Alex returns to the mysterious Downhills, in the company of Princess Barbara. He does so in order to help Halo the magician! In the Monster Inn he comes across a strange animal. He is a mammoth who can blow himself up into a gigantic balloon. Everyone calls him Uncle Balloon and he is able to fly! But… when someone tells him a silly Downhills joke, his trunk unravels and then he crashes! On the back of Uncle Balloon, Alex, Princess Barbara and of course Ludo the wolpertinger go in search of adventures! Will they reach magician Fabulus and finally get his big magic book? You read all about it in this new, exiting adventure! 'Dutchy' Koos Verkaik is one of the most productive authors of the moment. He wrote sixty books, both novels and children's books, published in Dutch and English. He works hard on this series now: Alex and the Wolpertinger! Book 4 in this series: The Land of Fringe.
When Simon the squirrel's mum sends him off to the shop, Simon decides to fly to the moon in Old Uncle Somerset's hot air balloon in search of cheese. Shopping in outer space is very exciting, but proves to be a bit of a distraction...
The Greatest Classics for Children in One Volume is a treasure trove of literary diversity, showcasing an exceptional range of styles and themes from the fantastical voyages of Jules Verne to the whimsical realms of Lewis Carroll. This anthology unites the monumental works of storytelling that have shaped the contours of children's literature over centuries. Each piece, whether it be the adventures of Johanna Spyri's alpine landscapes or the morally charged narratives of Harriet Beecher Stowe, contributes to the fabric of this collection, highlighting the evolution of literary forms and the richness of imaginative storytelling. The anthology's breadth invites readers to explore the intersections of fantasy, morality, adventure, and wisdom across different cultural backgrounds and historical periods. The contributing authors and editors, from luminaries like Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde to the evocative tales of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, represent a wide spectrum of literary movements and cultural heritages. Their works collectively embody the spirit of their times, reflecting and influencing societal norms, educational values, and the child's place within both the literary and the larger world. This compilation captures the essence of age-old narrations while aligning with significant historical and cultural shifts, bringing to light how these narratives have served as both mirrors and molders of society. For anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the foundational stories of childhood literature, this volume offers an unparalleled opportunity. Not only does it encapsulate a wide range of human experiences and philosophies, but it also opens a dialogue between the enduring themes of the past and the inquisitive minds of the present. Readers are encouraged to delve into this collection, to uncover the layers of meaning within each story, and to appreciate the vast tapestry of voices that have contributed to the legacy of children's literature. This anthology is more than a reading experience—it is an educational journey through the heart of storytelling, inviting a new generation to discover these classics anew.
“Don’t worry,” said Princess Leora’s father just before he left for the tournament. “If anything goes wrong, release a bunch of balloons from the castle tower. Wherever I am, I will see them and come home right away.” Now, something is wrong—very wrong. Princess Leora’s grumpy uncle, the Archduke, wants to be king, and the very first thing he does is pop every balloon in the kingdom. Princess Leora is afraid, but she doesn't give up. If she can find just one whole balloon, the kingdom will be saved!
Rarely does one person’s family history intersect dramatically with a country’s momentous events. In Where Is My Home? A Refugee Journey, Miriam Potocky-Tripodi describes the Czech Republic’s decades-long struggle for freedom and how it affected her own life. Only after the fall of Communism in 1989 could the author reclaim her homeland by visiting Prague and discovering her Czech heritage. This family history, written with both poignancy and unwavering honesty, is the story of how the Nazi and Soviet invaders tried to destroy the soul of the Czech people. Yet the story also contains vignettes of triumph, from the author’s father’s defiance of Communist officials to an uncle’s dreams of escape. Like Czech history, this family account has moments of aching sadness. The author relates how she searched for any scrap of information about her grandparents, who were murdered by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Yet, this book also reveals glimpses of radiance, from a painter’s sly humor to the author's feelings of connection to her fellow Czechs. Can an exile ever return home after decades of living in America? This difficult question reverberates throughout this book, leaving the reader with a richer understanding of Czech history and one person's quest for self-identity.
