The Wizard's Den: Spellbinding Stories of Magic & Magicians [Hardcover]

Peter Haining (Editor)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

This is a spellbinding collection of tales from the 20th century, featuring a story from E. Nesbit, whose writings inspired a young girl to pen her own tales of magic and sign them with only initials-J. K. Rowling. Also included are wizard stories from such diverse writers as Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Wilson, Roald Dahl, and Diana Wynne Jones.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-These short stories of magical fantasy will attract Harry Potter fans, but not all of the selections are completely satisfying. Haining's introduction to the world of wizardry is a bit stilted and contains some typographical errors. Roald Dahl, Ray Bradbury, Joan Aiken, Diana Wynne Jones, and E. Nesbit are among the 15 notable authors represented. Some of the older stories seem a bit dated and may not have much appeal to American readers. Almost all of the selections have appeared elsewhere. One of the shortest and most chilling stories is William Nolan's "My Name Is Dolly," about a girl who gets revenge on her abuser with a doll that is her duplicate. Philip Pullman's "Something to Read" is about a girl who loves to read and the tragedy that results from her obsession. Jacqueline Wilson's "The Magic of Flying" is a funny tale about a magical toad that tries to teach an inept little girl how to fly. This somewhat uneven collection may not be a necessary purchase but those who sample these varied stories will be rewarded by many of them.
Sharon Rawlins, Piscataway Public Library, NJ
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Open the pages and prepare to enter the wonderful world of wizardry." -- Curious Parent

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Souvenir Press (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0285636286
• ISBN-13: 978-0285636286
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,773,140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Diana Wynne Jones spent her childhood in Essex and has been writing fantasy novels for children since 1973. With her unique combination of magic, humour and imagination, she has been enthralling children and adults with her work ever since. She won the Guardian Award in 1977 with Charmed Life, was runner-up for the Children's Book Award in 1981, and was twice runner-up for the Carnegie Medal. She is married with three sons, and lives in Bristol with her husband.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Free SF Reader, October 3, 2007

By 

Blue Tyson "- Research Finished" (Legion clubhouse) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wizard's Den: Spellbinding Stories of Magic & Magicians (Hardcover)

A collection Haining hjas put together for kids I discovered after getting it, and the introduction of pretty much every story compares it to Harry Potter in some way, which is going to really, really, really annoy you quite likely.

It may work as an introduction to the subject for those it is aimed it though, possibly, although quite likely even they might find it speaking down to them.


Wizards Den : Professor de Lara and the Twopenny Spell - E. Nesbit
Wizards Den : School for the Unspeakable - Manly Wade Wellman
Wizards Den : The Demon Headmaster - Gillian Cross
Wizards Den : Ghostclusters - Humphrey Carpenter
Wizards Den : Grimnir and the Shape-Shifter - Alan Garner
Wizards Den : Dark Oliver - Russell Hoban
Wizards Den : Finders Keepers - Joan Aiken
Wizards Den : The Dabblers - William Harvey
Wizards Den : The Magic of Flying - Jacqueline Wilson
Wizards Den : Chinese Puzzle - John Wyndham
Wizards Den : The Wish - Roald Dahl
Wizards Den : Invisible Boy - Ray Bradbury
Wizards Den : My Name Is Dolly - William F. Nolan
Wizards Den : Something to Read - Philip Pullman
Wizards Den : Carol Oneir's Hundredth Dream - Diana Wynne Jones


Social magic course.

3 out of 5


A guy named Felcher, singing Satanist songs to people, in duet. And he's a lackey. I kid you not.

3 out of 5


Instruction reinforcement.

2 out of 5


Phil Spectre too scared to be a proper ghost.

3.5 out of 5


Underground problems.

2.5 out of 5


Bullies should choose someone other than magic boys.

3.5 out of 5


Forest god stories.

3 out of 5


Old school story.

2.5 out of 5


Frog, broomstick instructor!?

3 out of 5


The cackleberry package turned out to be a flyinglizardflamebreatherberry.

3.5 out of 5


Why did it have to be snakes?

2.5 out of 5


Making them so you can't seem 'em might spoil your plans.

3 out of 5


Be nice to girls who have witchy voodoo dolls of you.

3.5 out of 5


Reading addict death deprival despair.

4 out of 5


Figments need time off too.

3 out of 5