap her best friend, Roger, the kitchen boy. Rumor has it that the missing children are being taken north to Bolvangar and subjected to hideous experiments. Lyra and her irrepressible daemon, Pantamalion, vow to rescue Roger and the other children with the help of an eclectic group of mercenaries. Fraught with mystical references to a mysterious substance called "dust", and allusions to an alternate universe, Philip Pullman has woven a tale of terror, triumph, and a young girl's quest for the truth about her past. I was slowly drawn into this book one page at a time, until I became thoroughly captured by its unusual setting, uncommon characters, and unexpected plot twists. An excellent read!

And now for something different
If you're tired of the fantasy novels that don't seem to be able to leave Tolken behind, then brace yourself. This book is the start of something wonderfully different in the fantasy genre. This epic story has it all, magic, evil, goodness, innocence, and action. I was astounded at the intricate plot, wonderful imagery, and completely unique style. Hold on as you race through this one, because once you start you won't be able to put it down until you've read all three.

Truly one of the worst "children's" books ever written...
...unless, that is, you like to read stories in which parents are portrayed as child-torturers and murderers, the "Church" is a mysterious, fascist agency that promotes the child-murdering program (among other wholesome activities), children speak with odd, stilted grammar, and several of the main characters just...disappear in the middle of the story without further explanation. Nice stuff to read to your kids. Oh, did I mention that this book has possibly one of the most inept and unsatisfying endings ever to make it into print?

For the life of me, I can't figure out how this book is getting such rave reviews--perhaps readers like various individual action scenes, some of which are admittedly quite good; but the lousy destination is definitely not worth the occasionally fun ride in the journey. Maybe all the loose ends will be tied up in the second or third book? Possibly. But why waste another 400 or more pages to find out?

Don't squander your kids' precious childhood on this poorly written, disturbing and amoral dross. There's so much other better action-oriented stuff out there. Rosemary Sutcliff, C.S. Lewis and Brian Jacques come most immediately to mind.

Quite pleasant.
This is the first book in the His Dark Materials trilogy (before The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass).

Set at the turn of the twentieth century in an alternate Europe where everyone is inseparable from their animal daemons, shape-changers that only settle at puberty, this is the story of Lyra Belacqua (and her daemon Pantalaimon), a teenage orphan girl living in Oxford College in charge of her powerful uncle, Lord Asriel.

Being a curious little girl, Lyra hears lots of gossip in the old halls. Some, about Dust, as well as pictures of a mysterious floating city in the aurora, make her dream of travelling North on one of her uncle's expeditions. But soon she also hears rumours of children, mainly from Gyptian families, who have started to mysteriously disappear, lured and captured by what people call the "Gobblers".

And when her playmate Roger the kitchen boy is kidnapped, she's desperate. But at the same time arrives Mrs. Coulter, an elegant and fascinatingly intelligent woman, who wants to take Lyra to her school in London. Believing that she'll learn more about Dust and maybe travel North with her, she soon becomes Mrs. Coulter's protégée. Until she realizes that the woman is none other than the head of the General Oblation Board of London, in other words the "Gobblers", and runs away.

The rest of the story tells how Lyra finally travels to Lapland, setting out in search of Roger and the other missing children with the help of the Gyptians, with whom she first takes refuge, of Panserborne (armoured bears) and witch-queens, and of the alethiometer, a strange compass-like device that reveals the truth to anyone who can read it, which the Master of Oxford College secretly gave her just before she left. Little by little, she'll become caught up in the adults' intricate powerplay.

I liked Northern Lights (US title: The Golden Compass), and found it quite pleasant to read, but I wasn't overly captivated by it. I was moved by Lyra's friendship with Iorek Byrnison, an exiled Panserborne, and deeply shocked, appalled, when I discovered what the "Gobblers" do to the snatched children, but that's about it. Lyra's a tad too temerarious and quick-witted, and in the end, I found her hardly believable. I'm very fond of Pantalaimon though. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by the author and a full cast
Three cassettes / 3 hours 5 mins.

When Redwall was published in 1987 it catipulted author Brian Jacques to international stardom.Ans small wonder!This enthralling tale is jam-packed with the things we long for in a great adventure:danger, laughter, hairbreath excapes, tragedy, mystery, a touch of wonder, a truly despicable villain, and a hero we can take to heart.

That hero is Matthias, a young mouse who must rise above his fears and failures to save his friends at Redwall Abbey.The villain is Cluny the Scourage, one of the most deliciously despicable rats of all time.The unforgettable cast of supporting characters includes the stalwart badger Constance, an irrepressible hare named Basil Stag Hare, and the elderly wisemouse Brother Methuselah.

But most of all there is Matthias, seeking his true destiny in a journey that will lead through danger and despair to true wisdom. ... Read more

Reviews (623)

Redwall is a joy to read at any age

Redwall is one of the finest examples of children's literature I've ever read. The detail that Brian Jacques puts into his books makes them a joy for children to read...and for adults to read aloud, or to themselves.

In Jacques' books, each species of animal speaks with a different dialect, mostly different British dialects. The descriptions of the foods and feasts of Redwall Abbey make one want to go out and try some of the moles "Deeper 'n' ever pie;" and what I wouldn't give to be able to taste one of the Abbott's cakes frosted with buttercup cream!

Brian Jacques has given the world a book that children and adults alike can enjoy. He begins with a wonderful description of the tales' villian...Cluney the Scourge...and holds the reader spellbound through the mysteries, adventures and romances that follow.

I first read this book about four years ago. Then, while I was pregnant with our only child, I then proceeded to read it a second time, aloud, so that my daughter, Madison, would develop a love of literature at a very young age. I even recorded the story so that Madison would be able to listen to it in the future.

Many times we are tempted to "wait for the movie," especially when it comes to children's literature. But this book is made for reading. Jacques unique dialects and "turns of the phrase" are wonderful for the preteen set to read by themselves (at 400 or so pages, they can feel like they are finally reading a real novel) or for an adult to read aloud to a younger group.

Once you have read this first in Jacques' Redwall series, you will find yourself eagerly awaiting the next installment (just like I do).

As I stated before, it has been over four years since I read this book, so please forgive any misspellings of the villian's name.

By the way, for those of you who are interested, Madison, who just turned two, already brings me stacks upon stacks of books every night to read before we go to be. I fear I have created a monster!

A Brilliant and Captivating tale...
"Redwall" is a thrilling piece of storytelling that has captured the hearts of fans around the world with its heart-pounding adventure, lovable characters and "hare"-breadth escapes. The amazing descriptive elements help bring the written word to life.

Fantasy has rarely had the warm, inviting feel of the Redwall series, especially this fabulous first enstallment. Its mystery,intrigue, and conundrums to unravel, as well as its twists of fate, assure that it will go down as a classic.

Matthias is a young novice mouse of the Redwall order, a rather clumsy creature, who has left every mouse in the Abbey wondering what his destiny will be. After the celebration of their Abbot's Golden Jubilee, a large horde of rats is discovered roaming the land in a horse-cart, lead by an usually large rat with one eye...

