About the Author:
Alan Marks is widely published and has illustrated many books. He is also a 'Smarties Prize' prize winner.
From School Library Journal:
Grade 2-4-People say that Magpie's father is a thief. She, however, knows he is "as honest as the day is long." When he is not busy working their small, poor patch of land, he takes her on long explorations of the roads leading to town. One day, as Magpie journeys to town on an errand, she sees a noble lady standing on the path. To her astonishment, the woman disappears, and leaves a golden key on the ground. The townspeople accuse Magpie of stealing the beautiful object, but the mysterious woman reappears and exonerates her. She instructs the girl to take the key to her father, who fits it into the lock of a small box. Inside is the deed to a fine plot of land; long ago, Father had served the woman, and this is her gift to him for his loyalty. This charming, old-fashioned tale contains delicate illustrations, some in black-and-white, but many in shades of blue, green, and peach. The story will appeal to beginning chapter-book readers.
Mary Jo Drungil, Niles Public Library District,
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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