Rating: 
Summary: Charming Children's Fantasy
Review: My brothers, ages seven and nine, have just discovered Edward Eager's marvelous books this summer. They have been tearing through everything they can find. Eager's novels have instant appeal; these are stories about normal kids who discover extraordinary magic in ordinary places. The magic always comes with sensible rules, and the dangerous parts in the stories are just scary enough for a bit of a thrill. Eager has packed his books with allusions to other pieces of literature: the Arabian Nights, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, and, of course, E. Nesbit. This is fun for adults, but also gives kids the initiative to broaden their on literary scope. These are very refreshing little books: as charming as the omnipresent Harry Potter series (which my brothers also relish, of course), without being so self-serious. It should be noted that because these were written half a century ago, there is some racial stereotyping going on (cannibalistic islanders who go "ooga-booga eatum children!", a rather insensitive caricature of a fellow by the name of "Achmed the Arab"). It may be necessary to explain to children that this aspect of the book is disrespectful, etc. This collection is a good place to start, although it does not include my personal favorite, Seven Day Magic, which I highly recommend you buy along with this set. You'll want to read them all!
Rating:
Summary: Charming Children's Fantasy
Review: My brothers, ages seven and nine, have just discovered Edward Eager's marvelous books this summer. They have been tearing through everything they can find. Eager's novels have instant appeal; these are stories about normal kids who discover extraordinary magic in ordinary places. The magic always comes with sensible rules, and the dangerous parts in the stories are just scary enough for a bit of a thrill. Eager has packed his books with allusions to other pieces of literature: the Arabian Nights, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, and, of course, E. Nesbit. This is fun for adults, but also gives kids the initiative to broaden their on literary scope. These are very refreshing little books: as charming as the omnipresent Harry Potter series (which my brothers also relish, of course), without being so self-serious. It should be noted that because these were written half a century ago, there is some racial stereotyping going on (cannibalistic islanders who go "ooga-booga eatum children!", a rather insensitive caricature of a fellow by the name of "Achmed the Arab"). It may be necessary to explain to children that this aspect of the book is disrespectful, etc. This collection is a good place to start, although it does not include my personal favorite, Seven Day Magic, which I highly recommend you buy along with this set. You'll want to read them all!
Rating:
Summary: Tales of Magic -- from the 50's to 2002
Review: This is a wonderful collection. Fun for kids and adults alike. I read it in the 50's, and it has really stood the test of time. I am buying it again for nieces and nephews who can enjoy it today!
Rating:
Summary: A Very Welcome Release
Review: With the popularity of Harry Potter, many parents are looking for other books with a fantasy theme to encourage their kids' love of reading - look no further these are they! Magical things happen to ordinary children - but sometimes the magic doesn't quite work the way it was intended to. Written in the 50s, these books have aged surprisingly well. Right from the start, we know these children and recognise our peers, friends or children in their descriptions. Having read these books myself as a child, I am now looking forward to sharing with friends' kids (and buying a set for my daughter, still too young for them yet but it gives me a chance to re-read them) These wonderfully creative and unusual books will win children right from the start. Their episodic structure makes them wonderful "chapter books" for reading to younger kids (or less willing readers) while they are still terrific for older readers too. And while I do love the new pictures by Quentin Blake, it's great to see the originals by NM Bodecker are still in place!
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