The characters in Redwall are all animals, such as those native to England (rats, mice, badgers, squirrels, foxes, and so on). The distinction between the protagonists and antagonists, and the differences in each creature's "personality" (not to mention their differences in accents and dialects!) add to the enjoyment. "Redwall" is uniquely fullfilling. This is the beginning of a long journey enjoyed by people of all ages. Redwall has grown to be one of my personal favorites, as have all the Redwall books, and will surely become a favorite of any enthusiastic reader.

great book!
I read this book based on an enthusiastic recommendation. And I am so glad I did. I'm now a happy fan of Brian Jacques and the entire Redwall series.

The story moves along very nicely, with good editing and excellent characters. I found myself reading late into the night just to see what happens to them and how it ends. The only warning I have is to be prepared to be hungry! The feasts are described in wonderful detail with great imagery and colorful conversations. It's very reminiscent of holiday gatherings and family dinners from childhood.

This book impressed me. I know it was written for children, but it absolutely does not read like one. I can see why younger readers would enjoy it, but adults will love it too. It would be a great book to read aloud or just keep it to yourself.

Enjoy!

A DELIGHTFULLY ENCHANTING MOUSE TALE!!!
I'ts been a long while since a book has given me such absolute pleasure as this remarkable little adventure (ah-hem) tale about a novice mouse hoping to become a brother of the Redwall Abbey in Mossflower woods. Instead he becomes the Abbey champion when he leads the fight against Cluny The Scourge: a particularly foul, one-eyed rat that threatens the peace and safety of Redwall and the surrounding countryside. This is a classic fantasy novel in the tradition of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis with a host of unforgettable characters (and loads of violent confrontations that could scare younger children). Jacques' prose is delicious to devour and highly recommended to anyone who doesn't enjoy reading: a fact that whets one's appetite for the next entry in the series. HARSH LANGUAGE: about 6 words, VIOLENCE: about 40 scenes, SEXUAL REFERENCES: none.

The Guerilla Union of Shrews! (Read the book to figure out)
Fans of Watership Down and heroic tales of battles and quests will be intrigued with the unique world of personified animals that Brian Jacques has created. Bizarre but equally entrancing, Redwall will captivate readers and keep them prisoner until the very end. The book opens with a description of Redwall Abbey which is owned by an order of monk-like mice and an introduction to Matthias, a clumsy, awkward, "brother-in-training." Matthias, Father Abbot, and the other brothers have lived in relative peace for many long years, providing shelter and care to local woodland residents and all those in need. This humble but satisfying way of life is threatened one summer night when Matthias first lays eyes upon the legendary warlord, Cluny the Scourge, and his horde of rats ready to plunder and pillage. Where these villainous rats have come from is unknown but it is quite clear that Cluny has his one eye set upon claiming Redwall as his stronghold. All that stands between the death and destruction of the entire Mossflower region is the monastery brothers and sisters. Now these practitioners of mercy, healing, and love must become skilled defenders of their home.

Young Matthias experiences a tremendous transformation from an orphaned immature mouse to a natural born leader and developing warrior. To save Redwall from its invaders he embarks on a quest to find the lost sword of Martin the Warrior, a founder of their abbey. During his search he discovers his past and destiny, learning valuable lessons of life, honor, and what truly lies in a warrior's heart along the way. Join the mice and their companions as they encounter new friends and enemies during their struggle with the terrible Cluny the Scourge. Redwall is a strangely imaginative and enchanting story that will change your views on furry rodents forever. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Life is hard for poor Irish potato farmers, but 12-year-old Nory Ryanand her family have always scraped by... until one morning, Nory wakes to thefoul, rotting smell of diseased potatoes dying in the fields. And just likethat, all their hopes for the harvest--for this year and next--are dashed.Hunger sets in quickly. The beaches are stripped of edible seaweed, the shore isemptied of fish, desperate souls even chew on grass for the nourishment. As hercommunity falls apart, Nory scrambles to find food for her family. Meanwhile,the specter of America lurks, where, the word is, no one is ever hungry, andhorses carry milk in huge cans down cobblestone streets.

As Patricia Reilly Giff writes in her note to the reader, the Great Hunger of1845 to 1852 was a tragic time for the Irish. Enough food to feed double thepopulation was sent out across the sea, while an indifferent government ignoredthe starving masses. More than one million of the eight million people inIreland died. Nory Ryan's Song, a fictionalized account based on thisterrible era in history, describes the heroic struggles of one girl who refusesto give in to hunger, exhaustion, and hopeless circumstances. Young readers mayhave heard of the Irish Potato Famine, but they won't truly understand it untilthey meet Nory. Giff is the author of many beloved books for children, includingthe Newbery Honor Book Lily'sCrossing and the Polk Street School series. (Ages 9 to 12) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (54)

A great historical fiction!
Most students know that the Irish potato famine killed millions of people, but they may not understand any more than that.Nory Ryan's Song takes students back to Ireland in 1845 and shows them what life was like.The oppression of the English was a terrible problem for the Irish at that time.The Great Hunger killed many, but it is also the reason that many Irish came to America.It took great strength for them to make the journey.It is an important book for children to read.It helps explain what really happened and what life was like for these people.
Children will be able to relate to the main character, Nory Ryan.She is a young girl with many responsibilities.This book is a wonderful tool for teaching about Ireland and the Great Hunger.It might also be a good tool when talking about family history.Students with Irish ancestry may be very interested in the story.A glossary of Irish terms included at the front of the book and a letter from the author at the end makes this story even more real.The author explains that it was her family history that caused her to write this book.She wanted people to know the truth about what happened during that horrible time in history.She accomplished her goal with the publication of this book.

An Ireland Tale -- a review by Kira, age 9
In Ireland in 1845, Nory's friends, the Neelys, can't pay the rent, so they get kicked out of their house! Nory wants to try to save the Neelys, but just as she can, they are gone. Now she must work for the scary Anna Donelly, while everyone's potatoes have just gotten poisoned by strange creatures from another world! Nory's family starts starving -- what can they do!

This is a scary but heartwarming story. Just when you think they are safe something else happens! If you like exciting stories then you'll like this! Nory's bravery is quite breathtaking - at first it scared me, but then it made me think of Nory as a heroine. It is sweet when some of the characters come together and help each other out when they need it most. When you read this you'll feel like you are actually there!

Nory Ryan's Song
Nory Ryan is just twelve years old, living in Maidin Bay, Ireland in 1845. An English lord collects rent from the small village of long-time potato farmers. Nory's sister just married and sails away to America. Her father is still out to sea fishing. One morning, Nory awakes to a smell in the air and wonders where the stench could be coming from.

It was the poatoes. They were black and oozing with disease. Now the family has no resources to pay the rent nor any food to eat. Nory is left by her other sister and grandfather who go to look for her father. Nory is left with the responsibility of raising her three-year-old brother. With the potatoes rotting, there would be no crops or income. The lord's men would take all of the food and livestock as payment for the rent, leaving the village people with nothing. Nory soon finds a friendship in a very unexpected person, the healing woman, Anna. She is elderly and she begins to teach Nory her art of healing. All of the food is gone and Nory is the only one left healthy enough to get out of bed, although she is still starving. Soon, Nory must take on finding food for her baby brother and her elderly friend, Anna. She risks her life to hang over cliff edges and gather bird eggs.

