Books

Christmas in Camelot (Magic Tree House #29)

Average customer rating:

What happened?
Christmas in Camelot (Magic Treehouse #29)
Winter of the Ice Wizard by Mary Pope Osborne kids review
Christmas in Camelot (Magic Tree House)
Anne Green

Christmas in Camelot (Magic Tree House #29)
Mary Pope Osborne
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve (Magic Tree House, 30)
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Season of the Sandstorms (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))

ASIN: 037581373X
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Amazon.com

A cup, a compass, a key: the magic tree house has brought siblings Annie and Jack to Camelot, where they embark on a mysterious mission to find these enigmatic gifts. In this special hardcover addition to the bestselling Magic Tree House series, the young adventurers must travel to the Otherworld, an "ancient, enchanted land beyond the edge of the Earth, the place where all magic began" to save Camelot from dark wizard Mordred's evil spell. If they fail, Camelot will be forgotten forever. Fans of the beloved, highly readable series by Mary Pope Osborne will rise to the challenge of this longer, more complex companion to her other titles, which include Earthquake in the Early Morning and Twister on Tuesday. As in every story in the sequence, Jack and Annie bravely plunge into their quest, learning about a culture and time very far removed from their own, and prove once again that children can make a difference. (Ages 6 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

The Magic Tree House series has become a staple for inspiring kids to read. Christmas in Camelot is a very special Magic Tree House book. Here, author Mary Pope Osborne uses the literary skills for which she’s known to create a longer, more in-depth story featuring the characters kids have come to love. The result is magical: a fast-paced but detailed, easy-to-read story. Jack and Annie go on a quest to save Camelot, a quest that will prove to a beleaguered King Arthur that children and imagination really can make a difference.

Customer Reviews:

What happened?.......2006-11-07

What happened? Magic Tree House series books 1-28 were great, with educational tales filled with historical relevance that used just enough magic to make the story work. Buy the complete set of 1-28! However, the Christmas book (#29) and apparently all the following books are pure magic, fantasy drivel with no redeeming qualities. Did Mary Pope Osborne hope to capitalize on the Harry Potter craze? (I'm basing this on heresay, since I haven't read Harry Potter.) I slogged thru this book, cringed and gagged thru #30, and made my wife read the next ones to my 5 year old. I'm going to tell him there aren't anymore, because they are too awful to buy and read.

I very, very disappointed in what happened to this series. Please, please Mary Pope - get back to writing good stories and not this nonsense.

Christmas in Camelot (Magic Treehouse #29).......2006-11-04

My [...] year old son absolutely loved this series. I had to read it to him, though. When I would stop reading for bedtime he would be so excited to know what came next he would always beg for just one more chapter. We are now rereading the books (he just turned 7). As his reading skills improve, he is beginning to pick out words and phrases as I read to him

This book was on of the Merlin series and had a more magical component to it. There are Christmas references but it is definitely not a real "Christmas" story. It can be read any time of the year. The story is about a brother and sister Jack and Annie. They have a series of clues to get to quest which is given to them by the magician Merlin. You can read this book alone, but I would recommend reading some of the earlier ones in the series to get to know the characters.

Winter of the Ice Wizard by Mary Pope Osborne kids review .......2006-04-21

I liked this book because it had a lot of action. They had wolves that chased them and they also had winter storms. In this book they find two friends that help them. I would recommend this book for all boys and girls.

Christmas in Camelot (Magic Tree House).......2006-03-28

I loved this book because it was about Camelot! I have been dreaming to atcually go there for years. I wish I could. It is a mith though. I liked the white stag in the book. I can't believe they got to ride on it! They must have had fun!!

Anne Green.......2006-01-11

This is the best book ! It is about a boy and girl that go on an adventure and go to a magic place. They go there to save Camelot! This book is for both boys and girls! YAY!!!!!!!!!!

Behind the Attic Wall (Avon Camelot Books)

Average customer rating:

At 30 years of age I remember reading it at 11!
Wonderful Book!!
So happy it's back
Amazing
Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read!!!!!!!!

