Monday, April 6, 2009

The Story of the Treasure Seekers by E. Nesbit

The Story of the Treasure Seekers by Edith Nesbit is one of my all time favorite books. I first heard it on audio book and recently read it in paperback on an airplane. Even though it was written well over a century ago, the stories remind me of my early childhood in the US in the 1970s-1980s. I believe that is the sign of a true story teller. She makes the stories come alive irregardless of time and place.
Edith began writing short columns for a newspaper when she needed money and her mothers health was precarious. She was encouraged to write about her early childhood and that is when her writing really takes off.

Product Description
"This is the story of the different ways we looked for treasure..." When their mother dies and their father's business partner runs off with most of their money, the six intrepid Bastable children are determined to restore their family's fallen fortunes. Theseresourceful children squabble, make up, and have many memorable adventures, from publishing their own newspaper to foiling a pair of real bandits and even becoming kidnappers themselves. But while the efforts of the Bastables are often ingenious, their good intentions always go hilariously awry. This lively, funny story perfectly captures these children's remarkable bravery and deep sense of honor. First published in 1899, this children's classic is available again for a new generation of readers with a magnificent cover illustration by Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky.

About the Author
E. Nesbit (1858–1924) lived in England and had dreamed of becoming a poet since she was fifteen years old. After her husband fell ill, it was up to her to support her small family. For the next nineteen years, she published a number of novels, essays, articles, poems, and short stories. But it was not until 1899, when The Story of the Treasure Seekers was published, that she achieved great success. Her groundbreaking style of depicting realistic, believable children quickly gained a popularity that has lasted for more than a century.

Product Details

  • Reading level: Ages 9-12
  • Hardcover: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Chronicle Books (June 29, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0811854159

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