The Railway Engine And The Hairy Brigands

The Railway Engine And The Hairy Brigands

by Margaret Mahy

illustrated by Brian Froud
  

"Witches Live There!"
    

Penelope and Bridget are sisters who have just been given their very own railway engine by a rich relative. A railway engine that they drive everyday around the town being followed by a procession of barking boys and yelling dogs. When one day the Hairy Brigands come down from the hill to cause mischief, the railway engine saves the day.

The Railway Engine And The Hairy Brigands is a quirky story of two little girls, a railway engine and a gang of Hairy Brigands who live high in the rainy hills above town. This imaginatively witty story coupled with its adorably gritty images is a classic childhood favourite, that is if you can find yourself a copy of this charming out of print book.

Margaret Mahy Webpage

(illustrator) Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: 01 May 1973
ISBN: 9780460058605
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Railway Engine
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Man Whose Mother Was A Pirate

The Man Whose Mother Was A Pirate by Margaret Mahy

illustrated by Brian Froud
     

"I Want To See The See Again"
    

Sam was a proper little man who had lived all his life in the smoky city. He had a proper little job and never wanted for anything. His mother, however, was a pirate. She had been too long away from the sea that was her home and so convinced her son to take her back.

The Man Whose Mother Was A Pirate was a timid man who, over time and with the help of his mother and the sea, discovered that life could be joyous and that the sea could be home. A charming little story partnered with uniquely crafted images.

Margaret Mahy Webpage

(illustrator) Brian Froud - World Of Froud

On sale: 1972
ISBN: B000P505T6
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Pirates
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five

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Ultra-Violet Catastrophe

Ultra-Violet Catastrophe!

or The Unexpected Walk with Great-Uncle Magnus Pringle
by Margaret Mahy

illustrated by Brian Froud

A Short Walk, A Long Adventure!

It all started with a visit to Aunt Anne Pringle's home, where for the first time Sally met her Great-Uncle Magnus Pringle. It was suggested that Sally and her Great-Uncle Magnus go for a walk. A walk seemed innocent enough; after all how much trouble can you get into on a walk...

Apparently a walk can be a very dangerous and adventurous thing. There are hedges and mud puddles, tree pirates and dams, and a large brown-and-white cow that chased them through a barbed-wire fence.

Sally and Great-Uncle Magnus ended up wet, muddy, stained and torn. But despite all they had a wonderful adventure that was simply 'Horrible Stumper' and 'Ultra-Violet Catastrophe'.

I love this book, it is delightful and engaging, and leaves you with a smile on your face. A warm hearted story that is beautifully illustrated and will always be cherished by young and old readers alike.

 

Margaret Mahy Webpage

(illustrator) Brian Froud Webpage

(illustrator) Brian Froud - World Of Froud

 

On sale: 1975
ISBN: 9780819307484
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Adventure
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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