The secret of platform 13 - Softcover

Ibbotson, Eva

3.95

14,502 ratings by Goodreads

9780439285124: The secret of platform 13

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0439285127 ISBN 13: 9780439285124

Publisher: Scholastic, 2000

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This book was written years before Harry ever wound up on a publisher's desk, and it should not be viewed in comparison to J.K. Rowling's books. The value of Platform 13 comes in the delightful opportunities for imagination and discussion when an adult and a child read it together. We used this book for a mother/daughter group and had wonderfully creative time addressing points in Ms. Ibbotson's book. What atmosphere is the best place for a gump, and where would be the best place to find a gump in this country? If YOUR child was stolen, who would you send to rescue him or her - Odge and her friends or the harpies? (Moms had a surprising answer for this one.) Is it true that "when children behave badly it is nearly always the fault of those who bring them up"? Other quotes that sparked spirited debate included, "when you have worked and worked for something, it is almost impossible to believe that you can fail", and "it doesn't matter what your home is like - it's that it's yours that matters". This is an ingeniously creative fantasy for pre-teens, and for those adults who can still see magic in the art of storytelling. If you open your mind and your imagination you'll love this book for what it offers, and not find it necessary to make comparisons. Oh yes, if you're all grown up, don't forget to check out the harpie with a handbag, who bears a curious resemblance to a former prime minister...

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About the Author:

Eva Ibbotson, born Maria Charlotte Michelle Wiesner (21 January 1925 20 October 2010), was an Austrian-born British novelist, known for her children's books. Some of her novels for adults have been successfully reissued for the young adult market in recent years. For the historical novel Journey to the River Sea (Macmillan, 2001), she won the Smarties Prize in category 911 years, garnered unusual commendation as runner up for the Guardian Prize, and made the Carnegie, Whitbread, and Blue Peter shortlists. She was a finalist for the 2010 Guardian Prize at the time of her death. Her last book, The Abominables, was one of eight books on the longlist for the same award in 2012.

From AudioFile:

Narrator Angela Thorne reads this fantasy story just as it should be presented--after all, fairy tales were meant to be told! There is a large and diverse cast, from humans to ogres and harpies, and each sounds believable. The prince of a faraway island is spirited away for nine years, and all of his island's unusual residents try to aid in his return from King's Cross Station, London. The prince is a spoiled brat whose difficult personality is matched only by his mother's. Thorne is at her best with these two most unpleasant characters. Truth and justice prevail after many trails and tribulations. Ibbotson's book is intended for a young audience; however, there are enough double entendres to keep Mom and Dad amused, as well. S.G.B. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

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