This book is considered by many to be a classic and with good reason.
The vivid characterization, scene-setting, and simple wisdom of this book make it memorable and enjoyable as far more than a mere children’s bedtime story. The way Grahame chooses his words to describe a scene simply fits so well. You’re able to immerse yourself so completely in this world that is at once familiar yet just a tad unusual.
That semi-historical setting with a casual element of the fantastical is why I love this book so much. Along with its anthropomorphic protagonists, of course.
Spend a season on the river bank and take a walk on the wild side . . .
Spring is in the air and Mole has found a wonderful new world. There's boating with Ratty, a feast with Badger and high jinx on the open road with that reckless ruffian, Mr Toad of Toad Hall. The four become the firmest of friends, but after Toad's latest escapade, can they join together and beat the wretched weasels?
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This book, while almost nothing like the movies made in its name, is a fun little adventure story without all the embellishment of Hollywood.
While some might find its pace a little slow and the plot rather simple for modern audiences, its straightforward charm is what makes it such a good read, in my opinion. And that’s not to say it is without its interesting plot twists here and there, but what keeps you on the edge of your seat is less a matter of finding out what will happen than finding out how it will happen.
Some novels are considered classics of children literature, read by numerous generations of young readers who made them immortal. That is the case with Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, a true prototype for many later adventure tales. The thrilling race against time of eccentric Phileas Fogg and his manservant Passepartout, having to run around the planet to win a bet, is here presented in a modern and original way, thanks to the splendid drawings by Francesca Rossi, an artist able to capture the vivid atmosphere of the story.
The sense of wonder and suspense in this world that is so like our own is enough to keep the reader turning the pages from start to finish.
I personally like the more intellectual turns that the story takes in between its occasional bouts of action. As exciting as attacks by bizarre monsters and charging polar bears can be, following the thought process of this often rather unsympathetic little girl and her spirit animal conscience in trying to figure out just what it is they’re meant to do and how to do it is what really makes this otherwise ordinary fantasy novel worthwhile.
The first volume in Philip Pullman's groundbreaking HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy, now a thrilling, critically acclaimed BBC/HBO television series. First published in 1995, and acclaimed as a modern masterpiece, this first book in the series won the UK's top awards for children's literature.
"Without this child, we shall all die."
Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford.
The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight.
Her extraordinary journey will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world...
After decades of relative peace, the dinosaurs of Cardolin are thrust into war when their barbarous neighbors invade without warning. With most of its veterans captured or killed right away, it's up to the new arrival, Astron, and his cohorts to lead the defense of the capital city, Saurahall. But even it cannot possibly withstand the might of the battle-hardened invaders long without help.
Thus, Astron must venture far beyond the city walls to seek out someone who can save the new home and friends he loves before it's too late.
