Product Description
A delightful manual which instructs stray kittens and homeless cats in how to obtain, captivate, and dominate the families of their choice. 200 black-and-white photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Humans from a Cat's Point of View
Do humans own cats, or do cats own humans? This fictional work decidedly supports the latter. A cat is given advice on how to own humans. Humans are portrayed as egocentric, and dogs as servile flatterers of humans. In contrast, cats are independent. The time in history, in ancient Egypt, where the death penalty was imposed on humans for harming a cat, is warmly recounted.

The cat is given strategies for such things as owning a chair, getting fed, obtaining snacks of human food under the table, getting humans to open doors for them, inducing humans to do things for them that they at first don't want to do, seducing humans with the purr, correctly behaving around humans when bearing kittens, and reacting properly (non-aggressively) towards the veterinarian. It is told to never scratch a human child, lest it be cast out of the household. Also, it is told not to overeat during Christmas as humans do, lest it throw up on the rug and thereby make itself less popular with the humans.

Of course, this book, written decades ago, reflects the thinking of that time. For instance, older bachelors are presented as abnormal people, because at that time almost everyone got married. Women are presented as clever manipulators and man-traps, in many ways as cats are supposed to be.

Until the very end of the book, the cat-human interaction is presented as a largely what-can-I-get-out-of-this relationship, with little or no mention of affection between the two. Finally, a chapter addresses this question: If a cat could think more or less like a human, would it think of gratitude and love towards its human benefactors?

The author of this book was very creative in thinking of ways that a cat would think about humans. A lot of detail, and effort, went into this.

Wonderful!
This is a fabulous book - the narrator is a stray cat who gives advice to other stray cats how to take over a human household but in fact written by the renowned author and sports writer, Paul Gallico. It is incredibly enjoyable and will be loved by anyone who has shared their home with a cat. Sadly this book is now out of print.

Paul Gallico really has the understanding of cats!
I loved this!It is so comical.You really feel that the author can read cat's minds.

Yes, *we* belong to cats
This is a wonderful little book about what really goes on in a cat's mind. Written, er, translated from the feline by a sports writer who really did not like cats that much, it is a story about the take over and training of a human companion from a strictly feline point of view. The instructions and maxims given in this text will instruct a wise cat or kitten in the ways of human - feline interaction, and how to make the most of it. What is scary, is that the things that the late Cica instructs her readers in is all too true...

I give this book a rating of six out of five possible!

Please note, the book is a little bit long in the tooth now, and a few of the things contained within might be a bit out of date or passe.

ADT

A clever approach to writing about cats.
I have owned this book since it was first published. I have written to the author and received a reply. I have read every book by Paul Gallico, except for one which was out of print. He was a fascinating author who wrote for children and adults on a wide variety of topics. At least two of his books became movies, POSEIDON ADVENTURE & THOMASINA. His children's books are delightful and imaginative. I especially enjoyed his mini novel THE SNOW GOOSE, and his children's book, MANX MOUSE.
Paul Gallico was a sports writer and war correspondent and also started the Golden Gloves competitions. Whatever genre of books interest you, you will find one by Paul Gallico. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

The Abandoned
I have read literally dozens of cat books. I stumbled on this one and just finished reading it a second time. Gallico was an amazing writer. So many writers about cats "humanize" them and it is entertaining. I particularly enjoy the English authors. Gallico, an American who lived in England adds unique aspects to his story and brings about deep senses of human emotion we all feel about ourselves and other humans. He adds the important aspects of feline behavior we see but don't really understand and gives a reason and purpose to those quirky behaviors all cat owners know so well. This is a love story for all to enjoy. I don't agree that the last half is not good. Yes, there is are a few slow parts but the last few chapters give you intense emotions of longing, loss and ultimately the joy of loving and being loved.Read it more than once and see if you don't agree.

I adored The Abandoned when I was 12 and now that I am 58...
A book for all ages.It should be reprinted.Read it when I was 12 and got all teary at the end.Bought a copy for my granddaughter and another for myself in the past few years.We have both reread it a few times.

One to keep
I've wanted this book for years, since I first read it. Ifyou're a cat lover,you'll want to read and re-read. And give as a gift to others who shareyour affections for felines.