Nory is a strong, resourceful young girl who goes to great lengths to provide for those she holds dear to her heart. She is independant and strong and she does not waiver to get justice for her loved ones. She makes a deal with the English lord so that Anna can have her dog back.The theme of this book is strong family bonds help spiritual and physical survival. And Nory finds strength in the people she loves.

Nory Ryan's Song
I want you to read this book because it is an adventure!It's about a ten year old girl named Nory Ryan, who lived in Ireland in the time of the great famine.Nory lives with her two sisters, her brother Patch and her granda.They're being ruled by Lord Cunnigham, who took their land and treats them very poorly.Because their lives are full of many worries they dream of going to America.It's an exciting book and I really liked it!Hope you enjoy it too!

Very Moving
I reccomend this book to everyone, unless you get depressed easily. I think this book describes realistically what it must have been like during the potato famine. It's a very sad book, but is educational and should be read at least once in a life time. I want to read the sequel (Maggie's Door) to find out what happens next! ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Graeme Malcolm
Approx. 3 hours, 45 minutes
3 cassettes

Tree-ear, an orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch’ulp’o, a potters’ village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter’s craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated–until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min’s irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself–even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min’s work in the hope of a royal commission . . . even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.

Graeme Malcolm currently has a featured part in the Broadway musical, Aida. He's read tons of audio books, including Merrick by Ann Rice for Random House Audio. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

A real masterpiece
This book is an amazing account of a young boy's quest and desire fulfilled.It is a must-read for 3rd through 6th graders.It helps put responsibility and work ethic into perspective.What an accomplishment!

A Single shard



In this book, the main character lives in a potting village and wants to become a potter. Unable to do this because of shortage of money, he gets a job with a master potter. Soon he becomes very good at the job and is sent on a mission to help his master get a commission.


I liked this book because it had lots of mischievous and exciting parts. I got sucked in right away. If there's any historical fiction book you should read, then it's this one.Nothing was dislikable for my taste. That's why I give it a five starrating.

Your memory wil be filled with more than a single shard
In this book orphan boy Tree-Ear Lives in Korea. He lives with an older man Crane Man under a bridge. Every day they go searching for food scraps in the trash. Munks have come to take Tree-Ear away from Crane Man but Tree-Ear refueses to leave. He later sneaks into the master potters work area and acidentily breaks a pot. To pay off the damage Tree-Ear must work for the master potter for nine days. He longs to get his hands on clay and make pots of his own but he is just told to do all of the dirty work. Tree-Ear keeps coming back because he loves the idea of maikng potery, and he loves getting fed by the potters wife. In the end it is a friend ship he looses and a friend ship he gains,and you as the reader get a strong memory that will last a life time.

Boring Topic Written in an Interesting Way
At first, I felt that this book is very boring, and didn't have that much life in it. But as the story went deeper, I found out that Linda Sue Park's way of writing makes the book very intersting. I reccommend this book for people who are intersted in other cultures. Or are interested in history.

A Single Shard of Success

This is a tale of medieval Korea, a boy named Tree-ear, and a single potter's life desire.This is A Single Shard.It was published in 2001 by Random House.The year of 2002 was when it got its Newberry medal.The book was written by Linda Sue Park who also wrote Kite Fighters and When My Name Was Keoko.It was on the ALA booklist, awarded ALA best book for young adults, and also promoted notable book for children.I award it best book for young adults right along with ALA.Also, if I were to choose between A Single Shard and any other book of its class my pick would definitely be on A Single Shard.
In medieval Korea a boy named Tree-ear lives under a bridge with his friend Crane-man.Tree-ear is used to living off scraps of food he finds in the wealthy potters' rubbish heaps.One day when he visits Min the potter's house to watch him throw pots on his wheel he finds that Min is not there.Tree-ear likes to watch Min and knows his schedule well and was surprised he wasn't there.So Tree-ear decides to take a look at some of Min's work on a shelf.When he tries to examine it closer he accidentally drops and breaks the pottery.Eventually Min comes out and finds Tree-ear standing over his broken box that is now a clump of clay on the ground.After yelling at Tree-ear Min decides that to pay off for the damage Tree-ear should work for him.After his ten days of payment Tree-ear asks Min if he could work for him permanently in hopes of learning how to throw pots.Min says yes to this and Tree-ear is delighted.After a while Tree-ear hears that a royal commission is coming to Ch'ulp'o.With that Min has to work extra hard and inevitably so does Tree-ear.That is where Tree-ear's adventure unfolds.
I loved reading A Single Shard due to its great setting.Both the time and place caught my attention.I liked the fact that it was placed in medieval times.I always love learning about medieval cultures and economies.Another thing I enjoyed about A Single Shard's setting was that it was set in a "pottery town".I can connect to this because I throw pots.This helps me understand how hard the potters work and why Ch'ulp'o is so proud of their work.The third thing I liked about the setting in A Single Shard was that it was in Korea.It was interesting because it expanded the story with Korean cultures and traditions.
Have you ever read a good book that doesn't have excellent description?Didn't think so.The town of Ch'ulp'o is famous for their celadon pottery glaze.Linda Sue Park describes this glaze fantastically from the green-blue color to the write and blue spots that "magically" appear after the pottery is glazed.Crane-man, Tree-ear's best friend, was perfectly described.His mangled leg and the fact that he was older were orchestrated greatly.Near the end of the story Tree-ear comes to a place called the Rock of Falling Flowers.Crane-man told him to stop here after telling a story to Tree-ear.He told him when the king was in trouble in a war he and all the courtiers fled up the mountain.The women all stayed around the king, but when there was no hope they all jumped off the cliff and the colors of there dresses made it look like flowers were falling from the sky hence the name.
A Single Shard is a story of determination, courage, consequences, kindness, and hope.It teaches you to never stop hoping.Another thing you learn is that your actions always have consequences whether they're good or bad.Kindness always comes back to you is yet another thing it shows you.A Single Shard is entertaining and has great morals.I would recommend this book to someone else especially young adults like me.This fantastic book always has something to keep you reading on.A Single Shard is undeniably a quality literature book.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Start of Journey
Reading this kinda me of Harry Potter and LOTR but with its own ethnic quality, Hindi culture. The main character tought and acted with understandable weakness and has his own strength (not a superhero though) but sometimes he got me depressed by his ignorance. Well, I sometimes get depressed by my ignorance too.

What impressed me most is how fast-paced but full story it was without abandoning the feeling of its reader. I cried and smiled with Anand, Nisha and Abhaydatta and I really like the tied up ends though it is very open to be continued in the next sequence(s).

A Delightful Tale of Self Discovery!
The Conch Bearer, much like The Mistress of Spices, takes you on an absolutely delightful journey, with the right mix of supernatural and human elements.If you want a book to "take you to another place" for awhile, this is it!

Excellent for young readers
The Conch Bearer demonstrates very effectively through it's 12-year old hero Anand, the demons and conflicts that most people face in real life when they are learning to trust their instincts, believe in themselves, reach out for assistance and look for the answers within.Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni also demonstrates through the young heroine Nisha (who is critical to Anand's eventual success) that not only are women just as smart, resourceful and capable but that no one achieves success solely through their own efforts.Anand eventually realizes these facts and accords Nisha the trust, love, and gratitude she is due as a loyal friend who would selflessly give her life to ensure his success. My family thoroughly enjoyed this very satisfying and magical book.I also liked that Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni demonstrated the spiritual, mental and physical effects of poverty in a very accessible way bringing to mind the way Charles Dickens handled the themes of poverty in his books.Children younger than 10 years old would most probably not be able to grasp the more subtle underlying themes of spiritual and character development on their own.

