Winter Holiday (Swallows and Amazons)

The fourth book in Arthur Ransome's classic series for children, WINTER HOLIDAY takes intrepid explorers John, Susan, Titty, and Roger Walker, and fearsome Amazon pirates Nancy and Peggy Blackett to the North Pole. Joined by budding novelist Dorothea Callum and her scientist brother Dick, the children plan an ?Arctic? expedition. But unforeseen events separate the travelers and disaster nearly strikes in the exciting climax of their race to the Pole.?The story is the best kind of adventure story. . . . Every step is possible, and everyone is transmuted into romance by deliberate purpose. Nothing that the children do is beyond the reach of a group provided that winter, a frozen lake and mumps connive to perfect adventure. Observer?Mr. Ransome's imagination is as deep and secret as the waters of his lake, his prose is as strong and level as the ice which covered it ? a beautiful surface for adventurous skaters of any age.? ?New Statesman?It's hard to believe that four siblings could camp out together on an island for weeks without cross words. But like the old fashioned atmosphere, this loyalty and good cheer make their imaginary world a most pleasant, happy place.? ?The Philadelphia Inquirer