Synopses & Reviews
A little magic can take you a long way... Roald Dahl was a champion of the underdog and all things littlein this case, an orphaned boy oppressed by two nasty, self-centered aunts. How James escapes his miserable life with the horrible aunts and becomes a hero is a Dahlicious fantasy of the highest order. You will never forget resourceful little James and his new family of magically overgrown insectsa ladybug, a spider, a grasshopper, a glowworm, a silkworm, and the chronic complainer, a centipede with a hundred gorgeous shoes. Their adventures aboard a luscious peach as large as a house take them across the Atlantic Ocean, through waters infested with peach-eating sharks and skies inhabited by malevolent Cloudmen, to a ticker-tape parade in New York City.
This happily ever after contemporary fairy tale is a twentieth-century classic that every child deserves to know. And Lane Smith's endearingly funny illustrations are a perfect match for the text.
"All the gruesome imagery of old-fashioned fairy tales and a good measure of their breathtaking delight." Kirkus Reviews
"A stunning book, to be cherished for its story, a superb fantasy." The Chicago Tribune
"The most original fantasy that has been published in a long time...[it] may well become a classic." San Francisco Chronicle
Review
andldquo;
Half Magic is a funny, charming, timeless book, as much a pleasure to read to a child now as it was forty years ago. Those who had it read to them then may even have an obligation to pass on the pleasure.andrdquo;and#160; andmdash;
The New York Times Book Review * andquot;Ingenious make-believe. . . . Satisfying variety, surprise, and laughter. . . . A book children will want to read at one sitting.andquot;and#160; andmdash;Library Journal, starred review
Synopsis
Now on Broadway!
Matilda is a sweet, exceptional young girl, but her parents think she's just a nuisance. She expects school to be different but there she has to face Miss Trunchbull, a menacing, kid-hating headmistress. When Matilda is attacked by the Trunchbull she suddenly discovers she has a remarkable power with which to fight back. It'll take a superhuman genius to give Miss Trunchbull what she deserves and Matilda may be just the one to do it!
Here is Roald Dahl's original novel of a little girl with extraordinary powers. This much-loved story has recently been made into a wonderful new musical, adapted by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.
Synopsis
Since Half Magic first hit bookshelves in 1954, Edward Eagerandrsquo;s Tales of Magic have become beloved classics. Now all seven cherished stories by Edward Eager about vacationing cousins who stumble into magical doings and whimsical adventures are available in updated paperback editions. The original lively illustrations by N. M. Bodecker have been retained, but eye-catching new cover art gives these classics a fresh, contemporary look for a whole new generation.
Synopsis
It all begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; And something does: Her wish is granted.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Or not quite. Only half of her wish comes true.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; It turns out the coin grants wishesandmdash;but only by half, so that you must wish for twice as much as you want.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Wishing for two times some things is a cinch, but other doubled wishes only cause twice as much trouble. What is half of twice a talking cat? Or to be half-again twice not-here? And how do you double your most heartfelt wish, the one you care about so much it has to be perfect?
Includes an introduction by Alice Hoffman
About the Author
Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was born in Wales of Norwegian parents. He spent his childhood in England and, at age eighteen, went to work for the Shell Oil Company in Africa. When World War II broke out, he joined the Royal Air Force and became a fighter pilot. At the age of twenty-six he moved to Washington, D.C., and it was there he began to write. His first short story, which recounted his adventures in the war, was bought by
The Saturday Evening Post, and so began a long and illustrious career.
After establishing himself as a writer for adults, Roald Dahl began writing childrens stories in 1960 while living in England with his family. His first stories were written as entertainment for his own children, to whom many of his books are dedicated.
Roald Dahl is now considered one of the most beloved storytellers of our time. Although he passed away in 1990, his popularity continues to increase as his fantastic novels, including James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, delight an ever-growing legion of fans.
Learn more about Roald Dahl on the official Roald Dahl Web site: www.roalddahl.com
Table of Contents
Contents
HOW IT BEGAN 3
WHAT HAPPENED TO THEIR MOTHER 21
WHAT HAPPENED TO MARK 35
WHAT HAPPENED TO KATHARINE 68
WHAT HAPPENED TO MARTHA 109
WHAT HAPPENED TO JANE 139
HOW IT ENDED 177
HOW IT BEGAN AGAIN 206