Far Beyond "Eragon"
Many of the formulas of a classic fantasy story are present in "The Conch Bearer," by Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni. A young boy discovers he is meant to follow a supernatural destiny. On his troubled journey to meet his fate, he is joined by a wise old mentor and a spunky sidekick. Plagued by his enemy the entire way, they finally engage in a climactic showdown.
However, this story is refreshingly different from most fantasies for children and young adults in its setting, characters and conflict resolutions.

Prolific readers may recognize that these same fantasy plot devices are also used in the bestselling book "Eragon," by Christopher Paolini. While "Eragon" was an enjoyable read, I think that "The Conch Bearer" accomplishes all the same goals, and does so much more...in about 200 fewer pages, no less...

Instead of a young hero whose destiny lies in war and battle, "The Conch Bearer" gives us a compassionate and caring hero who is destined to join the Brotherhood of Healers, a group which is devoted to living in peace. Anand takes the first step of his journey when he shows kindness to a mysterious stranger.

In a further break with tired tradition, the fantasy draws on Indian culture, landscape and the features of everyday life to provide a multicultural perspective. The little details which the author includes will intrigue and delight readers used to adventures based on Northern European and British folklore and history.

The best feature of this book is the glimpses that readers receive into the hero's inner life during his complicated journey. We see Anand grow and mature throughout the book, and it's his moments of inner conflict that provide the most suspense for readers. The reader is really able to engage and empathize with the characters in this adventure.

However, "The Conch Bearer" isn't all warm fuzzies - there are still enough moments of scariness and suspense to satisfy the most demanding readers of adventure tales.

In my opinion, it's interesting to compare this story with "Eragon" to demonstrate what is innovative in storytelling today and what's played out. The best fantasy stories are those which lead the reader on an adventure that is both familiar and completely new.

THE READER IS A STAR
Few who saw the Broadway revival of Cabaret with Alan Cumming can forget his exquisite, touching performance.For this he won a Tony, plus the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards.Deservedly so.He continues to work his wiles in an impeccable reading of this India based adventure.

The popular author of several short story collections and winner of the American Book Award, Chitra Benerjee Divakaruni has crafted an enthralling fantasy which begins in a dirt poor shack in Kolkata (Calcutta), India.Anand is a mere 12 years of age but he has been given an enormous responsibility - his task is to return a conch shell that posses mystical powers to its home in the Himalayas, which is many hundreds of miles away.

Accompanying Anand on this challenging trek are young Nisha and a rather mysterious man called Abadhyatta.As one would expect in a fantasy the trio faces numerous otherworldly obstacles.Yet this tale is so rare, so exotic that it compels attention.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Book Description

What do you do when your life goes from righter than right to a million miles beyond wrong?

1. Try to scare away the new neighbors with signs and posters that warn things like "Typhoons Known to Occur Here -- Water Rats Abound."
2. Avoid eye contact and word contact, with Mama and Daddy in particular.
3. Stay away from the orchard and the brook and the old tree and anything else that reminds you of how good things used to be.
4. Put together the best plan you've ever created to get things back to just-about-perfect again.

Reviews (11)

Ida B
Excellent!Could not put it down!Excellent read for anyone over the age of 11.

Ida B. - A Delight!
I highly recommend the chapter book, "Ida B ... and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World".This is the first novel written by Katherine Hannigan and published by Greenwillow Books.This 246 page novel is very readable and suitable for intermediate grade level students.
The story takes place in Lawson's Grove, Wisconsin, in a rural farm setting complete with a mountain, an apple orchard, and a brook.The setting is peaceful and predictable, with a home life complete with well-established and comforting routines.From the house with her bedroom and the kitchen, to the land around the house, it almost seems like a child's version of the Garden of Eden.
The main character in the story is, of course, Ida B. Applewood, a fourth grade girl who lives at home on her family farm.She lives with her mother, named Ida, her father, her dog, Rufus, and her cat, Lulu.Other important characters in the story include her teacher, Ms. Washington, and two students from her class, Ronnie and Claire.
Ida B. is a very imaginative and creative girl, who is able to converse with the trees and the brook on the farm.Her friends, the trees and the brook, have names and personalities, and she is able to share her deepest thoughts and feelings with them.She loves the predictability of her life, such as the same foods for breakfast and lunch, and enjoys being able to plan her day and carry out her plan without disruptions.She and her father share a love of and respect for the land and their responsibility to preserve it.But then the family faces a very real problem when her mother becomes ill.Ida B. and her family have to learn to live with and deal with the unexpected changes and their feelings, just as any real family would have to if faced with the same life circumstances.As Ida B. must face these unwelcome changes in her life, she has to learn how to not only deal with her own feelings, but with the impact those feelings have on her and on those around her.She works so hard to build walls of silence between herself and everyone in her life, including her friends the trees and the brook she's known all her life, that she has trouble breaking through those walls even when she wants to.
Katherine Hannigan has written this story in a very straightforward and believable way.The reader gets to know the characters as they move from their idyllic lives through the turmoil unexpected events create.The reader is also able to understand the frustration and anger Ida B. is feeling and share her feelings as she begins to work through and understand her feelings herself.The story is told in first person, and enables the reader to clearly share in Ida B.'s thoughts and feelings.I enjoyed this insight into her thoughts, particularly the extremes when she allowed her thoughts and fears to run away with her.Ida B.'s story is easy and enjoyable to read, and gives you insights into the loneliness and isolation a child can create for themselves when they are unable to talk about their feelings.This would be a valuable book not only for the older intermediate level students it was intended for, but for their teachers to read.Interwoven through the story is the underlying story of the impact a teacher can have on the life of a child.The only thing I didn't like about this book is the title.I don't think the subtitle "...Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World!" really fits this story.
Ida B. is Katherine Hannigan's first novel.It would seem some of the inspiration for Ida B. came from her own personal life.In looking at information in her background, it she appears to have a great deal in common with Ida B.She was also a very imaginative and creative child, who preferred to spend time alone with her own thoughts and fantasies while growing up.She indicates moving to the Midwest from the state of New York inspired her with its open spaces.She also shares some of Ida B.'s experiences, including the incident in the book where she covers her face with dish soap, with very unexpected and uncomfortable consequences!
I went to our school library media specialist and asked for a recommendation.As she selected several books for me to read, this one stood out for me somehow.It was a book and author I had not heard about.The information about the author inside the back cover was intriguing as well.She wrote, Ida B.'s life "is the life I would have chosen if I could have."Somehow, I knew Ida B. must be special.I have referred this book to the school psychologist at my school as a resource to use during counseling with children who may be experiencing some of the life difficulties Ida B. encountered and survived.

Ida B Brilliant!
As a fourth grade teacher, I can relate to Ida B Applewood since she is a fourth grader herself, but I cannot say that I have ever met a student quite like her!Aside from her lifelike relationships with the apple trees on her family's orchard and her talent for thinking critically, Ida B is definitely a girl with a plan.Ida B professes that, "I believe good plans are the best way to maximize fun, avoid disaster, and, possibly, save the world."However, Ida B brings life that goes from planned to unplanned to reality for readers.