Behind the Attic Wall (Avon Camelot Books)
Sylvia Cassedy
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Doll's House
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ASIN: 0380698439

Book Description

They were watching...and waiting

At twelve, Maggie had been thrown out of more boarding schools than she cared to remember. "Impossible to handle," they said -- nasty, mean, disobedient, rebellious, thieving -- anything they could say to explain why she must be removed from the school.

Maggie was thin and pale, with shabby clothes and stringy hair, when she arrived at her new home. "It was a mistake to bring her here," said Maggie's great-aunts, whose huge stone house looked like another boarding school -- or a prison. But they took her in anyway. After all, aside from Uncle Morris, they were Maggie's only living relatives.

But from behind the closet door in the great and gloomy house, Maggie hears the faint whisperings, the beckoning voices. And in the forbidding house of her ancestors, Maggie finds magic...the kind that lets her, for the first time, love and be loved.

Customer Reviews:

At 30 years of age I remember reading it at 11!.......2007-02-10

I loved this book. I looked it up on Amazon just to see if it was still around. This book helped me fall in love with the magical world of reading.

Wonderful Book!!.......2007-01-27

I read this book in the 5th grade (longer ago than I like to admit) and I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to find another copy of it to share with my 9 year old daughter. The story is endearing, sometimes sad, and has a wonderful ending. A must read, just an awesome book!! I also recommend "The Dollhouse Murders" and "Wait til Helen Comes". I loved these books too, both along the same lines as "Behind the Attic Wall".

So happy it's back.......2007-01-10

I had been trying to find this book for years and it wasn't in print. Now it's back and I finally have it again. I had loaned it to a friend and never got it back before. This book is wonderful for the imagination and to help kids who feel alone or isolated create a world that helps them feel special.

Amazing.......2006-12-30

I absolutly love this book. I read this book for the first time when I was in elementry school. This book continues to be one of my all time favorite reads ever. There is so much imagination put in this book and the characters develop tremendously throughout.

Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read!!!!!!!!.......2006-03-22

I read this book all throughout my childhood and into my teenage years. I still think of it sometimes. It's certainly as good as Madeline L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time," which I have never forgotten, either. I got chills and cried everytime I read "Behind the Attic Wall." I still get chills when I think about this book. It's perfectly written- almost creepy. Dolls can be so creepy. I think this book must have fostered my current love of psychological thrillers. Please give this book to your pre-teen ASAP. Then read it yourself (if you're female, of course- a man would not like this book- too girly) It doesn't matter how old you are. You won't be disappointed. Trust me. Now go!

Average customer rating:

Not really a ghost story - but very good!
Why I loved this book
great book!
Time for Andrew
Time For Andrew

Time for Andrew (Avon Camelot Books)
Mary Downing Hahn
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Wait Till Helen Comes: A Ghost Story (Avon Camelot Books)
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Daphne's Book

ASIN: 0380724693

Book Description

Aunt Blythe's house gives Andrew the creeps -- full of dark rooms, creaky noises, and the sound of a woman sobbing somewhere in the shadows. Then, in the middle of the night, Andrew awakens to find a boy standing in his room...a boy who is Andrew's double, except he looks as if he's come from the grave. He wants to follow him -- to a place where he will meet the spirits of long-dead ancestors...a place from which Andrew may never return.

Customer Reviews:

Not really a ghost story - but very good!.......2006-08-10

This book surprised me because I thought it was going to be a spooky ghost story - but it wasn't. That doesn't mean it wasn't good, because it was, I just wouldn't classify it as a ghost story, in case that is what you are expecting.

Drew is spending his summer with his great- aunt Blythe in her and her father's deep-rooted house. After the two are looking through the attic, they inadvertently find a stash of marbles with a warning not to steal them. Aunt Blythe takes them with the intent to sell them for repairs on the old house, but Drew has an inkling that they shouldn't be moved. It appears as though Drew was right, that night his great-great-uncle Andrew comes into Drew's room. Andrew looks just like Drew and they are at the same age. As they talk, they realize that this is the night before Andrew died of diphtheria, so he wants to switch places so he can be healed in the present time, Drew's time. Drew finally consents to it, but things get tough when Andrew doesn't want to switch back.