A Cat Lover's Dream
This novel is great for a cat lover of any age.The attention to detail of what cats do and why is clever and entertaining.The love story is very well done.

Gallico knew cats
The author of "The Silent Miaow" bats a home run again with this hugely imaginative fantasy novel about a boy who wishes he was a cat and then wakes up to find he has become one, and his adventures in cat form are captivating and enthralling. You will lose your heart to Jennie, his mentor in the ways of the feline, and you will keep this book to read over again. It's been on my bookshelf for decades now and I won't part with it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Jennie
I've read this book translated into German some 40 years ago ("Meine Freundin Jennie") which introduced me to the life of cats with delicate observations, fascination and fun. I've been a Vet for many years and recommended the book to all my cat owners clientelle.
It's a delight to cat lovers and wanabe so.
Have fun.
MikeJennie

Efficient delivery.
I had been looking for a copy of this book for ages - my own having disappeared over the years. It was for the aunt of a friend of mine who loves cats. It was great being able to get this copy for her. The delivery seems to have gone smoothly. Thank you.

A Classic deserving of Greater Attention
For years I've occassionally remembered back to my youth in Canada and wondered about a book that I recall reading that seemed to transport me into another world.For the life of me, I couldn't remember the name of the book.I remembered though that it involved a young boy who seemingly transformed into a cat and then met another cat named Jennie and the adventures they had.

Despite some efforts on occassion at a local library to try and figure out the book and find it again, it wasn't until recently that I decided to use the power of the internet and was able to figure it out, and of course, it was this book, Jennie, by Paul Gallico.

Despite it not being an easy book to remember, it also was not an easy book to find and I wound up purchasing it used from an Amazon 3rd Party merchant for more than I'm accustomed to paying for a paperback book, but often the price compared to the recovery of a nostalgic read is of little account and so it has been in this case.

Reading through this book again with the benefit of an adult's eye and the added knowledge now of Paul Gallico's past love for cats and as a sports writer has served only to add some delightful accents to the book that have brought the experience of my youth back with all the clarity of a fine wine remembered and savored.

This is a book to collect and return to read to one's children.The simple learning of the habits and character of cats is remarkable but more than that the writing draws you in and brings both cats and a story masterfully told to life.

5 enthusiastic stars.I can't imagine anyone with a heart and imagination not loving this book or forgetting it.

This book was also published under the title, The Abandoned

Bart Breen

A treasure!
I first read this book 27 years ago, when I was in college.It quickly became one of my all-time favorites!In the course of moving right after college, I lost my copy and was extremely upset.I had thought of this book many times over the years and most especially after my children were born.Sadly, I learnt that it was no longer in print.Imagine my joy when I discovered it here, on Amazon.com!This is the WONDERFUL story of a boy who loved cats but wasn't allowed to have any as pets.He has an accident and 'wakes up' in the body of a cat, but with the mind and emotions of a human.He is rescued by Jennie and taught how to be a cat.Their story together is poignant and will make you look differently at cats after reading it.You do not have to be an animal lover to enjoy this book, it is so beautifully written.I HIGHLY recommend it!

Known to US readers as "The Abandoned"
Paul Gallico knew and loved cats like few others. I have this book under its US title ("The Abandoned")and it's a fantastic, touching tale of life from a cat's eye view, as told by a little boy who becomes a cat (you'll have to read the book to see how). I've loved this book for years and it will never leave my bookshelf. ... Read more

Product Description
A curious story involving not only the Snow Goose, the Canada-bred wanderer of the airways, but also a couple and their travels. In print in this small hardcover gift format since 1941. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

Snow Goose
A wonderful little short story type of book. Many years old but timeless as far as I'm concerned. It's a piece of our history, which will be lost to future generations.

Unforgetable
This book is one of my most favorites.The story is incredibley touching.Once read, you will never forget it and you'll want to read it again and again.

The Snow Goose
Probably one of the shortest books I've read in a while (about 30 minutes) but the story is powerful and a "tearjerker". I think it suffers from an attachment to Dunkirk as a period piece with nationalistic undertones during a period when England was searching for its identity under the looming possibility of a Nazi invasion, and the United States was still on the fence about entering the war (a debate at the time as heated as the Iraq War today). But it is hard to be critical of a book like this, it is beautifully written and probably Gallico's most successful and still well worth reading.