Ida B is a story that will personally allow you to get to know the main character, Ida B, who experiences what it is like when plans fall apart.As a reader, my heart went out to Ida B whose life underwent some serious changes that not all fourth graders or even some adults ever have to endure.Throughout the book, I thought that Ida B excellently exhibited a strong searching within herself for the coping skills she thought she needed to deal with life's changes.As an adult reader and a teacher, this book provided me with real insight to what life could actually be like for a child experiencing such changes as Ida B.Hannigan brilliantly lets us into Ida B's head through the reasoning and planning this wonderful character is constantly doing.Although this read can become deeply emotional and make you want to scream through the pages, "Everything will be alright, Ida B!", it promotes an overwhelming feeling that no matter how unplanned life may seem, there really is a plan!Ida B goes on my list of all time favorites without a doubt!

Kids love this book, and I do too
I have recommended this book to half a dozen elementary school age kids, and all of them have loved it.And in contrast to the views spotlighted above, several of them have also read Kate DiCamillo's "Because of Winn-Dixie" and think that "Ida B." is a much better read, and I agree. This is the rare book that creates a direct connection between the reader and the protagonist's emotions and motivations; the children I know who have read the book all have remarked about how the author allowed them to "get inside" the protagonist's head in ways they hadn't experienced before.Ida B. has all the runaway emotions and issues of self-control that elementary school children struggle with -- anger at her parents for not fulfilling all of their promises, anger at her schoolmates and teachers for not allowing her to fit in, anger at the very environment around her for not staying perpetually the same.She has moments of elation and moments of deep depression.She comes up with creative ways to "punish" her parents for breaking their promises.In other words, she's a real child and not the usual paragon that we typically find in children's fiction.Eventually Ida B. manages to reconcile herself to her surroundings in different ways -- by the end of the book she is able to make peace with herself and those around her in ways that rang true to me and to the children I know who have read the book.Ultimately, the book's message for children is an optimistic one -- don't despair, because no matter how hard things seem, you will find ways of coping, and this too shall pass.

Couldn't put it down!!!!
I have loved many books...but this one beats them all.I am in 4th grade and I read a lot.As soon as I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down.I like Ida because she was creative and things happen to her that kids or people can relate to.Sometimes, I refer to it as an apple book because of all the orchards.In the future, I would definately love to read more books by this author.If you like books like Molly Moon, Chasing Vermeer, Series of Unfortunate Events or Harry Potter, you will love this book too. ... Read more

Book Description

"Fraud, fire, and bloody murder pursue Sally Lockhart in a fine sequel to The Ruby in the Smoke. Sally, now 22, is in business as a financial consultant. When she and her friends challenge corrupt financial interests, they find themselves in a web of intrigue that stretches from fetid slums of the poor to the corporate offices of the richest man in Europe. Sally's detective work reveals the connections between corrupt power and broken lives. The action is fast, scenes are tight and dramatic, the language is vivid, and the wealth of minor characters are sharply individualized. An immensely entertaining thriller."--(starred) Booklist. Reading level: 6.7. ... Read more

Reviews (65)

The Best of the Trilogy
The Shadow in the North, the third book in the Sally Lockhart Trilogy, is the best in the series. The book is wonderfully written with and excellent, but complicated, plot.Six years later Sally Lockhart is a 21 year old financial consultant and Fredrick Garland and 20-something photographer and private detective become involved in a mystery or murder and fraud. Sally refuses to accept that her relationship with Fred is becoming something more then friendship.... You'll be smiling through your tears!!! Its a must read that you can't put down. You'll probably end up reading it a dozen times.The ending is sad , a happier ending may have been better, but its one more obsticle Sally must overcome in her life. The Shadow in the North is absouloutly the best in the series, not saying the others were bad they too were excellent. I recomend reading the books in order , their more enjoyable that way!! But no matter how you read them make sure you read The Shadow in the North!!

best in the trilogy
This is by far the best book in the Sally Lockhart trilogy. The first and third are very good but don't have the emotional intensity of this. The plot is well written and horrifying while being a lot easier to follow than The Tiger in the Well. The ending is heart-wrenching but without it the third wouldn't work and it is a tribute to Pullman's writing skills that this is only the second book that has ever made me cry. Although the plot is full of tension and makes you want to read on and on I feel that the main focus of this book is Sally's relationship with Fred and her battle to interpret her feelings for him. The character's are what makes a book and this is no exception. The goodies are vivd, funny and lovable and the baddies, although ultimately evil manage to throw in a few shocking twists.

I think it is essential to read the books in order. Reading the third before this would remove the horror of the ending and most of the plot since it is summarised in the Tiger in the Well. All in all one of the best books I've read. Thrilling and heart breaking.

A touch of James Bond, but otherwise great.
I, personally, enjoyed the Shadow in the North even more than the Ruby in the Smoke. It is a continuization of the young victorian heroine Sally Lockhart (now 22), who certainly seems to attract shady business wherever she goes. Pullman's chracterizations are amazing, and his descriptions of everything make you feel like you're watching it as a movie.
However, I do feel like throwing something sharp and heavy at his head right now, like perhaps a big book about subliminal aggression towards love; as the end of this book and the end of the Amber Spyglass have similarly disturbing endings concerning romance. Also, the machine at the climax of the book is a bit far-fetched for the setting. It sounds like something out of a James Bond movie.
The plot is perfectly paced: Beggining with the sinking of a ship and ending with a diabolical plot to control lots of whatever (in the grand tradition of slimy, psychopathic villains) . The way all the characters are interconnected is clever and actually plausible. Of all the colorful characters, the best one is Jim, Sally Lockhart's cockney-type friend who spends his time reading and writing melodramas and working in the theatre. I never wanted to stop reading this book, and I will definentely get the Tiger in the Well. Strongly recommended, despite the far-fetched moments.
***Post script concerning sex in this book: For all you parent-type people who are worried about how appropriate this is for your Young Children, you can relax. It's nothing graphic, so it would probably be appropriate for anyone 5th grade or up. But my friend read it in the third grade and said it kind of freaked her out then.***

better then the first one
i had a very great difficulty relateing to sally lockheart. i loved "his dark material" and those books seem to lacking the great mystical-philosophical-physical level, and are somhow, though dealing with other importent theams, are more about telling a cool detective story, then about delivering a meaningful massage.

however, i have to say, that as a litural creation, this book's more balanced, put together and built well then the first one in this series.

sally lockheart grow up, and her world has grown up with her, as she discovered the harshness and unfairness of govoments and corporations. as she start a quest to discover what happend to one of her investor consoltent's business money. in the same time other aspects of the same story are discovered by jim and fred, her loyal freinds. the book, though being a great detective story, touchs interesting theam, such as women's right, classes, spiritualizm, the connection between corporations and political authority, love and power.

i enjoyed it a lot, hope you will to.

