Mr Sam's Toyshop in Bluebell village is like no other toyshop in the world. Mr Sam makes all the toys himself, in a little workshop out the back, but not even he knows everything his marvellous toys can do. He doesn't see what they get up to at the end of every day, when the last customer has gone home and the toys are alone. Morris the monkey reaches for his drumsticks and Ola the elephant asks the clockwork mouse for a dance while the two clowns turn somersaults and Mr Wobble wobbles merrily. And the night is only just beginning. . . .
Ben the Bear was the newest toy in the nursery, but he was so rude, the others would not play with him. But everyone learned a lesson after a surprise birthday party for Ben. Full-color illustrations throughout.
When a poet, Richard Cadogan, receives an unexpected £50 advance from his publisher for his new poetry book, he decides to go to Oxford for a well deserved holiday. The change of scenery and peace of mind is what he needs to recover his inspiration for writing, but little he suspects that what he envisioned as a leisurely time spent on long walks and visiting friends will turn into a mystery solving adventure full of unexpected and dangerous twists. After an eventful train journey, Cadogan arrives in Oxford late at night only to realise that he has forgotten the exact address of his stay. Relying on a distant memory of the place he boarded in years ago he accidentally enters a toyshop where, to his surprise and fright, he finds the dead body of a women. Before he knows he is knocked out and spends his first night of the holidays locked in the backroom of the shop. When he finally recovers from the concussion the body is gone and the toyshop turned mysteriously into a grocery store, and Cadogan himself is accused of trespassing and stealing food. Luckily for the puzzled poet his old university friend, the professor of literature, Gervase Fen is there ready to plunge into the midst of this mystery. The Moving Toyshop, first published in 1946, is Edmund Crispin's most famous novel featuring eccentric amateur detective, Gervase Fen.
The Greatest Bed-Time Stories anthology curates a magical compendium of tales that traverse the vivid spectrums of fantasy, adventure, and whimsy. Within its pages lie a rich tapestry of literary styles, ranging from fairy tales and fables to animal adventures and fantasy epics, embodying the very essence of what it means to journey into realms beyond our imagining. This collection stands as a testament to the timeless allure of bedtime storytelling, showcasing seminal works that have captivated readers of all ages, drawn from a pantheon of influential authors whose narratives have become cornerstones of children's literature. The assortment of stories, while diverse, coalesces around the central theme of wonder and the importance of dreams, laying bare the infinite possibilities afforded by the imagination. The contributing authors and editors, a venerable whos who of literary giants from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen, and Beatrix Potter among others, bring a remarkable depth of creative talent and philosophical insight to the collection. Their works, each a reflection of the socio-cultural and historical milieus from which they emerged, collectively encapsulate a golden era of storytelling. These stories, beyond their surface entertainment value, delve into the intricacies of moral lessons, societal norms, and the human condition, offering a window into the historical and cultural landscapes of their time. This ensemble of voices, with their unique stylistic signatures and thematic explorations, creates a rich mosaic that is both educational and inspirational. The Greatest Bed-Time Stories is not merely a collection to be read; it is an journey to be experienced, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the wonderment of storytelling. It presents a unique opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of narrative innovation across generations, making it an indispensable addition to the libraries of young readers, educators, and anyone with an interest in the art of storytelling. Through these pages, readers are offered a gateway into understanding the universal power of stories to connect us across time and space, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft of storytelling and the enduring legacy of its practitioners.
The Wonderful Land of Bed-Time Stories stands as a monumental anthology that gathers under its wings an illustrious array of tales that have enchanted young hearts and minds over generations. This collection boasts an exceptional diversity in storytelling, ranging from the whimsical adventures in fairylands to the profound moral tales that have shaped childhood ethos across cultures. The anthology encapsulates the essence of literary traditions from the fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen to the daring narratives of Jack London, and the whimsical worlds created by L. Frank Baum and J.M. Barrie, making it a treasure trove of literary styles and themes. Its significance lies not only in the collective cultural memory it represents but also in its capacity to inspire imagination and impart timeless wisdom. The contributing authors and editors bring with them rich backgrounds that span continents, centuries, and realms of imagination. From the Victorian enchantments of Lewis Carroll and Oscar Wilde to the pioneering spirit of American letters embodied by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott, this anthology is a cross-cultural dialogue in narrative richness. These authors, belonging to various literary movementsRomanticism, the Golden Age of Children's Literature, and early Modernismcome together to provide a panoramic view of the landscape of children's literature, their collective works echoing the universal truths and fantasies that have historically connected human experiences. For readers seeking an adventure into the heart of childhood's most beloved stories, The Wonderful Land of Bed-Time Stories offers an unparalleled journey. This anthology is not just a collection but an opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of literary craftsmanship across different eras and ideologies. It invites educators, students, and aficionados of classic literature to delve into its pages, to appreciate the nuances of each tale, and to celebrate the enduring power of storytelling. This compilation is an essential addition to any library, promising both the joy of discovery and the comfort of familiar tales retold for generations to come.
