Stories
Winter's Tales for Children, 3 edited by Kevin Crossley-Holland (Macmillan 30s). A collection of stories, poems and a play for children over nine, newly written by distinguished authors. Subjects: from gang warfare to archaeology, with a notable holiday story by Edward Blishen in which two healthy school- boys take a third's deformity in their stride.
Memoirs of a London Doll Richard Henry Home (Deutsch 21s). The title page of the 1846 edition read: 'Memoirs of a London Doll written by Herself; edited by Mrs Fairstar.' Margery Fisher introduces this captivating doll story, with its wry commentary on life in mid-Victorian London, to modern readers.
When Marnie was There Joan G. Robinson (Collins 15s). Extraordinarily potent fantasy, set on a Norfolk staithe; an orphan; sent away to recuperate, discovers her ancestry, after strange experiences with a child from the past. The climax is both thrilling and intensely moving.
A Handful of Thieves Nina Bawden (Gol- lancz 15s). An enthralling detective story in
Which a group of Children track down an evil con-man (who has stolen Gran's savings). The author at her humorous and flesh-creeping best —which is very good indeed.
The Viaduct Roy Brown (Abelard-Schuman 18s). The romance of railways breathes through this story in which the boy hero unravels the mystery surrounding one of his ancestors, an early locomotive designer.
The Fox Hole Ivan Southall (Methuen 15s). An emergency (young Ken trapped in a fox hole for many hours) has interesting reper- cussions on a family at odds with itself. Brilliant characters and dialogue, with tension well maintained.
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