Nowhere near as good as Dark Materials
I guess I thought that after reading the Dark Materials trilogy that it would be safe to buy anything by Pullman - but I was disappointed in this book. The writing was good and there are some very moving moments but overall I didn't feel I could award it more than 3 points. For a start the historical period felt wrong - the book didn't feel like it was set in Victorian times and Sally was just unbelievable - she just felt like a modern heroine transported there in a time machine(perhaps he should stick with fantasy). There is a sense of political correctness running through the book which seems more in tune with the 21st century than the 19th ... The books just seemed too childish for an adult and way way too brutal for a teenage reader. OK the same could be said of the DM triology (it took me weeks to get started on the second volume after the end of the first) but there at least I felt it was worth it. Here I was just really gutted and upset by the events of the novel and I felt the ending didn't make up for it ... There is one marvellous moment when Pullman seems about to pull (pardon the pun) out one of his incredible surprise twists - but no - he plays it safe after all and the book has a conventional ending. I guess I'll read reviews before buying any of his other stuff. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This award-winning novel remains a powerful classic of prejudice,love,and survival. In 1942, 11-year-old Phillip Enright lives with his parents on the Dutch island of Curaçao, but when the war moves too close forcomfort, his mother decides to travel with him back to the safety of Virginia. When their boat is torpedoed, however, Phillip is blinded and finds himself adrift on a life raft with an old black man and a cat. They eventually land on a deserted island.Phillip is suspicious of "the large Negro," but soon grows to trust--and ultimately love--the patient and generous Timothy. Dedicated to "Dr. King's Dream," The Cay has a clear message that friendship is colorblind; it is also a terrific adventure story of a young, newly blinded man learning to survive on an uninhabited island. (Ages 12 and older) --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (377)

A Superb Adventure
The Cay is an adventure-packed story not only about survival but also determination, perseverance, and friendship.I just had to turnpage after page without putting the book down.Theodore Taylor uses exceptional techniques of dialogue and plot.This book is highly recommended for anyone who likes adventure and survival, and especially those who like some suspense, guessing what will happen next.

Dis be a good book
"Oh no... I can't see! I'm BLIND!!!" Those are the thoughts that race through Philip's mind when he first discovers that he's blind in the novel, The Cay by Theodore Taylor. Philip is a boy living on the island of Curacao off the island of Venezuela during World War II. As he and his mother are trying to escape the war and head back to their home in Virginia. The ship they are riding on gets hit by a torpedo and sinks. Philip survives the crash only to discover that he was stranded on an island with a black man, Timothy, and the chef's cat, Stew Cat. That's when he gets struck by timber and becomes blind. Not only does he have to learn adjust to his blindness, but he must learn to survive on the barren island in the Caribbean Sea.
The Cay is a heart-pumping breath-taking novel that arises many questions. Will Philip, the black man, and the cat survive? Will Philip ever be able to see again? Theodore Taylor will answer all these questions and more if you read The Cay.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to be kept in suspense. Beware this book moves pretty fast paced so if you like slow advancing books this novel is not for you. Once you start reading this book it will be hard to put down.

The cay by sukhraj
When I read the book the cay i really enjoyed it because it had a lot of the things I liked. The story is about a boy named phillip and a old man named Timothy. The boy does not like Timothy but when they both end up on a island by themselves and phillip becomes blind phil finds he has to rely on Timothy. But they pull it together but not for long. This is a book that is great for any age. And if your a teacher you should read this to your class because they will most likely love it.

The cay by sukhraj
When I read the book the cay i really enjoyed it because it had a lot of the things I liked. The story is about a boy named phillip and a old man named Timothy. The boy does not like Timothy but when they both end up on a island by themselves and phillip becomes blind phil finds he has to rely on Timothy. But they pull it together but not for long. This is a book that is great for any age. And if your a teacher you should read this to your class because they will most likely love it.

The Cay! Review written by Rajh
The cay really starts out as a slowy book but after you get into the 4th chapter its all action from there. This book is mostly about survival and about racisim. The boys on the cover hios name is phillip and the man on the cover his name is Timothy. The boy does not like tim at first but realizes Timothy is all he has besides his cat stew cat.The end is a big surprise sad but it also warms your heart with a feeling i garentte you'll like. So read this book you'll love it. It was so good our teacher Mr.Helfgott is reading it to our class. It is great for any age. I gave this book 5 stars but if I could choose I would pick 10 stars. ... Read more

Book Description

2 cassettes, approx. 2 hours

#1: Dinosaurs Before Dark
Jack and Annie discover a magic tree house travel back to the time of the dinosaurs.

#2: The Knight at Dawn
Jack and Annie travel back in time to medieval England for an adventure inside a storybook castle, from feasting hall to dreadful dungeon.

#3: Mummies in the Morning
Jack and Annie find themselves whisked away to ancient Egypt, where they come face to face with a dead queen - and her 1,000-year-old mummy!

#4: Pirates Past Noon
Jack and Annie are in deep trouble when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the days of desert islands, secret maps, hidden gold - and ruthless pirates!

... Read more

Reviews (7)

Magic Tree House Books 1-4
I bought this set on tape for my son's 6th birthday so we could listen to them in the car while travelling. The stories are well-done and made him use his imagination. We enjoyed trying guessing what dinosaurs were being described and he wondered if the kids could see the moon and stars while they were in the castle. Even my 3-year-old had a good time listening. They can't wait to go on another trip to hear more of the stories.

ALL THE TREE HOUSE BOOKS BUT ESPECIALLY CHRISTMAS IN CAMELOT
I AM A GRANDMOTHER OF A 7 YR OLD BOY. I WISHED THAT I COULD
DEVELOP A LOVE OF BOOKS IN HIM LIKE I HAVE. THE TREE HOUSE SERIES HAVE DONE JUST THAT. MY GRANDSON AND I TAKE TURNS READING EACH CHAPTER. I AM NOT SURE WHO ENJOYS THE STORIES MORE ME OR HIM. WE CAN'T WAIT FOR THE WEEKENDS SO WE CAN READ TOGETHER.

Dinosaures Before Dark
How would you like to ride on a pteranodon? Now you can! You could ride a pteranodon when you read magic tree house dinosaurs before dark. Annie's brother Jack did. Jack and Annie were also chased by a Tea-rex, and Annie tried to make friend with a duckbilled Dinosaur she was trying to talk to the Dinosaur. Jack kept taking notes. Jack and Annie now there is a magical witch or wizard because Jack found something that had an M on it.

Cory's review
Dinosaurs Before Dark

The Knight At Dawn

Mummies In The Morning

Pirates Past Noon

THESE BOOKS ARE THE BOMB BECAUSE I LIKE JACK AND ANNIE. THE ADVENTURES START IN THE TREE HOUSE. THE TREE HOUSE WAS FILLED WITH BOOKS. THE BOOKS TAKE THEM ON ADVENTURES.

This is Great!
The Magic Treehouse books are good for kids who have missed out on some reading skills. It is also good for 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders. Jack and Annie, the stars of the book, get into a lot of adventures and it is fun to read them. Mary Pope Osborne reads the books on the tape. She makes it so you really hear Jack and Annie's voices. I think kids will like this tape and grown-ups would like to hear the stories with their children. -- Munroe Woodward, Age 8 ... Read more

Book Description

DISCLAIMER: The long term effects of listening to this audio are unknown. Scientists have detected slightly higher rates of panic, fright and free-floating anxiety amongst listeners to this audio than that found in those listeners who engaged in more pleasant listening activities.

