Eva Ibbotson was a British author celebrated for her imaginative and humorous novels for both children and adults. Her works frequently feature magical creatures and places, though she herself disliked contemplating the supernatural, crafting these characters to diminish readers' fear of such things. Ibbotson often critiques "financial greed and a lust for power," embedding these traits in her antagonists. Her profound love for nature and the Austrian countryside, often serving as the setting for her stories, is clearly evident throughout her literary contributions.
Set in the enchanting realm of Platform 13, this novel weaves a tale of adventure and magic, drawing inspiration from Eva Ibbotson's beloved classic. Readers will encounter new characters and experiences, while exploring themes of friendship and bravery. The story invites fans of the original to rediscover the wonder of this whimsical world, promising an exciting journey filled with imaginative twists and heartfelt moments.
Curl up with a collection of romantic short stories taking you from nineteenth-century Vienna, over the wild moors of Northumberland to the snowy streets of pre-revolutionary St Petersburg. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition features an introduction by author and journalist Amanda Craig. A collection of eighteen romantic short stories from the award-winning and much-loved Eva Ibbotson, A Glove Shop in Vienna will show you the great passions and astute observations of everyday life. Join Great Uncle Max, torn between his grand and secret love for Susie, the enchanting glove shop assistant, and the devotion of his opera-singing wife. Meet Miss Bennett, drama mistress at the fading Markham Street Primary School, whose search for a baby Jesus for the nativity play yields unexpected and miraculous results. And agonise with Kira, a dancer in Russia’s Imperial Ballet school, thrown out onto the streets of St Petersburg and found by Edwin, a lonely dreamer. By turns comical, satirical, romantic and always unpredictable these wise stories are a delight from start to finish.
A rich and witty classic novel of love, community and home from the award- winning and best-loved Eva Ibbotson, introduced by Laura Wood.
Bestselling author Eva Ibbotson weaves enchanting Christmas tales that capture the magic and spirit of the holiday season. Each story features whimsical characters and heartwarming themes, showcasing the joys of love, friendship, and the true meaning of Christmas. Ibbotson's charming narrative style invites readers into a world filled with festive cheer and delightful surprises, making it a perfect collection for anyone looking to celebrate the warmth of the holidays.
High on a Himalayan mountain, a young explorer is snatched from her tent by a gigantic, hairy monster. But she soon discovers that the yeti is a brave and noble beast - and he needs her help. Dog-crazy Hal longs for a dog and finally his parents let him choose one. But they don't tell him that Fleck is only on loan for the weekend. Can Hal and Fleck find a way to be together?
From the author of Journey to the River Sea comes one of Eva Ibbotson's most exquisite romances.
A hundred years ago, in the Himalayan peaks of Nanvi Dar, the daughter of an English earl is kidnapped by a huge hairy monster. In a secret valley Agatha Farley is introduced to a family of motherless yetis and devotes her life to their upbringing. She teaches them to speak, tells them stories and insists on polite manners. But as the decades pass, tourists come to the mountains, a hotel is built and yeti-hunters arrive. Agatha knows that there is one place in the world where they would be protected - her ancestral home at Farley Towers. When a boy and his sister stumble upon her hidden valley, she knows she has found the courageous people who will carry out her plan. The excited yetis are smuggled into the bridal suite at the hotel. A freezer lorry is waiting to put them into semi-hibernation on the long trip home. But the baby yak that has fallen in love with the youngest yeti foils the refrigeration plan and they set off on a hugely entertaining road trip half way across the world. In the Sultan of Aslerfan's kingdom the yetis release all the animals from his zoo. In the Alps they rescue a lost child in a blizzard. In Spain, the yak creates chaos at a bullfight. But when they arrive in England, a terrible shock awaits them at Farley Towers... This early novel, never submitted for publication, contains all the trademark qualities that made Eva's subsequent books so successful; comedy, loveable and eccentric characters, perfectly-crafted plotting, and inspiring themes of tolerance, kindness to animals, and the defeat of cruelty.
The story follows a spoiled girl whose spiteful actions provoke a giant, hungry worm. As her arrogance leads to unexpected consequences, readers are taken on a journey that explores themes of bravery, humility, and the repercussions of one's behavior. The narrative promises a blend of adventure and moral lessons, challenging the protagonist to confront her choices in a whimsical yet cautionary tale.
A gorgeous, funny, charming fantastical comic adventure from the great Eva Ibbotson - now with a brilliant new cover look.When a Hag, an orphan boy called Ivo, Ulf the troll and wizard Brian Brainsweller are sent to rescue a princess from an ogre, they briefly consider running away and hiding. Can they be any match for the gruesome, terrifying, ghastly, flesh-eating Ogre of Oglefort? But not all is as it first appears - the Ogre is depressed and the princess doesn't want to be rescued. The Norns, who rule their fates, decide to take things in hand and send a gang of the vilest, most petrifying ghouls to get the job done properly . . .
All Hal had ever wanted was a dog. But his wealthy parents refuse to allow him one, until they discover Easy Pets, a convenient dog-rental agency. Terrier Fleck arrives on Hal's birthday, but when he discovers that his dog must be returned, he runs away - taking Fleck with him. A wonderful adventure from a great and much-loved children's author.
