Four of Philip Pullman's classic stories for younger readers, published together in a gorgeous gift edition, illustrated by Peter Bailey.
"Four Tales" brings together "Clockwork", "The Firework-Maker's Daughter", "I was a Rat" and "The Scarecrow and his Servant"; four stories that showcase Philip Pullman's unique imaginative talent. Drawing on the rich tradition of fairytales, the collection will amuse, engage, thrill and delight readers from 8 to 80, whether they are new to his writing or diehard fans.
Clockwork
Tick, tock, tick, tock! Some stories are like that. Once you've wend them up, nothing will stop them ... A tormented apprentice clock-maker, a deadly mechanical knight in armour - and the sinister Dr Kalmenius, who some say is the devil ... Wind up these characters, fit them into a story on a cold winter's evening, with the snow swirling down, and suddenly life and the story begin to merge in a peculiarly macabre - and unstoppable - way. Almost like clockwork ... 'Can fairly be compared to the great gothic fantasies of the greatly missed Leon Garfield ... For those who might want to read spooky stories this winter in front a flickering fire, this story could hardly be better' Independent 'Deeply satisfying and deserves to become a classic' TES
The Firework-Maker's Daughter
'You want to be a Firework-Maker? Walk into my flames!' More than anything else in the world, Lila wants to be a Firework-Maker. But every Firework-Maker must make a perilous journey to face the terrifying Fire-Fiend! Can Lila possibly survive? Especially when she doesn't know she needs special protection to survive his flames ... 'One of those rare books with a confident magic all their own ... delivered with a lightness of touch that is sheer genius' Independent 'A brilliant book if you want to escape to more glamorous locations. Full of hilarious, lovable characters, this is a book you will want to read over and over again' Sunday Times
I Was a Rat
'I WAS A RAT!' So insists Roger. Maybe it's true. But what is he NOW? A terrifying monster rampaging in the sewers? The Daily Scourge is sure of it. A money-spinning fairground freak? He is to Mr Tapscrew. A champion wriggler and a downy card? That's what Billy hopes. Or just an ordinary small boy, though a little ratty in his habits? Only three people believe this version of the story. Only one of them knows who Roger really is. And luckily a story about her can sell even more newspapers than one about a rat-boy ... 'All life is here in this skilful unfolding of a very human tale from a great storyteller' The Bookseller 'Combining elements of fairy tale, satire, slapstick humour and suspenseful melodrama ... a glorious tale' Guardian
The Scarecrow and his Servant
One night there was a thunderstorm. A tattered scarecrow stood in the wind and rain, taking no notice. . .until a bolt of lightning struck his turnip head. The scarecrow blinked with surprise and came to life. So begins the story of the Scarecrow, a courteous but pea-brained fellow with grand ideas. He meets a boy, Jack, who becomes his faithful servant, and they set out to journey to Spring Valley together. Along the way there's no end of excitment -- battle and shipwreck, brigands and tricksters -- and it's up to Jack time after time to save the day. 'Written for children with utmost respect for and delight in their intelligence, humor and imagination' The Times A tale of great charm and wit. . .irresistibly likeable' Independent of Sunday
Author Biography
Philip Pullman is one of the most highly acclaimed children's authors of the decade. He has been on the shortlist of just about every major children's book award in the last few years, and has won the Smarties Prize (Gold Award, 9-11 age category) for THE FIREWORK-MAKER'S DAUGHTER and the prestigious Carnegie Medal for NORTHERN LIGHTS. He was the first children's author ever to win the overall Whitbread Prize for THE AMBER SPYGLASS. He lives in Oxford.
