Lars, the little polar bear, dreams of flying like the seagulls he watches. One day he meets a lost puffin whose wings are sticky with oil. Lars takes the bird to the hot springs where they discover a red hot air balloon. At last, it seems Lars's dream of exploring the sky is about to come true. Full color.
A soaring love story set in Napoleonic France This irresistible literary debut novel was inspired by the life of Sophie Blanchard, one of the first women to fly. In Paris, a young widow inherits her late husband’s considerable debts, as well as his celebrated hydrogen balloon. Drawn by the allure of flight despite its dangers, Sophie takes to the skies with a boldness that wins her fame throughout the country. Along with her new celebrity, Sophie wins the love of two very different men: one, her faithful childhood friend Andre Giroux, and the other a brash young Napoleon Bonaparte, soon to be emperor of France. Beautifully written and enriched with seven historical etchings, The Little Balloonist distills themes of love, freedom, and loyalty into a powerful tale that brings to mind bestselling historical fiction like Silk by Allessandro Baricco and I Was Amelia Earhart by Jane Mendelsohn. BACKCOVER: “Exquisite and beautiful . . . It will break your heart and take your breath away.” —National Book Award–winning author Lily Tuck “Delightful. . . . Glimpses of the history of primitive flight, tales of high romance and juicy anecdotes about Napoleon make this sweet novel soar. . . . Charming and smart—singularly high-spirited historical fiction.” —Kirkus Reviews “Whimsical . . . as pretty and slight as its heroine.” —Publishers Weekly
Once...there was a little blue balloon who lived at a fair. We'll call him...Blue. A happy little fellow, his only worry was that of the wind. He had seen it do many awful things. Knocking over garbage cans, stealing hats and sometimes...carrying off helpless balloons! One night while gazing up at the stars...he wondered what lay beyond the fair. In that one tiny moment...the thought became a wish. Drifting off to sleep, he dreamt of a wondrous far away land. He awoke to a terrible discovery...the wind had carried him off in the night! He was lost! Blue was now embarking on his first great adventure, braving flocks of wild geese, kite filled skies, perilous freeways and raging storms! Let yourself be whisked away with Blue as he explores strange new lands, finds new friendships...and follows his dreams.
The acclaimed novel of love, ambition, and Arctic adventure “told with fin de siecle elegance”—with an introduction by Philip Pullman (Kirkus Reviews). It is July 1897, at the northernmost reach of the inhabited world. Swedish inventor Gustav Crispin is determined to become the first person to set foot on the North Pole, and return, borne by hot air balloon. Making the expedition with two companions—an American journalist and a young, French-speaking adventurer—all three climb into the small wicker gondola and cuts the ropes. But as Gustav pursues his history-making ambition, and their flimsy balloon is battered by Arctic winds, his mind returns again and again to his fraught romance with the beautiful Luisa. Nominated for the National Book Award in 1977, The Balloonist was hailed by Mary Renault as a “tour de force.” The story of Gustav Crispin is “chilling and comic by turn . . . An unusual mixture of Arctic adventure and Parisian love story with philosophic overtones” (Kirkus Reviews).
CHILDHOOD CLASSICS - Ultimate Collection, comprising over 1400 tales, embraces a literary tapestry woven from the fabric of magic, adventure, fairytales, and legends. This anthology showcases the rich diversity and profound depth of literary styles, ranging from the whimsical enchantments of Lewis Carroll to the robust adventures of Mark Twain, underpinned by the universal themes of exploration, moral discovery, and the quest for understanding. Each story stands as a pillar of the genre, with the collection as a whole highlighting significant milestones and transformative narratives that have shaped our cultural heritage and continue to inspire generations of readers and writers alike. The contributing authors and editors, heralds of their time, brought forth a collective treasure trove that transcends the mere act of storytelling. Figures such as Jules Verne and Rudyard Kipling, with their forward-looking visions, Oscar Wilde with his incisive wit, and Harriet Beecher Stowe's poignant narratives, reflect a confluence of historical, cultural, and literary movements spanning from the Victorian era to the early 20th century. This assembly of legendary talents offers readers a unique window into the diverse contexts, values, and dilemmas that these stories navigated, highlighting the enduring relevance of these tales. CHILDHOOD CLASSICS - Ultimate Collection serves as an invaluable repository for those eager to embark on a journey through the landscapes of imagination and legacy. It appeals not only to young readers but also to adults who yearn to revisit the narratives that shaped their earliest reading experiences. This anthology presents a unique opportunity to explore a vast array of literary craftsmanship, themes, and the intricate interplay of cultural histories. Venturing into this collection promises a rewarding exploration of the worlds that have captivated hearts and minds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling and its power to reflect and shape the human condition.