Dear Listener,

Like handshakes or housepets, many things are preferable when not slippery. Unfortunately, in this miserable volume, I am afraid that Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire run into more than their fair share of slipperiness during their harrowing journey up -- and down -- a range of strange and distressing mountains.

It would be best not to mention any of the unpleasant details of this story, particularly a secret message, a swarm of snow gnats, a scheming villain, a covered casserole dish, and a surprising survivor of a terrible fire.

Unfortunately, I have dedicated my life to researching and recording the sad tale of the Baudelaire Orphans. There is no reason for you to dedicate yourself to such things, and you might instead dedicate yourself to letting this slippery audio slip from your hands into a nearby trash receptacle, or deep pit. With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket

Reviews (123)

MiSs.OoOo!
The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket is a nice adition to the series of Unfortunate Events. In this book, the Baudelaires are seperated in the beginning. Using Violet's superb, mechanical mind and Klaus's amazing knowledge of books and words, they get through many problems. Only this time that had alittle help from Quigley Quagmire- the triplet everyone thought was dead. Quigley had amazing information on V.F.D that he picked up traveling in the footsteps of the Baudelaires. My favorite part in the book was when they escaped from the clutches of Count Olaf and his evil crew when Carmelita Spatz attempted to push them off the mountain. Although there was a tragic ending (as always) that i won't reveal, I know we'll be hearing more about the adventurous yet sad life of the Baudelaires. Lemony Snicket is an extremely talented author who makes it easy to understand what's going on in his stories by using situations that relate to us. His books have opened my mind and made me think about what he is trying to communicate to us. It's amazing how everything he writes fits in so well and all makes sense. I really enjoy reading Lemony Snicket and I encourage you to read all of his books!

The Slippery Slope
The Slippery Slope
Written by: Lemony Snicket

This is the tenth book in "A Series of Unfortunate Events". The main characters include the Baudelaire children, Count Olaf, and Esme Squalor. Sunny is the youngest of the three Baudelaire orphans. She is only two years old but is courageous and demands independence from her siblings. Sunny has sharp teeth, a very limited vocabulary, and a strong will. Klaus is the middle child. He is 12 years old, loves to read, and is very intelligent. Violet is the eldest of the siblings and is 15 years old. She is imaginative and loves to invent things. Violet's inventions are well known among her admirers. Count Olaf is a wicked old villain who is out to get the Baudelaire's fortune. Esme is the evil girlfriend of Count Olaf. She is the "in and out girl". This means if it is in-style she'll embrace it, but if it is out she'll despise it.
The plot of the book is about the adventures of the Baudelaire children as they try to find out if one of their parents is still alive and try to find their kidnapped sister, Sunny. They encounter many obstacles and disappointments in their journey.
The setting takes place on the slippery slope of Mortmain Mountains. The mountains are freezing and are infested with evil insects called snow gnats. These insects will sting anything and everyone. It is a miserable place to be.
The theme of the book is about realistic trials and their outcomes. Unlike many stories this story does not have a happy ending.
I liked this book because it has unpredictable twists and turns. The author has a very unique style of writing! It will most definitely capture your attention.

slippery slope
the slippery slope has an exciting twist of happiness and sadness. i enjoyed this book because it kept me asking for more and so i wanted to keep reading. this book gives you chills in one chapter and the feeling of relief in another. i enjoyed this book along with the rest of the series.

The Best ASOUE Book Yet!
It was humorous at many parts what Sunny said (such as Busheney, which means an evil heartless man with no care for others, does that sound like a mixing of our president and vice president's names? Looks like another politician ^-^). Anyways, there are many surprises, and, of course, disatrous events anyone will love. READ IT NOW! If you haven't read the others, do so!

Great Book!
If you haven't bought this book yet, I suggest you buy it. It is the longest book yet (over 300 pages), but in this case, bigger is better. In this tenth sequel to one of the most popular book series out there, the Baudelaire kids reunite with old friends, and are seperated from Sunny by Count Olaf. Violet, Klaus, and their two friends have to find Sunny in the wilderness. Meanwhile, COunt Olaf and his troupe forces Sunny to commit to chores an average baby cannot do. And you might be quite surprise at what Sunny SAYS.

As usual, Snicket keeps you guessing at the end of every chapter. And even more suspensful, the note to the editor is even harder to read than past books, which you may or may not like. The book is a little slow-moving, but is well worth your money. Go out and buy this book that keeps you guessing from page 1 right now! ... Read more

Book Description

"They say Aslan is on the move. Perhaps he has already landed," whispered the Beaver. Edmund felt a sensation of mysterious horror. Peter felt brave and adventurous. Susan felt as if some delightful strain of music had just floated by. And Lucy got that feeling when you realize it's the beginning of summer. So, deep in the bewitched land of Narnia, the adventure begins."

They opened a door and entered a world--Narnia--the land beyond the wardrobe, the secret country known only to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. Lucy is the first to stumble through the back of the enormous wardrobe in the professor's mysterious old country house, discovering the magic world beyond. At first, no one believes her. But soon Edmund, Peter and Susan, too, discover the magic and meet Asland, the Great Lion, for themselves. And in the blink of an eye, they are changed forever.

This superbly adapted radio dramatization from the BBC--world reknowned for their excellence in radio programming--delightfully sweeps listeners into the marvelous heart of their imaginations and into the enchanted world of Narnia.

This exquisite production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe features a stellar cast, authentic sound effects, and wonderfully stirring music to warm and engage the hearts of children and adults whether they're hearing the story for the first or the fiftieth time. ... Read more

Reviews (319)

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
A long time ago, four children found a magical world beyond (what they thought was) an ordinary wardrobe. This magical world led them to many adventures in a magical place called Narnia. I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in less than three hours because it was so interesting and captivating. this is now my favorite book. After I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, I bought the other books in the series. I recommend that others do too. I enjoyed reading this book and then the Magician's Nephew. My favorite character is Aslan. Aslan is a lion that comes to save Narnia from the White Witch. Aslan is very courageous. My second favorite character is Lucy. Lucy was the first to enter Narnia. At the end, Lucy was named Queen Lucy the Valiant. My least favorite character is the White Witch. She made Narnia always winter but never Christmas. She also turned things to stone. She was truly an evil witch. My second least favorite character is Edmund, at the beginning. He lied and could have gotten his brother and sisters killed.Edmund became a better person in the end. My favorite part was when Aslan's army were battling the White Witch's army. I also liked when Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy were crowned Kings and Queens. Peter was crowned King Peter the Magnificent. Susan was crowned Queen Susan the Gentle. Edmund was crowned King Edmund the Just, and Lucy was crowned Queen Lucy the Valiant. My least favorite part was when Edmund entered the wardrobe. When he entered Narnia he met the White Witch. Edmund decided to betray his brother and sisters and take them to the White Witch. Then when he got out of Narnia he lied and said he had never been there. I enjoyed The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I would recommend it to anyone who has an imagination. I also recommend the other books in this series.

Fairy tale about willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice
Four British children, two sisters and two brothers, are sent away from London during World War II because of air raids. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy now live in the large house of an old professor. While exploring their new home, the youngest, Lucy, steps into a wardrobe, suddenly finding herself in a strange wintry world full of creatures from fairy tales and mythology. At first, her siblings don't believe her, but, after a while, all four of them enter the world of Narnia. An evil witch has the land under her spell, but help is on the way -- a lion named Aslan.

