Linnets and Valerians

One of England's best-loved children's book writers spins a magical adventure with animals, magic, and danger.

When Nan, Robert, Timothy, and Betsy's father went off to explore in Egypt, he left the children with their grandmother who lived in the English countryside. Unfortunately she did not much like children, much less their dog, Absalom. So the children ran away to stay with their Uncle Ambrose, an eccentric, strict, and loveable retired school teacher who was determined to give them an Education, but in addition to Greek, Latin, and Literature, the Linnet children learned much more — about nature and magic, the power of the past and Pan, and, of course, the importance of the bees. They used their knowledge to find the lost Valerians, undo some very wicked, ancient spells, and reunite a divided family.

This is a story filled with Elizabeth Goudge's trademark mixture of realism and magic — and like her classic The Little White Horse (adored by J. K. Rowling) it is set in Devon and inspired by its folklore and legends.

As this world becomes increasingly ugly, callous and materialistic it needs to be reminded that the old fairy stories are rooted in truth, that imagination is of value, that happy endings do, in fact, occur, and that the blue spring mist that make an ugly street look beautiful is just as real a thing as the street itself. —Elizabeth Goudge 

Elizabeth Goudge writes with the gentleness and good humor that have long endeared her to adult readers…blending fantasy and fact with the sure touch of the born storyteller. —The New York Times Book Review A lively, romantic plot, varied and endearingly eccentric characters and picturesque settings. —Booklist

An American Library Association Notable Book