AN ADMIRABLE CHARACTER TAKES FLIGHT
Paul Gallico is not a novelist.His talent lies in his ability to tell beautiful and inspiring short stories that are a joy to read.The Snow Goose is one of my favorites and I have read and re-read it many times over my lifetime, each time gaining new insight into the author and his characters.At the risk of being accused of blasphemy, it is my opinion that The Snow Goose could have appeared as one of the parables told in the New Testament.It is a short story, a mere 6O or so pages, and tells the story of a physically deformed artist in his late 20's named Rhayader who has retreated from the world and taken up residence in an abandoned lighthouse near a marsh where he attempts to capture the beauty of his surroundings on canvas as well as provide sanctuary to the birds who seek shelter there over the winter months.

One day, a girl of about 12 named Frith, comes to him with an injured snow goose. Although frightened by his outward appearance, she overcomes her trepidation because she has heard of his desire to help the creatures of the marsh.Together they nurse the injured goose until it is able to fly north in spring. The following year the goose returns as does the young Frith. Over several years this cycle continues and the annual return of the bird acts as a catalyst in the developing relationship between the artist and the young woman.We see a lonely young man whose repugnant physical countenance has alienated him from society as he is slowly transformed by the restorative power of friendship and love. Over the years the birds' visits extend for longer periods and by the spring of 1940 it becomes apparent that the bird will remain at the lighthouse.World War II comes to the quiet marsh in a most unusual way and the story takes a different tack.

Although this book may be perceived as "chic-lit" it poses questions about the human spirit and the need for companionship that can be educational to all ages and both sexes. This small little book packs a great big wallop to the readers psyche and I heartily recommend it.

A must read for ages 12 and up
Paul Gallico is a master of words.The Snow Goose is a study what a person will do to help others, even if the one of the others is a goose. A girl finds the injured goose and takes it to the person she hopes will heal the goose.The man she takes the goose to, is in his own way just as injured.He has a disability, but he is willing to help.From there, he goes on in his small boat, to rescue victims of war.I won't spoil the ending.The book is short, less than 100 pages.
Read it, enjoy it.

Mystery Writer ... Read more

Product Description
An enchanting journey to the fabulous hidden city of Mageia, wherein dwell the master magicians of the world, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the mystery called magic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

childhood favourite
I have loved this book since I first read it at age 12 (I'm 51 now). The issues and themes it deals with have resonated with me throughout my life, and, I think, even informed my life. Mostly I loved how eloquently and simply it presents what it means to live a truly authentic life, without ever being preachy...

It's truly a magical book.

My favorite since childhood
My grandmother gave me a copy of this book when I was 10.I loved it then and it's still my favorite.I've bought many copies for friends.

Paul Gallico has written more popular stories ("The Snow Goose"), and is maybe better known for the movie versions of some of his books (including Mrs 'Arris Goes To Paris" and "The Poseidon Adventure"). I think this book tops them.

As the book starts Adam has just arrived in the famed city of Magea, the city of magic, for an annual magic competition.But he is different.All the other magicians are illusionists, just like the magicians we'd find on stage or TV any day.But Adam does 'real' magic.The city is thrown into a tizzy when, in the preliminary competition, Adam unscambles an egg and puts it back in the shell.The rest of the story relates how the individuals of the city react to him (everything from naïve curiosity to malevolent determination to kill him).

Besides Adam, the main characters are his dog Mopsy (a talking dog, although no one but Adam can hear him); Jane, a magician's daughter relegated to a future as a magician's lovely assistant; Ninian the Nonpareil, a inept magician and quick friend of Adam, tempted to learn his secrets but trying to do good; The Great Robert, Jane's father, Adam's host, and mayor of Magea; and a host of other characters who relate to Adam in different ways.

Some friends have told me they see "The Man Who Was Magic" as an allegory.I have always just seen it as a wonderful tale of innocence and good overcoming evil. Adam is a character we'd all like to know - or be.