The story is mainly about the relationships Drew forms with his "new" family and the different times and the growth of Drew. Drew is shy and quiet, yet, Andrew is unruly and mischievous. Drew must learn to be more resilient to make it in Andrew's shoes. He must also learn how to play marbles so he can win the bet that he and Andrew made to allow him to go back to his own time. While this book wasn't scary or spooky, it was suspenseful to wonder if and how Drew would make it back to his real family. And it has a wonderfully gratifying ending. I highly recommend it to all.

Why I loved this book.......2006-07-10

I loved this book because it was easy to realate to Drew and all the situatuions he had to go thru.

great book!.......2006-01-23

the book was very good. mary downing hahn is a really good writer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time for Andrew.......2005-12-13

Time for Andrew written by Mary Downing Hahn is an enjoyable book about two boys -Drew and Andrew- who switch times and lives. I loved this book because the author added so much description that it painted beautiful pictures in my mind.
The characters in the story are well developed and are described extremely well. The author used the technique of describing characters by what other characters say about them. The main characters are Drew and Andrew...two boys who look exactly alike.
The setting is in the late 1950's and 1910 and the main setting is Aunt Bylthe's house. A few backdrop settings are France and the train track.
I would rate this book a 10 for its extremely amazing description.

Time For Andrew.......2005-10-27

Time For Andrew written by Mary Downing Hahn is a blood-pumping narrative about the two major characters swapping places to cure Andrew's diphtheria. They don't swap location but years, from present day to 1910.Once they switch they must figure out how to get back to their own time period.

Ryan .D.

Creston Ca.

Magic Tree House Collection Volume 8: Books 29-32: #29 Christmas in Camelot; #30 Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve; #31 Summer of the Sea Serpent; #32 Winter of the Ice Wizard (Magic Tree House Books)

Average customer rating:

Magic Tree House Collection Volume 8: Books 29-32: #29 Christmas in Camelot; #30 Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve; #31 Summer of the Sea Serpent; #32 Winter of the Ice Wizard (Magic Tree House Books)

Manufacturer: Listening Library (Audio)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0739356224
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Book Description

Christmas in Camelot
It begins with a simple invitation to spend Christmas Eve in Camelot, a magical place that exists only in myth and fantasy. What Jack and Annie don’t know is that the invitation will send them on a quest to save Camelot itself — not from destruction, but from being forgotten forever.

Haunted Castle on Hallow’s Eve
The castle looms dark against the light of the moon. Giant ravens circle in the sky. Merlin the magician needs someone to find out what has happened. But who is brave enough to brush the cobwebs aside and go through the heavy doors? Merlin thinks he knows the answer to these questions–Jack and Annie.

Summer of the Sea Serpent
Jack and Annie are off on another mythical mission at the request of Merlin the magician. Luckily, they have a young sorcerer, Teddy, to help them. From underwater caves to a Spider Queen, from mystical selkies to a magical sword, this is a Magic Tree House adventure kids won’t want to miss!

Winter of the Ice Wizard
Jack and Annie, joined by Teddy and Kathleen travel in the Magic Tree House to a land of snow where the Ice Wizard has captured Morgan and Merlin. The four friends must find the Ice Wizard’s missing eye . . . or is it really his heart that is missing?

I Am Mordred: A Tale of Camelot (Firebird)

Average customer rating:

Gripping, Unfortunately
A depressing but well described story
Good, but it could have been better.
Fated to one day kill his Father, he struggles with life...
There is no longer a line between good and evil...