Put your little ones to a snuggling sleep or go back yourself to the world of dreams and dreamers, magic, fairytales, legends and fantasy - with the greatest bed-time classics. Contents: Dragon Tales My Father's Dragon The Reluctant Dragon The Book of Dragons Animal Tales & Fables The Tale of Peter Rabbit The Tale of Benjamin Bunny The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies The Tailor of Gloucester Adventures of Peter Cottontail Mother West Wind Series The Burgess Bird Book for Children The Burgess Animal Book for Children The Velveteen Rabbit Uncle Wiggily's Adventures & Other Tales Little Bun Rabbit Mother Goose in Prose Lulu's Library The Jungle Book The Second Jungle Book Just So Stories The Call of the Wild White Fang Black Beauty The Story of Doctor Dolittle The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle Doctor Dolittle's Post Office The Story of a Nodding Donkey The Story of a Stuffed Elephant The Nutcracker and the Mouse King The Panchatantra Aesop Fables Russian Picture Fables for the Little Ones The Russian Garland: Folk Tales Fairy tales & Fantasies Complete Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen Complete Fairy Tales of Brothers Grimm Complete Fairy Books of Andrew Lang Peter Pan Five Children and It The Phoenix and the Carpet The Story of the Amulet The Enchanted Castle Alice in Wonderland Through the Looking Glass The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Collection At the Back of the North Wind The Princess and the Goblin The Princess and Curdie Wonder Book Tanglewood Tales The Happy Prince and Other Tales A House of Pomegranates All the Way to Fairyland The Blue Bird for Children The King of the Golden River Rootabaga Stories Knock Three Times! The Cuckoo Clock Friendly Fairies Raggedy Ann Stories Raggedy Andy Stories Russian Fairy Tales From the Skazki of Polevoi Old Peter's Russian Tales
The Greatest Childrens Classics Of All Time is a monumental anthology that showcases an unprecedented collection of stories from the most celebrated authors in children's literature. This anthology traverses an array of literary styles, from the whimsical adventures of Lewis Carroll to the pioneering science fiction of Jules Verne, and the pastoral narratives of Beatrix Potter. It brings together an eclectic mix of tales that have enchanted young readers for generations, emphasizing themes of courage, wonder, and the triumph of good. Standout pieces include timeless tales of exploration, magical fantasies, and moral fables that echo the diverse literary traditions and cultural narratives from which they spring. The collection is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in shaping young minds and fostering a lifelong love of reading. The contributing authors to this anthology are a veritable who's who of literary giants whose works have defined and indeed continue to shape the canon of children's literature. From the gothic charm of the Brothers Grimm to the social critiques of Mark Twain and the imaginative realms created by E. Nesbit, each author contributes uniquely to the collective exploration of youthful curiosity and moral development. Their backgrounds, spanning different centuries, cultures, and social contexts, enrich the anthology, offering a broad spectrum of pioneering themes and stylistic approaches. This collection is not only significant for its historical and cultural breadth, but also for highlighting the intersections and evolutions of literary movements within childrens literature. The Greatest Childrens Classics Of All Time is more than just an anthology; it is a gateway to a world of imagination, learning, and adventure. It is highly recommended for readers seeking to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of tales that have shaped, and continue to shape, the dreams and virtues of young readers worldwide. By engaging with this collection, readers are offered a unique opportunity to traverse the landscapes of classic childrens literature, where the vivid worlds and characters created by these literary masters continue to inspire and entertain. This anthology serves as an invaluable educational resource, a treasure trove of cultural heritage, and a vibrant dialogue between the myriad voices that have contributed to what is truly the greatest childrens classics of all time.
In “Further Adventures of Sonny, Gogo, and Tobo” the boys were older and growing in their understanding of the world, or that is to say, their two worlds, ours and the archipelago of islands in the sky where Gogo and Tobo lived. One day on a visit to our world Gogo had met Sonny and they had become fast friends. From then on Gogo would take Sonny back to his home nearly every weekend. In this third book the boys are older again. The twelfth birthday is a significant mile-stone in the Islands. Along with their regular schooling children must start to train for the work they will do as adults. Sonny receives a wholly unexpected offer. If he accepts he must face three tests of his aptitude for such a life. In “Sonny and the Heroic Deeds” we read about the challenges he and Gogo face together. They evaluate their sensitivity in handling a deeply emotional issue, their understanding of economic realities in the Islands, and look at a personal dilemma which can be resolved only by outside intervention. These tests reflect the realities faced by young people everywhere as they emerge from the protective chrysalis of childhood.
