Mr. Revere and I / Robert Lawson 152 p. Deceased author Told from Animals point of view

Mr. Revere and I / Robert Lawson 152 p.  Deceased author Told from Animals point of view

Mr. Paul Revere's horse tells of the story of the American Revolution with charm and wit.  Once a member of the "King's" army, Sherry is destined for the glue factory when Sam Adams rescues her.  She becomes member of the Sons of Liberty under her new master Paul Revere.  Sherry and Revere made many rides, traveling to New York and Philadelphia to report on the political activities in Boston.   What a delightful way to learn of Revere's role in the founding of the United States.

Wonderful Wizard of Oz / L. Frank Baum 267 p. Dead author + 100 yrs old

Wonderful Wizard of Oz / L. Frank Baum 267 p.   Dead author + 100 yrs old

Thanks to the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland, many know the story of Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  Dorothy is swept to the Land of Oz via a whirling, twirling, spinning tornado ride, only to land on the wicked witch.  Glenda comes and gives her a kiss that gives her a welcome to some of the many inhabitants of Oz. Following the yellow brick road sends her on a series of adventures that keeps one on the edge of one's chair until Dorothy returns home.  There are  many many books that followed (upwards of 30 in the series) to continue the story of Munchkins, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Lewis Carroll 160 p. Deceased Author + 100 year old book (published in 1865)

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Lewis Carroll 160 p. Deceased Author and very old book

Alice and her sister were sitting on a river bank when she gets drowsy.  When she sees a clothed rabbit with a pocket watch run past, she follows him down the hole. She enters a world of amusing animals with human-like qualities. Thus starts her "series of misadventures" beginning with the foods that cause her to grow tall or to shrink.  Here the reader meets all kinds of now notable characters, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and the March Hare.  And the ubiquitous order "Off with their heads" issued at every turn by the Queen of Hearts.  This is considered a classic of literary nonsense.  Children would enjoy the adventures, imagine playing croquet with hedge hogs and flamingos as the balls and mallets.

Lady of Quality / Georgette Heyer 299 p. Deceased author

Lady of Quality / Georgette Heyer 299 p. Deceased author

Well on the shelf, 29 year old Miss Annis Wychwood decides establishes herself in Bath.   Along the way she gets entangled with Miss Lucilla Carleton, a runaway heiress.  Everyone, her brother, her cousin, and especially Miss Carleton's guardian, everyone feels this is a mistake.   Mr. Oliver Carleton reputation as the rudest man in London precedes him.  And Annis soon learns it firsthand.  It must be that opposites attract because she find herself drawn to him and thankfully him to her.

Murder at the Vicarage / Agatha Christie 230 p. Deceased Author

Murder at the Vicarage / Agatha Christie 230 p. Deceased Author

More than one person wished Colonel Protheroe dead.  When he dies at the vicarage, nearly everyone in town is a suspect, starting with the vicar (after all the murder occurred in his study).  Perhaps it was his second wife, or his daughter, or the artist friendly with both.  Miss Jane Marple makes her first appearance as an astute observer of people and her exceedingly accurate deductive powers.  

Miss Pym Disposes / Josephine Tey 235 p. Deceased Author

Miss Pym Disposes / Josephine Tey 235 p. Deceased Author

Popular English psychologist is a guest lecture at Leys Physical Training College. She arrives near term's end. She is accepted by the students. She is impressed by their physical abilities.  She tends to notice things.  As end of year Demonstration Day nears,she finds that she wants to see them exhibit their gymnastic and dance abilities. She discovers cheat sheets for an upcoming final; which she destroys. She reasoned that the student had not be able to use them. When an accident occurs, only Miss Pym suspects foul play.   Interesting twist ending.  Strong character development is the defining story element.