I Am Mordred: A Tale of Camelot (Firebird)
Nancy Springer
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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I Am Morgan le Fay (Firebird)
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Grail Prince

ASIN: 0698118413

Amazon.com

King Arthur has fascinated young people for centuries, and since fantasy literature has become a passion for so many bright teens, a whole body of writing has developed that reimagines Arthurian stories in ways that make them psychologically relevant today--without losing the magical resonance of Camelot. In I Am Mordred, Nancy Springer, known both for her fantasy writing and the realistic novel Toughing It, brings the central father-son conflict of the Arthurian saga vividly alive. Teen fantasy fans will be familiar with the background events: the young King Arthur, unaware, bedded his half sister Morgause and conceived the child Mordred, who according to the wizard Merlin, was fated to destroy his father and the kingdom. Goaded by Merlin, Arthur attempted to have the baby killed, but was foiled by the intervention of the good sorceress Nyneve and the evil sorceress Morgan le Fay. Years later Mordred arrives at Camelot and becomes a knight of the Round Table. Springer focuses on Mordred at age 15, as he struggles against his destined fate of killing the king and father he both loves and hates. In an adventure story festooned with the golden bells of enchantment, Mordred undertakes a quest in the Forest Perilous to save Arthur's life and his own soul, but ultimately fails. Springer brings the story to a moving and ingenious conclusion in which the prophecy is fulfilled--and simultaneously overcome. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell

Book Description

What will a person give to forsake his destiny? From his very incarnation, Mordred has been a pawn in Camelot's history. Foretold by Merlin that he will grow up to kill his father, the beloved King Arthur, young Mordred struggles with his fate, loathing the great king who tried to kill him as a baby, yet journeying to Camelot where he learns to serve and idolize the legendary leader. Torn between feelings of love and hate, Mordred yearns to make peace with Arthur, who still refuses to acknowledge him. But Mordred is determined to have peace at any price--even if it costs him his soul. In I Am Mordred, one of the most fascinating and misunderstood heroes of Arthurian lore comes to life in an epic fantasy for Camelot fans. Nancy Springer lives in Dallastown, PA.

Customer Reviews:

Gripping, Unfortunately.......2006-03-28

It had seemed like a good book when I had started reading it, but, no, it wasn't, and for a lot of different reasons. The first (and probably the most annoying) is the way the author sets this character up: in a good story, you'd want to make your audience sad when they die. When Mordred died, I was very happy. When Arthur lived, I was disappointed. When Mordred didn't die, I wondered what the point of the story was. To make everyone hate Mordred? Um, that's already happened, Miss Springer. The second, is its details, which were not only boring, but pointless. The third, is that I couldn't stop reading it. Really, I wanted to rush this over to the nearest recycling center, but the book won't relieve you of its awfulness. If ever you concider this book, DON'T READ IT! I'd never read a bad book until I read I AM MORDRED.

A depressing but well described story.......2006-02-15

I will start by saying that if you want a book to put you in a good mood but are not looking for something with the best writing do not read this. This book is a very depressing story. It may have a sad story but in that story is incredible decription. This story will right away put you in a sad mood and you will feel bad for the main character in this book.
It starts when a young boy by the name of Mordred is almost killed by his dad, King Aurthor. He is saved by two peasants who raise him as their own son. He gets taken away from them and taken to a castle where nobody really cares about him.
This is just one of the many things that happens to this poor, little boy Mordred. So if you are looking for a serious, well written book make sure to read this.

Good, but it could have been better. .......2006-02-12

I became fascinated by Mordred after reading 'The Winter Prince' by Elizabeth Wein (a book I heartily recommend), and have been reading every book about him that I can get my hands on. 'I Am Mordred' came across as OK when compared to those other books, but it wasn't great.

This book is about victims. Mordred is portrayed as a confused, innocent teen who fights half-heartedly against his fate. Women are also portrayed as victims. Not just some women, but all women. This annoyed me. 'Poor Mordred,' Nancy Springer seems to say. 'Poor, poor women.'

