(no subject)

[liadnan]

Marcus: ".. which leave me with Sister1 and Brother in Law... that pair of candlesticks might do."

Marcus: "Yes, except for one minor problem."

Marcus: "Which is?"

Marcus: "They're absolutely vile."

Ho hum.

Incidentally, I was astonished to see while looking for books for my niece that at least one Violet Needham book (The Woods of Windri) is back in print. That will mean almost nothing to most of you, suffice it to say they must have been out of print for more than 40 years now.

Comments

[lizw.livejournal.com]

Would you recommend Woods of Windri, then?

[liadnan]

If you can lay your hands on it. It seems to be a small press reprint: I found it in Primrose Hill books. It and its pair, The Count of Monte Lucio are childrens novels set in medieval Europe.
What I'd really like to see are the long sequence of novels taking their lead from the Prisoner of Zenda (they're set in an unknown middle European country in what appears to be the first half of this century), which were exceptionally well written and thoughtful. No younger than a 12yr old moderately well-read modern child though, I reckon. Good value for adults too. Quite thoughtful about politics (the long sequence has to do with a revolution.

[lizw.livejournal.com]

Something to get for B next Christmas, by the sound of it.

[gritsnyc.livejournal.com]

I'm intrigued...I'm studying to be a librarian and strongly considering Young Adult (especially ages 12-17) as my specialization. I've never heard of this author and she sounds fascinating. Any other books you're considering for your niece? I wonder how different YA literature is in the UK vs. US.

[liadnan]

Oh Lord.. Children's literature is a subject on which I can witter at far greater length than is possible right now. Authors I rate highly include: Susan Cooper, Joan Aiken, Alan Garner, TH White, Antonia Forest, Arthur Ransome, E. Nesbitt, and the said Violet Needham. C.S.Lewis is a difficult case.... Modern ones: Pullman, Rowling (with some misgivings), and a few others.

[clodaghfiona.livejournal.com]

lloyd alexander, patricia c wrede (just for fun), john bellairs, brian jaques (for lots of fun!)

[gritsnyc.livejournal.com]

Why misgivings for Rowling? Aside from her pop culture star status, etc. Personally, I've never been able to get into any of her books, but (and this is a sad statement) I'm so happy to see kids reading again that I'll take just about anything that shows a wee bit of imagination if it gets them back in the stacks and maybe asking for other book recommendations.

I suppose I should change that point of view if I do become a YA librarian.