e-artnow presents to you this meticulously edited collection of the most-celebrated and best-loved fairy tales of all time:_x000D_ Complete Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen_x000D_ Complete Fairy Tales of Brothers Grimm_x000D_ Complete Fairy Books of Andrew Lang_x000D_ Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (J. M. Barrie)_x000D_ Peter and Wendy (J. M. Barrie)_x000D_ Five Children and It (E. Nesbit)_x000D_ The Phoenix and the Carpet (E. Nesbit)_x000D_ The Story of the Amulet (E. Nesbit)_x000D_ The Enchanted Castle (E. Nesbit)_x000D_ Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll)_x000D_ Through the Looking Glass (Lewis Carroll)_x000D_ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Collection (L. Frank Baum):_x000D_ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz_x000D_ The Marvelous Land of Oz_x000D_ The Woggle-Bug Book_x000D_ Ozma of Oz_x000D_ Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz_x000D_ The Road to Oz_x000D_ The Emerald City of Oz_x000D_ The Patchwork Girl of Oz_x000D_ Little Wizard Stories of Oz_x000D_ Tik-Tok of Oz_x000D_ The Scarecrow of Oz_x000D_ Rinkitink in Oz_x000D_ The Lost Princess of Oz_x000D_ The Tin Woodman of Oz_x000D_ The Magic of Oz_x000D_ Glinda of Oz_x000D_ At the Back of the North Wind (George MacDonald)_x000D_ The Princess and the Goblin (George MacDonald)_x000D_ The Princess and Curdie (George MacDonald)_x000D_ Wonder Book (Nathaniel Hawthorne)_x000D_ Tanglewood Tales (Nathaniel Hawthorne)_x000D_ The Happy Prince and Other Tales (Oscar Wilde)_x000D_ A House of Pomegranates (Oscar Wilde)_x000D_ All the Way to Fairyland (Evelyn Sharp)_x000D_ The Blue Bird for Children (Maurice Maeterlinck and Georgette Leblanc)_x000D_ The King of the Golden River (John Ruskin)_x000D_ Rootabaga Stories (Carl Sandburg)_x000D_ Knock Three Times! (Marion St. John Webb)_x000D_ The Cuckoo Clock (Mary Louisa Molesworth)_x000D_ Friendly Fairies (Johnny Gruelle)_x000D_ Raggedy Ann Stories (Johnny Gruelle)_x000D_ Raggedy Andy Stories (Johnny Gruelle)_x000D_ Russian Fairy Tales From the Skazki of Polevoi_x000D_ Old Peter's Russian Tales
The Big Book of Fairytales & Fantasy Classics offers readers an unparalleled journey into the labyrinth of the imagination, assembling a remarkable array of tales from the quills of some of history's most influential and pioneering authors. This collection spans a myriad of literary styles, from the grotesque and Gothic to the whimsical and whimsical, showcasing the richness and diversity of fantasy literature. Among its pages, readers will find seminal works that have shaped the genre, bridging the gap between ancient folklore traditions and modern fantasy storytelling. The anthology captures the essence of fantasy as a space for exploring the human condition, morality, and the complexities of the magical and the mundane. The contributors to this volume are a veritable who's who of literary history, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the genre. From the surreal escapades in Lewis Carroll's wonderlands to the moral allegories in Oscar Wilde's writings, and the dark, cautionary tales of the Brothers Grimm, these authors collectively embody the spirit and evolution of fantasy literature. Their works reflect significant cultural and historical movements, from Romanticism to Victorian morality tales, offering readers a window into the sociopolitical landscapes of their times. This anthology is a treasure trove for aficionados of fantasy and fairy tales, students of literature, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the boundless realms of the imagination. It presents an extraordinary opportunity to explore the depths of fantasy literature through a tapestry of tales that challenge, entertain, and inspire. The Big Book of Fairytales & Fantasy Classics is not just a collection of stories; it is an invitation to wanderlust and wonder, encouraging readers to ponder the limitless potentials of the fantastical world. A rich educational resource and a compelling read, it promises to awaken a sense of awe and an appreciation for the craft of storytelling.
Join Bella and Beau as they set out on an exciting adventure full of surprises and amazing discoveries. This time, the two little angels venture away from Angels’ Playschool to solve the mystery of the big red balloon. Slide down the rainbow to explore the other world hidden beneath the clouds and meet a little girl with a skateboard who helps Bella and Beau get one step closer to the secret of the red balloon. Peek inside the big balloon factory where something special is happening and get to know Lucy, who shares her touching story with the two little angels. This book will captivate children with its colorful images and delightful message. It’s a heart-warming story that children will want to hear again and again.