It is my opinion that Nancy Springer was fighting too hard to get us to like Mordred. He could do no wrong. I think I would have liked to read about a more bitter, less confused Mordred, who truly tried to fight against the prophecy made about him. Nancy Springer could have written about someone who was not perfect, but still likable. I would have sympathized more with someone who showed initiative, even if he turned out to be a victim anyway.

I did like the portrayal of King Arthur, and the book was well-written, and even moving, though it was simplistic in its own little way, with Good!Mordred, Brutish!Men and Poor!Women. There were a few Medieval Urban Legends thrown into the mix as well, but otherwise, the Arthurian world is described nicely.

The ending was satisfying and convincing, and probably saved the book. All in all, I give it three stars. It's not long, and it's quite interesting.

Fated to one day kill his Father, he struggles with life..........2006-02-03

In the kingdom of Camelot, King Arthur rules. But when a child is born from the king and his sister, the great sorcerer Merlin prophesizes that the child will one day kill his father. He commands the king to have every male newborn in the kingdom sent out to the sea where they all will die (or so they should have). The boat ran aground in a small bay in the sea miles away from the kingdom. A poor fisherman married and childless stumbled upon it one day when he was bringing in his catch. Appalled by the sight of 40 dead infants, he was ready to push the boat back out to sea when he caught sight of one living child, starved and barely alive. He brought the child into his home and pushed the boat back out to sea. Knowing that if his wife knew he was one of 39 other dead babies she would have been heartbroken. His wife believes that the child was a gift from Lyre, the god of the sea. Six years later he is a young boy, loved and cherished by his parents, believing that Lyre had given him to his parents. But one day, his whole idea of who he is was shattered like a thin wine glass dropped onto a wooden floor. A women rode on a great grey charger out of the Forest Perilous to the family. Never seeing a horse before, the child was entranced and not worried in the least bit. The lady took the young boy from the family without the use of force as the fisherman knew that this would one day happen. She rode off with the boy into the forest where she told him his name was Mordred. This began the life of the young boy Mordred who would be a knight, an adventurer, and possibly a murderer.

There is no longer a line between good and evil..........2005-09-07

IT wasn't that this book was poorly written or that it was totally bad. It's just the author has taken both heros and villians and turned the tables completely around.
In all the other books I have read, Mordred is an evil, treacherous villian no better than his half sister, the witch Morgan le Fay. Here he is portrayed as merely confused and scared. I for one am also scared. We have lost the boundry between good and evil and when that boundry is taken away people begin to really think good is evil and evil is good. And when that happens, total anarchy ensues.
I highly recommend that you DO NOT read this book as well as it's counterpart "I am Morgan Le Fay". THe philosophy is too dangerous to get involved in.
HOwever, if you're looking for a great story from Camelot I highly recommend "KIng Arthur and His KNights" By ANthony MOckler. I have read many king Arthur books and by far this is the best out there. At least someone can get the story right!

Christmas in Camelot. Magic Tree House Series

Average customer rating:

Christmas in Camelot. Magic Tree House Series
Pope Mary Osborne
Manufacturer: Random House Childrens Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M11W7C

The Sword of Camelot (Seven Sleepers Series)

Average customer rating:

it was great
Liked this book
The Sword of Camelot was very involving! A Real Classic!

The Sword of Camelot (Seven Sleepers Series)
Gilbert Morris
Manufacturer: Moody Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0802436838

Book Description

Join the Seven Sleepers on another adventure filled with swords, shields and knights! When the situation grows dim, the Seven Sleepers call upon the power of Goel to fight the servants of the Dark Lord.

Customer Reviews:

it was great .......2005-06-18

in this seven sleepers book we find Josh,Sara,Jake,Reb.Wash,Abby,and Dave in Camelot facing dragons,witches,and once again the dark lord and his forces.They must all put their trust in Goel and fight, but one may not be willing!

Liked this book.......1999-06-26

Entertaining book with a message. Easy to read. A few pictures

The Sword of Camelot was very involving! A Real Classic!.......1998-04-14

Wow! The Sword of Camelot was a real Thriller! Even though it was my first seven Sleepers book, I loved it and learned to love the characters as well. Full of Magic, kings and queens, knights, and Dragons. I hope the rest of the books are as good!

