Fourth Grade Read-Aloud Set

From the publisher:  The editors of the best-selling rediscovered Tolkien novel Roverandom present an expanded edition of Tolkien's beloved classic Farmer Giles of Ham, complete with a map, the original story outline, the original first-edition illustrations by Pauline Baynes, and the author's notes for an unpublished sequel. Farmer Giles of Ham is a light-hearted satire for readers of all ages that tells the tale of a reluctant hero who must save his village from a dragon. It is a small gem of a tale that grows more delightful with each rereading.

To everyone who has ever wanted to never grow up: J. M. Barrie welcomes you to Neverland. Here lives Peter Pan, the "boy who wouldn't grow up," and his raucous troupe of Lost Boys. One night, Peter invites Wendy Darling and her brothers to leave their sleepy English home and join him in his world of never-ending wonder. Together they encounter fairies, mermaids, and pirates with childlike joy. Captain Hook and his mischievous crew threaten their adventures, but a little pixie dust and faith in magic keep their fantastical journeys ever jolly.

From the publisher: When their father's business fails, the six Bastable children decide to restore the family fortunes. But although they think of many ingenious ways to do so, their well-meant efforts are either more fun than profitable, or lead to trouble - until one adventure has quite unexpected results.

From the publisher: This story of an 1820s Thanksgiving is filled with the warmth of character and family life that has made Louisa May Alcott a favorite for more than 100 years.

From the publisher: "The year is 1291, and Walter is the twelve-year-old son of William Tell, the greatest bowman in the land of Uri. Walter lives happily in the remote heights of the Alpine Mountains, caring for his family’s goat herd and practicing his marksmanship in the hopes of making his father proud. But as the end of the year approaches, Walter’s peaceful life is shaken as his country enters a revolution, and Walter must carry a secret that could threaten the life of the father he loves so dearly. More than seven hundred years have passed since the day Walter stood in the marketplace balancing an apple on his head while the Austrian tyrant Gessler commanded Walter’s father, William Tell, to take aim at the apple with his great crossbow. The dramatic tale of William’s arrest and escape and the daring revolt of the Swiss against the Austrians has become a legend around the world."

From the publisher: Wicked wolves and a grim governess threaten Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia when Bonnie’s parents leave Willoughby Chase for a sea voyage. Left in the care of the cruel Miss Slighcarp, the girls can hardly believe what is happening to their once happy home. The servants are dismissed, the furniture is sold, and Bonnie and Sylvia are sent to a prison-like orphan school. It seems as if the endless hours of drudgery will never cease. With the help of Simon the gooseboy and his flock, they escape. But how will they ever get Willoughby Chase free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?

From the publisher:

"Kipling's own drawings, with their long, funny captions, illustrate his hilarious explanations of How the Camel Got His Hump, How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin, How the Armadillo Happened, and other animal How's. He began inventing these stories in his American wife's hometown of Brattleboro, Vermont, to amuse his eldest daughter--and they have served ever since as a source of laughter for children everywhere."

From the publisher:  The first title in Arthur Ransome's classic series, originally published in 1930: for children, for grownups, for anyone captivated by the world of adventure and imagination. Swallows and Amazons introduces the lovable Walker family, the camp on Wild Cat island, the able-bodied catboat Swallow, and the two intrepid Amazons, Nancy and Peggy Blackett.

From the publisher: Polly Flowerdew lives with her two maiden aunts, and she is absolutely sure that something special is going to happen this Christmas.

On Christmas Eve she leaves her bedroom window open, despite her aunts' objections, just in case the three wise men decide to visit, just as the song predicts. When she wakes up on Christmas morning, the words of the song have come to life in a most unexpected way, as more than one miracle seems to have taken place.

Inspired by the timeless carol, "I Saw Three Ships," this lyrical tale celebrates the magic - as well as the mystery - of Christmas.

From the publisher: When a storm leaves Alec Ramsay shipwrecked on a desert island, he's not sure how he'll survive. But he's not alone. A beautiful - and savage - black horse is his one companion. Their survival just might depend on each other. But can Alec trust a stallion whose beauty matches his wild spirit?

From the publisher:

"This is the tale of The Boy, who is not at all surprised to find a Dragon living in the hillside. Natrually, the two soon become fast friends, and when St. George arrives to battle the Dragon, whome he's sure must be a danger to the countryside, the Boy, the Dragon, and the Saint hold a surprising contest...which just might end up satisfying one and all.
Featuring a new introduction from two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall, this story from the author of Wind in the Willows and the illustrator of Winnie the Pooh has been enjoyed by readers since 1938, and feels particularly timely today. Ideal for fans of knights and dragons, as well as readers who like a slightly subversive take on a traditional tale."