Delightful story teaches, not preaches
A charming tale with just the right mixture of funny, melancholy and thought-provoking moments.It was one of my childhood favorites and I wholeheartedly recommend it to my own daughter.
A true magician, innocent and kind to a fault, and his familiar, a scruffy dog with enough common sense and street smarts for both of them, journey a long way to attend the annual convention at the fabled "magic city" where the magician hopes to be accepted into the guild.To his disappointment, he finds that the guild consists entirely of mere conjurors, who dress up their parlor tricks with smoke and mirrors and the city proves a shallow hub of conceit and show business snobbery.The magician stays on, despite himself, to help out two newfound friends.One is a hopeless aging clutz, who has failed his whole life at getting into the guild on his own merit.The other is the pathetic daughter of a prominent conjuror, whose family's bullying has completely eroded her self-esteem.He changes the life of these friends by showing them how to unlock the magic of "I can" and "I will" within themselves.Meanwhile, however, some more malevolent conjurors realize that he is the real deal and as such a potential threat to their entire livelihood.The story of how he gets kidnapped by thugs, how his amazing dog organizes his rescue and the final bittersweet success on the convention stage is written in graceful, readable style.

Wonderful Children's story
I loved this book as a child and read it repeatedly.As a teacher I picked it up and read it aloud to my third graders and they were mesmerized.

Paul Gallico
The description was accurate and the book arrived promptly
What more could I have asked?
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

'Gallico Magic' is truly magic!
This collection of Paul Gallico stories will touch any heart.They are humorous, touching, tragic and uplifting, and remind you of what a gift it is to be alive.Caution: have hankies ready when you read "The Snow Goose."
Since this book is no longer in print, you'd better rush to get a copy while you can.It is precious.

This book is cool
This book contains 7 full books (complete and unabridged) by Paul Gallico. The books are:
1. Mrs. 'arris Goes to Paris
2. Mrs. 'arris Goes to New York
3. Mrs. 'arris Goes to Parliament
4. The Snow Goose
5. The Small Miracle
6. Ludmila
7. Coronation ... Read more

Product Description
A foray into cats' behaviour and habits by Paul Gallico. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

THE HONOURABLE CAT a classic for cat lovers
I enjoyed my friend's copy of THE HONOURABLE CAT so much that I wanted to have my own copy.I was pleased to receive a copy in excellent condition that I will enjoy in the future and share with other cat lovers.

Honourable Cat
A very special intuitive, spiritual and ethereal caption with each special picture of a cat.To know cats, is to appreciate the words. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A cat-lover's classic
I recently bought this just to loan to a friend, as my original copy is now water-damaged. Best $50 I ever spent. The story of a stray female cat and the humans who take her in, as told BY the cat, it's full of humor, warmth, and great photos with fitting and often humorous captions. Full of insightful cat-observations of the humans who share her home. If you've ever lived with cats, read this for a wryly funny take on how they view their humans, with plenty of "awwww" moments to boot.

Excellent story beautifully illistrated!!!
Excellent story beautifully illistrated!!!A must for any catlover who knows what it is like to be "taken over"

If you've ever been owned by a cat you'll find this hilarious.
This book was written by a cat and the author is so familiar with feline ways that you find yourself believing a cat really wrote it.

Fun, frivolous, and delightful, this book will make you howl. If you've ever been owned by a cat, you are in for a treat.

gorgeous book for cat slaves
A sweet little book which will have some cat owners squirming, as they realise just exactly how far their beloved "pet" has them twisted around their little finger - er, paw.It's supposedly a manual for young cats on how to select their family and train their humans, and most cat lovers will recognise themselves as the "trainees"!The illustrations set off the text perfectly.I've found this an ideal book to give as gifts to my cat-loving friends, so sorry it's out of print. If you can track one down, grab it!

incredible fun
The Silent Miaow, Translated from the Feline and Edited by Paul W. Gallico.

It's just exactly as fun as it sounds.The author writes about how he "found" the manuscript, then translated it.The book itself is a first-person "how-to" book from the perspective of a cat.

There are chapters like "Tidbits at the Table" (go for the man first, then everyone will give in), "Take Over" and "Doors" (if you learn to open them, never let on, or they'll stop waiting on you).Some of it's a bit much, such as the way to butter up men.(And the "Food" chapter is positively Machivellian.)

Since it's all in good fun (and occasionally quite sweet), I enjoy this kind of thing.There is some actual facts, but they never get in the way of the flavor: pure fun.