Grail Quest #1: The Camelot Spell (Grail Quest Trilogy)

Average customer rating:

An enchanting, keeps-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat read that will be devoured in one sitting.
fun young adult Arthurian fantasy

Grail Quest #1: The Camelot Spell (Grail Quest Trilogy)
Laura Anne Gilman
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Grail Quest #2: Morgain's Revenge (Grail Quest Trilogy)
Grail Quest #3: The Shadow Companion (Grail Quest Trilogy)
Bring It On (Retrievers, Book 3)
Thunderbird Falls (The Walker Papers, Book 2)
Fairest

ASIN: 0060772794
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Book Description

On the eve of the Quest for the Holy Grail, every adult in King Arthur's castle falls into an enchanted sleep. The future of Camelot rests on the shoulders of fourteen-year-old squire Gerard, who has dreamed of becoming a Knight of the Round Table his whole life. With the help of Newt, the stable boy, and Ailis, a young maidservant, he must face terrible dangers, including a monstrous bridge troll, a wise and scheming dragon -- and finally, a dark, powerful force that will stop at nothing to destroy King Arthur, the knights, and the entire realm of Camelot.

Customer Reviews:

An enchanting, keeps-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat read that will be devoured in one sitting........2006-07-13

Fourteen-year-old squire, Gerard, is utterly disappointed that he has not been chosen to accompany the knights on the Quest for the Holy Grail. After all, it is his wish to prove himself as a great hero who is brave, and ready for anything that life has to throw at him. However, he never realized that he would have the chance to prove his bravery this soon. For, on the eve of the Quest for the Holy Grail, at a large feast celebrating the momentous occasion, every adult in King Arthur's castle, in the midst of their filling meals, falls into a deep sleep - an enchanted sleep - and nothing will wake them. Now it is up to Gerard, who has spent every waking hour of his life dreaming of becoming one of the prestigious Knights of the Round Table; along with the help of Ailis, a maidservant who has been his friend through thick and thin over the years; and Newt, a rough and tumble stable boy, to make their way through various obstacles - including an ugly bridge troll, a dark and powerful witch who wants nothing than to take down King Arthur and the realm of Camelot, and a scheming dragon - in an attempt to save their home from the evil that will stop at nothing to have its way. And, in the meantime, make a name for themselves, and prove that, even though they are children, they have the strength to save the kingdom that has given them shelter all these years.

Over the past couple of years, I have become very interested in Arthurian history, which is why I was ecstatic to learn that Laura Anne Gilman's GRAIL QUEST was being released. THE CAMELOT SPELL is an enchanting series debut that mixes the history of Arthurian legend, with fantastical elements to create the ultimate thrill ride through adventure and magic. The characters all bring about their own perspectives on the situation they have been throw into - from Ailis' quick-thinking, and wit; to Gerard's trained hand with the sword; and Newt's ofttimes cynical thoughts. THE CAMELOT SPELL offers a bit of something for everyone, male or female, history buff, or fantasy fan; and will leave everyone craving the sequel MORGAIN'S REVENGE. An enchanting, keeps-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat read that will be devoured in one sitting.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

fun young adult Arthurian fantasy .......2006-03-01

King Arthur declares that he and 9*3 knights will seek the Holy Grail. In Camelot, a gala occurs to celebrate the upcoming quest. However, something strange occurs when all the adults abruptly fall asleep while all the children remain awake; adding to the discomfit of those not asleep is the fact Merlin is missing. Gerard squire to Sir Rhaymond d'Abmont realizes an enchantment has occurred, but that the children must pretend all is normal or their enemies will take advantage of the vulnerability.

Gerard, Queen Guinevere's handmaiden Ailis, and Newt the horse boy know only Merlin can reverse the spell. They begin a trek to find the missing wizard unaware that a malevolent force will kill anyone who tries to prevent the destruction of Camelot.

