The Shortest Day


Book Description

In this seasonal treasure, Newbery Medalist Susan Cooper’s beloved poem heralds the winter solstice, illuminated by Caldecott Honoree Carson Ellis’s strikingly resonant illustrations. So the shortest day came, and the year died . . . As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper’s poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before — and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!




The Medieval Christmas


Book Description

Medieval Christmas – roaring fires, Yule logs, boar's head on a platter and carols. So many of our best-loved traditions have their origins in the medieval period that it would be impossible to imagine the season without holly and ivy, carol singers calling from door to door and a general sense of celebration in the face of the harshest season. Sophie Jackson investigates the roots of the Christmas celebration in this beautifully illustrated book. She offers guidance for re-creating elements of the medieval Christmas at home, tips on decorations, instructions for playing medieval games and recipes for seasonal dishes. Fascinating facts about some of our most cherished customs, such as the nativity crib, are unearthed, as are some that are less well known – wassailing the apple trees, the ritual beating of children on 28 December and the appointment of a Lord of Misrule and a boy bishop. Lively and entertaining, this book illuminates the medieval Christmas, showing how the traditions of the Middle Ages continue to delight us today.




The Magician's Boy


Book Description

Only a child can find the way to bring Saint George back to the play. The Boy works for the Magician, and he wants more than anything to learn magic. But the Magician always says, "Not yet, Boy. Not till the time is right." So the Boy has to be content with polishing the Magician's wand, taking care of the rabbits the Magician pulls out of hats, and doing his favorite job: operating the puppets for the play Saint George and the Dragon, which the Magician always performs as part of his act. Until one day the Saint George puppet disappears, and the angry Magician hurls the Boy into the strange Land of Story to find Saint George. His quest is full of adventures with oddly familiar people, from the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe to the Giant at the top of Jack's beanstalk. But the Boy's last adventure is the most amazing of all -- and changes his life forever.




The Christmas Prince


Book Description




Frog Went A-courtin'


Book Description

Original publication and copyright date: 1955.




The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There


Book Description

After returning to Fairyland, September discovers that her stolen shadow has become the Hollow Queen, the new ruler of Fairyland Below, who is stealing the magic and shadows from Fairyland folk and refusing to give them back.




Wild washerwomen


Book Description

"Once upon a time there were seven washerwomen. They had far too much washing to do and the owner of the laundry, Mr Balthazar Tight, was simply dreadful! So they decide to go on strike. They are so happy with their newfound freedom that it seems nobody can control them. Until along come seven woodcutters, eager to teach them a lesson. But the woodcutters may have taken on more than they had bargained for!"--Book cover.




The Dragon and the Dark Knight


Book Description

In the days of knights, ladies, and dragons... The Bar Sinister and a Damsel in Distress Base-born Sir Kenrick of Rathbourne has earned his living as an itinerant tournament knight. His skill supports him and his squire, but his dream of a manor and wife and family seems impossibly distant. Then he hears of a wealthy baron in Cornwall who is looking for a champion to slay the dragon that is terrorizing his lands. The reward will be a manor by the sea. Kenrick believes dragons are only a legend—but the prize makes the story worth investigating. But there really is a dragon—and a dozen knights have failed to vanquish it. And when he finds a luminous lady in distress, the real challenge is protecting her and her dragon… The Dragon and the Dark Knight novella was originally published in the Dragon Lovers anthology. "In Mary Jo Putney's exquisitely crafted and deliciously witty The Dragon and the Dark Knight, freelance knight Kenrick of Rathbourne is hired to slay a dragon but changes his mind after meeting the mysterious Lady Ariane." —Booklist "What a marvelous presentation of romantical dragons, showing off for the ladies, or man of their choice, happenstance or traditional. Very, very good collection for all hungry draconaphiles, aka dragonlovers. Well written, stylish and above all inventive. Dragon Lovers is sure to please readers of all ages.” —Anne McCaffrey "Mary Jo Putney’s story starts out as a classic but develops a twist that startles and delights." —M. D. Benoit