Lots of black and white photos complete this funny jaunt.This book would be enjoyed even by people who believe cats _are_ controlling like this. ... Read more

Product Description
The inspiration for the 2006 Warner Bros. film, Poseidon, Paul Gallico’s The Poseidon Adventure is an intense and dramatic story about a gigantic ocean liner and its unimaginable final journey.

When a rogue wave capsizes the luxury cruise ship, a small group of survivors find themselves unlikely allies in a battle for their lives.As the unstable vessel rapidly fills with water each must draw on skills and strengths they didn’t even know they possessed, fighting against time for their own survival and for each other. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

An accent for survival, and descent in the darkness of the human soul
For those expecting this to be like an over the top, action adventure flick where the cute and clever kids save the day, and the plucky square jawed hero pulls everyone through... forget it. Author Paul Gallico has created a dark masterpiece where he uses the disaster as a metaphor for the turning of people's seemingly ordinary lives literally upside down and stripping them of their quaint civilized comforts. Reverend Frank "Buzz" Scott leads a rag tag group of people from the dining room to hoped for salvation in the ship's engine rooms and the keel and rescue.

But the journey is far from easy, facing the perils of a capsized vessel, with obstacles like upside-down stairways, flooding passages, deep booming explosions, failing emergency lights, and machinary and boilers falling from their mountings. They also face their own inner demons as well. Scott ferverently believing that the only safe direction is the reach safety via the engine rooms and await rescue in the propeller shaft wings, igmoring other possible, safer routes to the ship's former bottom. Others in the group as well as those they meet along the way provide for drama and an examination of the human condition when placed in mortal danger. The failure of the lights results in a stampede by fear-driven crew running down a main corridor like lemmings to their deaths they are trampled, or killed by falling over stairway openings or into a large pit where a boiler tore through several decks of the upturned ship, the young girl of the group Susan is raped.

The young boy Robin, brother of Susan is lost in the blackout and crew stamped, never to be found again, and his exact fate is chillingly never revealed to the reader.

This book simply pulls no punches, though it does show the other side of the human equation as people help the eldery Rosens through the ship's twisted and inverted bowels, and Belle Rosen saving everyone with her suprise feat of swimming through a flooded corrider, though it later costs her life when she dies of a heart attack mere minutes from rescue.

When Rev. Scott dies, James Martin a proprietor of a haberdashery, gallantly takes charge and sees everyone through the rest of the way. The ending is not easy, either. Not only is Robin never found and Mrs Rosen, but the survivors of Scott's intrepid rag tag band must deal with the biting sting that other survivors, some left behind in the dinning room, had a much easier time in going the other route to the ship's cargo hold. The route Scott insisted they not go. But ultimately they are alive when so many others have died, either succumbing to their baser natures as the crew did during the blackout earlier, or blinding staying put, hoping for someone to come to them.

For those used to the 1973 adapation of the movie, this book will be just a wee bit of a downer with the boy dying and his sister being raped as well as more gruesome ends for people, but the characters as other reviewers have pointed out, are far more interesting and multi-dimensional, even Susan's rapist is shown to be nothing more than a fightened young boy, who realizes the terrible thing he has done to her and runs off to his death, driven by guilt. So this is not for the faint of heart, but it is ultimately a rewarding look at the human heart in the face of disaster.

An Excellent Read
If what you are seeking is one of the movies or the mini-series written out in the form of a book, save your energy and watch the movie again. This novel is not a spectacular special effects experience for those with short attention spans. It instead is a very deep and moving story throwing complex characters together in a disaster situation.

The capsize of the ship becomes a metaphor for all the characters as their lives are turned upside down by what they experience during their climb to the ship's hull. As they move further away from the civilized aspects of the ship to which they are accustomed and into blown away and unfamiliar settings, they are forced (both physically and emotionally) to shed the outer facades of their humanity and behaviors to face and rely upon the raw, inner base persona that all humans learn to hide from the civilized world. All aspects of the characters' respective lives are turned as upside down as the ship they are in until it is only their singular drive to live that keeps them going.

Gallico is expert in keeping some characters shrouded in mystery while slowly revealing the inner personalities and thoughts of other characters to allow the reader to feel emotions and experiences from those characters' unique perspectives. This is far more a human drama than a simple disaster/escape story.

Great story
They say books are better than the movie, some are true.
This is one.