GRAIL QUEST is a fun young adult Arthurian fantasy that looks at Camelot from an entirely different perspective as children must save the day. Though his appearances are limited, Merlin steals the show as everyone knows not to mess with someone who can turn you into a rat; in some ways he seems like the Merlin in the Disney cartoon The Sword in the Stone. The three heroes are terrific with differing personalities as the squire and the horse boy squabble all the time while the handmaiden tries to keep the peace. Targeting the Potter crowd, Laura Anne Gilman enchants her audience with her version of the Knights of the Round Table.

Harriet Klausner

Average customer rating:

Masters of fantasy rewrite Camelot
Almost perfect
Excellent

Camelot
Jane Yolen
Manufacturer: Philomel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Favorite Medieval Tales

ASIN: 0399225404

Customer Reviews:

Masters of fantasy rewrite Camelot.......2001-09-03

Fans of the authors in this will want to scoop up this highly original collection, as well as any Arthuriana buffs. The authors include such greats as Anne McCaffrey, Terry Pratchett, Debra Doyle/James McDonald, Diana Paxson, and others.

McCaffrey's story is an excerpt of "Black Horses for the King", a YA novel about a young boy named Galwyn, whose abusive uncle is shipping enormous Libyan horses for Lord Artos. Pratchett's story is the entertaining "Once and Future" about a time traveller who creates the sword in the stone. We see the roots of Nancy Springer's bittersweet "I Am Mordred" in the story "Raven," in which young Mordred's soul is imprisoned in a raven's body. Doyle/MacDonald craft a hilarious story called "Holly and Ivy" about Lancelot having a little fun with Gawain.

The writing styles range from "kooky" ("Holly," "Once and Future") to detailed ("Black Horses") to dreamy ("Raven").

As a previous reviewer stated, the only flaw with this is the last story. Honestly, we've had enough drooling in the area of the former president, haven't we? The final story isn't really Arthurian at all.

However, the final story is the sole flaw. It is, overall, a lovely collection of highly original stories about Arthur, Merlin, and Camelot. A must-read for fantasy and Arthurian fans.

Almost perfect.......2000-07-22

Ah, Arthurian fiction! I love it!

This is a stunning collection of short stories, often reflecting the different ideas of the various authors. There are stories about Merlin and Arthur, Guinevere... and a few that are out of the ordinary. A part of the Anne McCaffrey book "Black Horses for the King", the short story that led to "I Am Mordred," the glorious alternate view of Arthur's unfortunate son. Almost every story is accompanied with illustrations that go with the story's theme-"Black Horses" has a realistic drawing, while "Mordred" is strange and dreamy. The cover art is simply stunning--Merlin, you glorious old crank!

My only problem is the last story. Does this REALLY count as Arthurian fiction? But if you ignore the last one, this is as close to perfect as you can get!

Excellent.......2000-06-06

This book is great i reccommend it to all of you. There is detail and adventure. the characters are great, and the fact that it is written by different authors is good, because people get a sense of the characters. Otherwise one author may have a different interpitation of a character or setting, now it would be easier to see what it was really like.

The Key to the Indian (An Avon Camelot Book)

Average customer rating:

well written but poor subject
The Key To The Indian
Legacy of the Longhouse
book club in Connecticut
the Indian in the Cupboard books are still good

The Key to the Indian (An Avon Camelot Book)
Lynne Reid Banks
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

The Mystery of the Cupboard (Indian in the Cupboard)
The Secret of the Indian (Indian in the Cupboard)
The Return of the Indian (Indian in the Cupboard)
The Indian in the Cupboard
The Indian in the Cupboard

