Diana Wynne Jones is best-known for her novels and stories - of magical fantasy - written mainly for children. She received a World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2007, as well as two Mythopoeic Awards and the Guardian Fiction Award for Charmed Life. But she was also a witty, entertaining speaker, a popular guest at science fiction and fantasy conventions and an engaged, scholarly critic of writing that interested her.
This collection of more than twenty-five papers, chosen by Diana herself, includes fascinating literary criticism (such as a study of narrative structure in The Lord of the Rings and a ringing endorsement of the value of learning Anglo Saxon) alongside autobiographical anecdotes about reading tours (including an account of her famous travel jinx), revelations about the origins of her books, and thoughts in general about the life of an author and the value of writing. The longest autobiographical piece, 'Something About the Author', details Diana's extraordinary childhood and is illustrated with family photographs. Reflections is essential reading for anyone interested in Diana's works, fantasy or creative writing.
The collection features a foreword by Neil Gaiman and an introduction and interview by Charlie Butler, a respected expert on fantasy writing. Views: 896
Recipient of the Grand Prix of the Académie Française, Wind, Sand and Stars captures the grandeur, danger, and isolation of flight. Its exciting account of air adventure, combined with lyrical prose and the spirit of a philosopher, makes it one of the most popular works ever written about flying. Translated by Lewis Galantière. Views: 895
Ruby Redfort: secret agent, detective, thirteen-year-old kid.
And now... SURVIVAL EXPERT!
It's not always possible to skip around smelling the roses, 'cos sometimes you're too busy gripping onto the cliff edge by your fingernails. But 99 times out of 100 it's worth hanging in there bozo: just as things get worse so too can they get a whole lot better.
In this handy pocket-sized book, Ruby will give you the lowdown on how to survive a bunch if tricky situations. So long as you keep your a cool head, buster, you can make it out there alive... Views: 895
Amid the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp, a prisoner evokes the memory of Golem.Easter time again, and Wonka has allowed another Duffel story! With my illustrations too.... This time round Duffel is to be transported from that magical level two down to the seaside, where he has yet again another easy peasy quest (according to that Mr Watkins) and of course has the magical powers thanks to his coat to assist. The quest is now to rescue a beloved cat living rough at the famous Palace Theatre; will Duffel have enough magic to resist his encounter with the strange Madame Fortuna, and the ever present CPO? and is there to be a happy reunion with Sam, the dog he rescued on his last successful mission? Do read this new story and find out! Happy Easter to you with lots of love from me and Wonka x Views: 895
MI6 assigns Alex Rider, 14, undercover at an elite prep school for teen rebels after two fathers are assassinated. Principal Dr Grief and vicious cigar-smoking Mrs Stellenbosch are the only teachers. All the students act studious, perfect - and identical. When Alex finds the plot, the villains find him, and the mountain peak has only a black ski run escape. Views: 894
This classic Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss is a delightful ode to winter. "Brrrrr!" It snowed! From snowball fights and skiing to fort building and snowman making, P. D. Eastman and Roy McKie's" Snow "will have young readers eager for the kind of fun only a wintry-white day can bring. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa!
Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
"Joyful verse relates the many ways to enjoy snow. First graders will love it."--"Chicago Tribune. " Views: 894
Train travel! Murder! Librarians! A Series Finale!
On all other nights, the train departs from Stain'd Station and travels to the city without stopping. But not tonight. You might ask, why is this night different from all other nights? But that's the wrong question. Instead ask, where is this all heading? And what happens at the end of the line? The final book in Lemony Snicket's bestselling series, All The Wrong Questions. Views: 894
Has Lily bitten off more than she can bake? A sweet treat from the author of It’s Raining Cupcakes and Sprinkles and Secrets.
On a scale of one to ten, twelve-year-old Lily Hubbard is a zero when it comes to baking. Her cookies turn out salty, her cakes tend to lean, and things are always overcooked.
When Lily is invited to be a part of a mother-daughter book club called The Baking Bookworms, she is excited—and terrified. It seems like she’s the only one who didn’t inherit the baking gene.
But she does have the music gene, which is why she’s forming a band that will audition for their school’s annual Spring Fling. If, that is, Lily can balance her priorities. Because Isabel, one of the Baking Bookworms, has asked Lily to help plan a surprise party for their mutual friend Sophie. And the task is…creating a showstopping, mouthwatering, thirteenth-birthday-party-worthy dessert. Uh. Oh.
Soon, Lily finds herself knee-deep in sugar and sheet music as she tries to juggle her responsibility to her bandmates AND give her friend the best party ever. Views: 894
From one of the brightest talents in children's fiction and the winner of the Waterstones Children's Book prize comes a new novel about family and friendship. Siblings Jonathan, Holly and Davy have been struggling to survive since the death of their mother, and are determined to avoid being taken into care. When the family's wealthy but eccentric Great-Aunt Irene has a stroke, they go to visit her. Unable to speak or write, she gives Holly some photographs that might lead them to an inheritance that could solve all their problems. But they're not the only ones after the treasure... Views: 894
The Alden children explore a series of mix-ups at the zoo in order to save it from pranksters and the town council. Views: 893
Patricia Gardiner loved Silver Bush more than anything else in the world. She was born and raised in the beautiful old-fashioned house on Prince Edward Island, "where things always seemed the same" and good things never changed. But things do change at Silver Bush--from her first day at school to the arrival of her new own first romance. Through it all, Pat shares her experiences with her beloved friends and discovers the one thing that truly never changes: the beauty and peace she will always find at Silver Bush--the house that remembers her whole life. Views: 892
For centuries, Dalemark has been a land divided by the warning earldoms of the North and South. Now, with the help of the Undying, the mysterious gods of Dalemark, four extraordinary young people -- from the past, present, and future -- must join forced to reunify their beloved land. Views: 892
Wedding bells ring on both coasts, for Dawn's dad and for Mrs. Barrett, a client of the Babysitters Club. This super special marks Dawn's long-awaited return to the Club. Views: 892
The members of the Baby-sitters Club have been in eighth grade for over fifteen years now. It's time for them to graduate into high school -- with all the reflection, expectation, sorrow, and joy that such a big life change brings. This is the stunning, heartfelt conclusion to America's best-loved series. Views: 892
When the Boxcar Children uncover a strange puzzle in a friend’s backyard, it’s just the beginning of the “spy game”—a search for clues leading to gold! The children must make sense of a mysterious old photo and a riddle. But soon the children begin to suspect that there’s a mystery inside the mystery. Just who is behind this spy game, anyway? Views: 891