Great service!
This arrived in very good condition, as described, and in a timely manner, as well.As for the book, I enjoyed reading it in my youth, and have ordered it for my teenagers to enjoy.

Excellent story of courage, strength of character, and intense drama
"Upside down, in the biggest transatlantic liner ever built, 81,000 tons of metal hanging between heaven and the bottom of the sea."
-Chapter 5 of "The Poseidon Adventure."

During a 1937 North Atlantic crossing aboard the infamous Queen Mary, author Paul Gallico had quite the scare when, out of nowhere, an 80-foot rogue wave struck the liner, causing her to keel over - almost on her side. Thirty years later this event would serve as the inspiration for his 1969 best-seller, "The Poseidon Adventure."

The story concerns the efforts of a small group of passengers attempting to escape a cruise ship after it is capsized by a massive wave. Gallico tells his story with a strong sense of suspense and a richly detailed group of diverse characters.

And those characters are the most fascinating aspect of the novel. Gallico does a masterful of job of building them into people of depth and dimension. With the sea disaster as the underlying premise, he strips them of their security and their dignity, testing their might, taxing their bodies, and stripping them of their clothes.

In so far as the actual escape is concerned, the reader gets a strong sense of the imminent danger and claustrophobia encountered by the survivors. Throughout the book one never forgets how close they are to impending doom. Gallico is almost unrelenting in his sense of urgency.

Overall, "The Poseidon Adventure" makes an excellent and fast read.Some of Gallico's verbiage shows it's age, but ultimately the novel is a story of courage and strength of character, of failure and loss, of intense drama and great suspense. It will leave you as stunned, breathless, and exhausted as the survivors.

The book was re-released in June of 2006 and is still available. I highly recommend you add it to your reading list!

NOTE: I also listened to the audiobook this summer.In some cases Dylan Baker's voices are brilliant (Mike Rogo, Frank Scott), but in many cases they are a bit annoying (the Rosens, Hubie Muller).At the start it seems like Baker went into the studio cold - he seems unsure and uneven.But by disc 2 he finds his stride.The audiobook's abridgement was authorized by the Gallico estate, but like most abridgements it takes away from the story.Worth a listen if you're pressed for time, but I highly suggest sitting down with the actual book. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

The Golden Age
In the 1930's through the 1950's a casual reader could pick up a newspaper and read a sports column that would grace any of the slick weekly sports magazines of today.Writers like Red Smith, Grantland Rice, Hype Igoe and Damon Runyan ran their fingers over the keyboards of their typewriters on a daily basis.Every city with a decent circulation had a worthy sportswriter.The inverted pyramid of reporting did not apply here,The end product was a feast of imagery.

Paul Gallico sits on few people's list of the great sportswriters of this era.Unlike Red Smith and Grantland Rice, the reader does not feel as if he/she is hovering over the shoulder of the subject.There isn't the same whiff of intimacy, as is painted by the former.

Gallico describes the setting and the subject, and inserts his opinions more often.It works, just as a different type of experience.

This is an elegaic tribute to his exit from the sports pages.He was either reassigned or opted to cover a different aspect of news.

He loved boxing, and his writing about Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney and Joe Louis brings the reader back to a wondrous time in sports.

Bobby Jones was a magician with a club in his hand, and here, as well he makes Jones into a human God of the links.

I enjoyed his opinions and descriptions of the women athletes of the times.He could not of brought his opinions as honestly in todays world, and that is part of this book's charm, as well as its sadness.

He describes a different world of sports, as well as a different world.Although he championed the "negro", he laments the cruel and unfair treatment of the black man.It can be painful to take in.

Gallico tries to envision the future of sports, and this is fascinating.Some of it is on target, and you can almost see him pining to live long enough to see how it all comes out.

The sports pages would have come alive if Gallico and his peers had lived long enough to describe Muhammud Ali, or Bob Gibson, or Jim Brown.Red Smith did, but most of his prose had been used up by that time.

Gallico left us a treasure, and for the true sports historian, a read that can not be missed. ... Read more

Product Description
perfect for young people ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An old favorite rediscovered
An excellent read from the paranormal research fictions of the 60s and 70s. Great book with spooky bits, detective bits and a happy ending. I was glad to have a chance to read this again after so long.l

For those looking for a "light" ghost story
Our 'Hero' investigates hauntings and in this book he gets plenty to look into, including self-playing harps, dematerializing nuns and a house full of people on edge. The book is written in a light, airy manner, and is not for readers looking for spine-chilling horror. But it is fun and an easy read.