"The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" is the second book of "The Chronicles Of Narnia." Clive Staples Lewis wrote the novel in 1950, yet its theme of the willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice makes the story timeless. While the story is primarily aimed at a young audience, Lewis himself points out the following to his niece Lucy to whom the book is dedicated: "... [S]ome day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." An extra bonus are the charming illustrations by Pauline Baynes.

I want to go to Narnia
How can you not adore this? You know how food can be labeled "comfort food" - well this is the type of story that's a "comfort story". I felt so protected, secure and safe while reading this. It takes me back to a time in my life when I reguarly daydream adventures like those in Narnia. I think it reminds us of imagination, and freedom, and child-like wonder. Such a beautiful, wonderful story. Allow it to take you away and suspend your disbelief - you won't be sorry.

Hope
I chose to read this classic by C.S. Lewis because every one else I knew had read it when they were younger. I was told that it was an allegorical novel by a friend, which spiked my interest in what I considered just a child's fantasy. Lewis fills his world, Narnia, with a wonderful array of different and interesting characters. Fauns, Nymphs, Dryads, Naiads, and hospitable beavers all contribute to the fantastic nature of this story. Lewis must have been a creative man to imagine such wonders and write them down. A place where perpetually deadened by the cold of winter, with no Christmas and, therefore, no hope would be a terribly bleak setting. The depiction of Aslan as a symbol of Christ was quite interesting. Even the girls, Susan and Lucy, become similar to the two Marys in the gospel in their caretaking of the lion. So as not to give away the story to anyone else I will end saying this unique world provides more than just a fantasy escape. To both children and adults it provides a reminder that there is hope, even in our world, when it too seems cold and dead.

The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe a reveiw by Irene
Have you ever imagined being sent away to someone's house, that has a secret that no one knows but you? The house in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe had a secret , which only Peter, Susan,Edmund, and Lucy knows. Once they went through the wardrobe in the house,their adventures would begin in the land called Narnia, and their lives will change.

I love this book, because it tells about Lucy trying to save her friend Tumnus. It tells about the wonderful adventures she had with her friends, Peter, Susan, and Edmund and the great dangers they faced in Narnia. I also liked the little rhymes that describes Aslan, the great lion.

I wish that this book would be longer and the adventures of Narnia would countinue in this book.

I recommend this book for people who like adventure stories, because this book is filled with adventures.

My favorite part is when the dwarf made Edmond a prisoner and used a whip to threaten him to go faster. If the White Witch ( a terrible witch) that calls herself queen of Narnia wants Edmond to go faster, the dwarf whips him until he goes faster.

My other favorite part is when Edmond got tricked into bringing Peter, Susan and Lucy to her because she wants to turn Edmond and his friends into stone. They are smart and she doesn't want them to break the White Witch's spell. The spell is a spell that will keep Narnia always in a winter season.

On the map, I think it is a little confusing because it doesn't show the place where Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy came through the Wardrobe to Narnia, but the story is exciting. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Alex Jennings
Approx. 9 hrs. 30 mins.
6 cassettes

The final volume of Susan Cooper's brilliant and absorbing fantasy sequence known as The Dark Is Rising.

The Dark is rising in its last and greatest bid to control the world.And Will Stanton--last-born of the immortal Old Ones, dedicated to keeping the world free--must join forces with his ageless master Merriman and Bran, the Welsh boy whose destiny ties him to the Light.Drawn in with them are the three Drew children, who are mortal, but have their own vital part in the story.These six fight fear and death in the darkly brooding Welsh hills, in a quest through time and space that touches the most ancient myths of the British Isles and that brings Susan Cooper's masterful sequence of novels to a satisfying close.

Alex Jennings has a long list of credits in British theatre, television and film.He has also worked with the BBC Radio Repertory Company. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Silver on the Tree was really good, but I expected more
Everything in the Dark is Rising Series was really great, eapecially The Dark is Rising. Everything up to The Grey King built up tremendously. When I finally read Silver on the Tree I was somewhat disappointed. I was really happy the the major characters got together, but they weren't together long enough. I expected all five of the kids to do the journey together, and I also thought that the Drews didn't get to participate enough in the story, and Merriman was bearly in it! But I was really disappointed at the ending. I really didn't see the point of what all of them went through if only they were going to forget it in the end! It would have meant MORE to them and the story if they would have been able to remember. But all in all, the book was good. And I thank Susan Cooper for bringing us this excellent series.

A fabulous ending to a magnificent sequence.
A couple months ago my very dear friend said "You have to read these books by Susan Cooper" Since she usually likes the same books I do, I checked out the first one. I was hooked! Just a few days ago I finally finished the last book, Silver On the Tree. Fantastic. Really, if any adult doesn't read this because they think it's a kid's book, think again. I know many kids my age (13) who wouldn't get the subtle hints that go throughout the series.

Susan Cooper is such an excellent writer. She can make totally realistic, everyday, family scenes, and then turn around and write about journeys through fantastic fantasy worlds. She is also really good about writing descriptive scenes that let you picture something so exactly.

I can't decide whether this ties with The Grey King as the best book in the sequence, or if Grey King is a bit better.

The ending wraps things up just right. Except, I don't think the Drews & Bran should have had to forget. That's was probably the only complaint I can think of.

Goes through the motions
This last book in "The Dark is Rising" Sequence goes through the motions of being dark an mysterious, and does so effectively, but the feel is about what you'd expect to get rereading "The Dark is Rising" (book 2 in the sequence). It manages to wrap things up, and could be turned into a movie without some director mutilating the plot to slip in CGI shots. The final battle is pure CGI gold. Overall, I am satisfied, and do not feel cheated in any way by the latter four books of the series (although I hated the first one, and I'm glad I read the second one first, or I would have never continued).

A satisfying ending to a spectacular series
The old one, Will, and his friends are on their final adventure together to save the world from the rising dark. Will start off with his brothers at a picnic and he discovers that the old ones cannot slack off and let the dark take over. Merriman tells Will to pick up the blet of the signs to ward off the dark for the final moment. Meanwhile, Jane, Simon, and Barney are vacationing in Wales near where the mountain of the Grey King was. They meet Will at a cliff and they meet Bran, the mysterious albino boy. Together they solve the last piece to the puzzle of the rhyme, the lost city. They find the lost city and enter it to find the crystal sword, the final weapon of the light. Then it is the race to the midsummer tree. Prophesy has it said that the first one to cut off the silver from the midsummer tree will rule the universe. There are lots of surprises in the book and the plot changes ever so slightly. Everything flows together.
I like the book because of the interesting plot, how each book and each event in each book flows into one another. I also happen to like King Arthur and his Round Table so this makes the book very appealing. I like how Susan Cooper uses real language and real places to explain the story which makes the whole story more believable.
My favorite part was when Will and Bran received the crystal sword from the unhappy king. I've always wondered why did the king decide to torture himself with his own thoughts. The book says the Dark has no power to harm but it can contribute to changing a person. Then can't the king resist the Dark's influence? Why must he suffer because he did something right? Great book overall!

The Dark is Rising Sequence
This series is very unique. Susan Cooper has done a great job of writing an awe