Young David Balfour, left in poverty when his father dies,goes to his uncle, Ebenezer, for assistance. He soon finds himselfkidnapped and on board a ship, headed for a life of slavery. Withthe help of daring rebel Alan Breck, David escapes, only to getmixed up in a desperate adventure— suspected of murder and huntedacross the Scottish moors.
This enchanting collection, retold by writer and critic NaomiLewis, contains twelve of Hans Christian Andersen's magnificentstories. It includes Thumbelina, a little girl no more than athumb-joint high, "The Emperor's New Clothes", the tale of a manwho cares only for his appearance and The Little Mermaid, who longsto one day marry a human prince. It includes a wonderful coverillustration and new introduction by award-winning picture-bookcreator Jan Pienkowski.
The last thing Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their babybrother expect to find while digging in the sand is a Psammead—anancient Sand-fairy! Having a Sand-fairy for a pet means having onewish granted each day. But the fivesome doesn’t realize all of thetrouble that wishes can cause.
Following a wild and raging storm, the Swiss family Robinson arestranded at sea. But the thundering waves have swept them off to atropical island, where a new life awaits them. Their ship is ladenwith supplies and the island is packed with treasures, so they soonadapt and discover new dangers and delights every day ...This titleoffers an inspiring introduction by American author and America'sfirst children's laureate Jon Scieszka.
Gangly, quick-tempered Katy always means to be beautiful,beloved, and as good as an angel one day, but somehow herresolutions get forgotten or go horribly wrong. When an accidentalfall from a swing seems to threaten her hopes for the future, Katystruggles to overcome her difficulties with the vitality and goodhumor she admires in her cousin Helen.
This collection brings the world of Ancient Egypt to life withtales of journey and discovery. Among the many stories are thegreat myth of Amen-Ra, who formed all the creatures in the world;the entrancing tale of Isis, who searched the waters for her deadhusband Osiris; and the miraculous story of the girl with therose-red slippers, considered the first-ever Cinderella tale.Entertaining and enchanting, this is a timeless collection of theoldest stories in the world.
The famous, funny, and inspiring stories of creation asreaders have never heard them before. From the tale of how theleopard got his spots to the crab who played with the sea, from theingenious invention of the alphabet to how the rhinoceros got hiswrinkled skin, these stories of strange happenings in the High andFar-Off Times brim with life, humor, and magic.
Jonathan Harker is travelling to Castle Dracula to see theTransylvanian noble, Count Dracula. He is begged by locals not togo there, because on the eve of St George's Day, when the clockstrikes midnight, all the evil things in the world will come fullsway. But business must be done, so Jonathan makes his way to theCastle - and then his nightmare begins. His beloved wife Meena andother lost souls have fallen under the Count's horrifying spell.Dracula must be destroyed. This title is presented with an excitingintroduction by Holly Black, bestselling author of "The SpiderwickChronicles".
These fairy tales, which Oscar Wilde made up for his own sons,include “The Happy Prince,” who was not as happy as he seemed, “TheSelfish Giant,” who learned to love little children, and “The StarChild,” who suffered bitter trials when he rejected his parents.Often whimsical and sometimes sad, they all shine with poetry andmagic.
Alone in a new country, wealthy Sara Crewe tries to makefriends at boarding school and settle in. But when she learns thatshe'll never see her beloved father again, her life is turnedupside down. Transformed from princess to pauper, she must swapdancing lessons and luxury for drudgery and a room in the attic.Will she find that kindness and generosity are all the riches shetruly needs? With deeply poignant introduction written bybestselling author of "Chinese Cinderella", "A Little Princess" isone of the twelve wonderful classic stories being relaunched in"Puffin Classics" in March 2008.