A great, fun read
I remember reading this book when I was in high school and just falling in love with it.It's not a gory thriller and it's not a deep psychological thriller.What it is is an engaging tale of a psychic investigator trying to sort out the many ghosts - both earthly and unearthly? - haunting Paradine Hall.Paul Gallico has a magic to his writing and it's very apparent here.The characters are engaging, infuriating, and every emotion in between.This is a great read if you're looking for something enjoyable yet with a little suspense and mystery.Wonderful tale.

Fluffy
The novel was originally serial fiction.When it was compiled for the novel, it remained something light and mildly amusing for the coffee and crumpet reader. ... Read more

Product Description
The first-ever picture- book version of Paul Gallico's classic story of friendship and faith

"Once there was a boy named Pepino who lived in the mountain town of Assisi. He had no mother. He had no father. He lived in a stable with his donkey, Violetta.
Violetta was everything to Pepino."

Then one day Violetta gets sick, and nothing seems to help. Pepino is sure that if he can just bring her into the crypt of Saint Francis, who loves all animals, she will get well. But can he convince the priests to let him try?

Paul Gallico's tale of one little boy's pilgrimage of faith has touched hearts the world over. Master storyteller Bob Barton's lyrical adaptation, beautifully illustrated by Carolyn Croll, will introduce a whole new generation of readers to this moving classic.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Disappointed
Having not received the product by 10/18/08, we ordered and received it from another online service.Eventually we received a notice from the Amazon vendorthat they had an incorrect address for us and that the book was returned to them as undeliverable, No big deal, although it is the first time ever that an Amazon vendor did not come through.

A Touching Story That's All About The Human Heart & The Power of Love
Paul Gallico (mostly known now for The Snow Goose)was known in his own time greatly because of this little wonder of a book. If you ask me, this book is more about love than faith and determination, although all three of those qualities work side by side throughout this story about a little orphaned boy named Pepino who decides to go to any and all means necessary to save the only friend he has in the world, a donkey named Violetta. He tends to her the way any parent would tend for a child, the way any loving sibling would care for an ailing brother or sister, the way any pure-hearted and uncorrupted child would care for another in difficult times. It is also a story about the realities of the world and how even those who make a profession by acknowledging miracles sometimes have to be lovingly shocked into seeing them. It's really a story about the knowledge that if we say we love someone, then we are compelled by that love to make unselfish and ultimate sacrifices for them no matter what obstacles are in our way. It's also about how undeniably powerful seeing someone truly love someone else can be. Although this book has an undeniable Christian context, the lessons learned from this story transcend mere religion. It's about the human heart. And although Bob Barton's retelling is well done and Carolyn Croll's illustrations are beautiful, I much prefer Paul Gallico's own original text and David Knight's illustrations (Michael Joseph publishers, London, 1951, sometimes listed as 1953). But this story is so wonderful, I think any exposure to the story is worth experiencing. I'm glad this edition is available to toddlers and younger readers, especially.

Enchanting book
My little ones loved this book so much I ordered 2...one to give away. The pictures were done so well and the story is a good one for faith and trust.Beautiful Beautiful!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Tale of World-Weary Innocence
The alone-in-this-world boy really did invent a bubble-gun.This is the adventure of getting it patented and the wild bus ride to D.C. with various unique characters that ensues. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Touchingly funny
Mrs Harris the London char is back and on her way to New York accompanying her rich American employers.But she has another mission:to find the father of poor, abused and uncared for little Henry Brown and effect a familyreunion. How she goes about her search and what happens when she finds theboys father is the subject of this charming little tale.Gallico's beautifullanguage alone would make this book a must read together with the lovableand unsinkable Mrs Harris, one of my all time favorite characters in abook. Mrs Butterfield is there too ,shaking like a leaf but supporting herAda,and so is the distinguished Marquis de Chassagne.A nice, old fashionedlittle story that touches the heart while making you laugh. ... Read more

Product Description
hardback with no dust cover, former library book, pages colored with age ... Read more