A Kiss of Fate


Book Description

*Named one of the year’s Top 5 Romances by Library Journal* *Romantic Times award for Best Historical Paranormal Romance* Laird of an ancient, powerful Scottish clan, Duncan Macrae is committed to ending the ceaseless strife between Scotland and England. But he also has other, secret powers—those of a Guardian, humans with mystical abilities to control nature’s forces and see into the hearts of others. And from the moment he encounters the young and independent English widow Gwyneth Owens, his fiery spirit is irrevocably drawn to claim her as his own—a passion that will not only set his loyalty to his land against his sworn Guardian vows, but will also threaten everything he cherishes most. Though Gwynne’s father was a Guardian, she believes that she has inherited only her mother’s beauty, not her father’s power. Then one kiss from the dangerously alluring Laird of the Macraes ignites a hunger that shakes her to her soul—and reveals visions of a looming catastrophe that threatens England and Scotland both. Only by becoming Duncan’s wife, and ultimately betraying the man she loves, can she avert disaster. As destiny and two mighty nations clash, Gwynne and Duncan must push their powers and passions beyond the most forbidden limits if they are to save their love—and secure the future. Praise for A Kiss of Fate: “A marvelous, fast-paced tale... mesmerizing in its emotional breadth, stunning in its backdrop, and spellbinding in its paranormal overtones... Putney sets a new standard for a historical with paranormal overtones.” —Romantic Times “Intelligent, compelling characters that appeal to both heart and mind... and a beautifully unfolding love relationship combine to produce a magical tale—Putney puts a unique spin on reality, magic, and love and takes romantic fantasy to a new level.” —Library Journal “Love and magic prove to be comfortable bed fellows in this enchanting mid-eighteenth-century romance... a rich, romantic tapestry.” —Publishers Weekly The Guardian Trilogy: A Kiss of Fate, #1 Stolen Magic, #2 A Distant Magic, #3 Unseen Magic: A Guardian Novella Set in WWII




Silk & Secrets


Book Description

* Winner of Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Historical Sequel * Nominated for RWA’s Golden Choice Award for Best Romance of the year The Desert Flower At seventeen, fiery Juliet Cameron fell passionately in love and married the perfect companion for the adventurous life she wanted to lead. Lord Ross Carlisle is handsome, dashing, and as eager to explore the world as she is. But social constraints and fear of an all consuming love that threatens to engulf her independent spirit send Juliet fleeing to the distant land where she was raised as a diplomat’s child. Now, a dozen years later, a gentleman’s promise sends Lord Ross on a dangerous rescue mission to Central Asia—and to a shocking reunion with his long estranged wife. Warily they join forces to cross the merciless desert to Bokhara, where Juliet’s army officer brother has been imprisoned. The fierce attraction that drew them together so many years before has never died. But if they succumb to passion, can either of them survive if they cannot heal their broken marriage? "Silk and Secrets fulfills every dream of your heart, every yearning of your soul, as a pair of memorable lovers find their way back to each other's arms . . . This remarkable novel of high adventure and unquenchable love is a stunning reading experience, one you will remember and cherish forever." —Romantic Times "Sheer brilliance. Silk and Secrets' historical vibrancy and vitality bring to mind Dorothy Dunnett with a dash of Indiana Jones... Ms. Putney's descriptions convey both the romanticism and the harshness of the dunes and their nomads. Traveling with a desert caravan, Ross and Juliet talk and fight and laugh, sometimes as the only way out of a tight spot, and I loved every word of it. I also loved Ross, a Lawrence of Arabia (oh heavens, Peter O'Toole) sans homosexuality crossed with Francis Crawford sans self-destructiveness - a true gentleman, and super, super hot. And Juliet was such a vital, complex woman - proud but not blinkered, hot-tempered but not TSTL, and humorous to boot—that damned if I didn't wish she were a) my friend, b) running for president...." —Desert Island Keeper The Silk Trilogy: Book #1: Silk and Shadows Book #2: Silk and Secrets Book #3: Veils of Silk