ASIN: 0380977176

Amazon.com

It all started with Lynne Reid Banks's The Indian in the Cupboard, the enchanting, suspenseful story of toy figures brought to life through the magic of a cupboard and a special key. Three sequels followed this popular novel--The Return of the Indian, The Secret of the Indian, and The Mystery of the Cupboard--and The Key to the Indian is next in line. At first Omri was alone with his secret of the toy figures and the surprising appearance of the 18th-century Iroquois Little Bear. One day, however, his father finds the figures in his son's room, and locks them in the special cupboard: "Of course they'd come to life inside, and his dad had put a lot of twos and twos from the past together, and realized. And later he'd seen them, been introduced to them. And accepted it.... It took a special kind of grownup not only to accept magic when he saw it but to promise and swear that he'd never, ever tell a living soul." What Omri and his father both now know about is the terrible plight of the Iroquois people during the 18th century--and that Omri's new friend Little Bear is in urgent need of help. Father and son attempt to travel back in time... but things go horribly wrong. They persist for the sake of Little Bear, but at great risk. With history, magic, humor, and all the surprising twists readers have come to expect from Banks, The Key to the Indian will absorb young readers through the very last page. (Ages 9 and older)

Book Description

He felt a draft of cold air. Instinctively he put his arms around his body. Then he looked down at himself and got a shock. He was naked...His first instinct was to hide. He scrambled over the earth floor of the longhouse and ducked under the curtain. Beyond was deeper darkness, but he could make out a sort of room with a raised section against the wall. On this was a mountain range covered with fur, in the shape of a sleeping giant.

Omri stared all around, feeling the beginnings of panic. "Dad!" he whispered as loudly as he dared...

There was no answer. Omri felt intensely vulnerable with no clothes on. Cold air embraced his skin from head to foot. He felt a sudden longing to go home. He hadn't reckoned on this -- being separated from his dad, it being so dark and cold, so strange, so lonely.

Customer Reviews:

well written but poor subject.......2006-01-24

The writer is talented but should be embarassed at her fictionalization, inaccuracy, and stereotyping of American Indians. As a Native woman, I am appalled and ashamed that this book was a reading assignment when I was in the 3rd or 4th grade. This book didn't make me feel good then, but I lacked the words and tools to vocalize it. This book should be read only with a follow-up lesson that clarifies the inaccuracies of this book

The Key To The Indian.......2003-05-14

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was hard to understand at sometimes, if you had not read The Indian In The Cupboard. The adventure that Omri and his father go on is very exciting and suspenseful. If you liked reading The Indian In The Cupboard or any other of the sequels to this to this book, I'm sure that you will enjoy reading The Key To The Indian. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars because of the thrilling adventure that Omri and his father go on. The book also includes historical features, relating to Little Bear and his bout with the Europeans trying to conquer the new land. I recomend that anyone who enjoys reading Lynne Reid Banks' work.

Legacy of the Longhouse.......2002-05-20

Will this be the ultimate Going Back adventure for Ormi, the brave and clever boy who discovered the secret of the Indian--and a special cupboard? There is a twist this time, however, as Omri's father is in on the secret and the action. But Time Travel is hazardous even for adults; there are serious dangerss both to the travelers and those they visit in the Past.

Little Bear's people are threatened with annihilation by American colonists; can 20th century British allies help them--or should they even try? It's an ethical dilemma: to balance respect for the integrity of the Past with loyalty to one's friends. In this fast-paced story the author examines the grim history of Native American vs White relations, allowing the
reader to make the final judgment. But is it fair to exclude patient Mom--who passed on the family Gift to her son? And how to keep his meddling brothers in the dark as well? Family dymamics are both amusing and thought-provoking in this tale of honor and treachery, selfishness and altruism. Thanks to its deftly developed plot, THE KEY lives up to the promise of the first book in this delightful series. It's a story of Miniatures offering Maximum enjoyment. Kids of all ages will be immediately hooked.

book club in Connecticut.......2000-02-10

We enjoyed reading this book. However, we thought it was a bitconfusing in the beginning. We recommend that you read the Indian inthe Cuboard before reading The Key to the Indian. END

the Indian in the Cupboard books are still good.......1998-12-29

All the books Indian in the Cupboard series are good, but this, the latest, is one of the best. I liked how Omri's dad finds out about Little Bear and the others.

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