Roger, Anne, Eliza, and Jack find a magic way to go back into the time of Robin Hood, Rebecca, and Ivanhoe.
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reviews
Jul 04, 2011
Caren
rated it: 
I read this book aloud to my daughter in the hope that I'd be able to capture some of the magic it made me believe in when I read it as a child. It's extremely well written. Eager is a master storyteller. It's hopelessly out of date, though, and that would make it difficult to recommend to a young reader. While they'd get swept away in the stories within the story, it's hard to not imagine having to explain some of the slang and some of the mannerisms of the characters to readers. It's even hard
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Apr 20, 2009
Ruth
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This is my second Eager book. This author is really a kick! He even puts a tongue-in-cheek reference to a Keats poem ("La belle dame sans merci") in one of his descriptions of a knight in the book. And then there's the kooky and completely delightful hodge-podge story itself, which includes a re-telling of the Ivanhoe story in a way that has to delight fans of Sir Walter Scott (even the purists!) Where else would you find Ivanhoe dumping the annoying Rowena and meeting up again wit
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Mar 16, 2009
Andrea
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Ann and Roger must stay with their cousins in Baltimore for the summer while their father is in the hospital. They, along with their cousins Eliza and Jack, discover that the toy castle in Roger's bedroom not only appears to be a portal to another place and time, but that in that place, the children have substantial influence and responsibility. They find it's not easy to be heroes, but that with pluck and perserverance, they can change circumstances and situations for the better. We enjoyed
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Feb 17, 2010
Kressel
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Great fun, just like the first in the series! And if you’re a fan of knights, castles, and medieval-type adventures, you might like it even better!
Like Half Magic, this is a magical adventure story featuring four kids. Like Half Magic, the kids aren’t quite in control of the magic, so it takes some funny twists and turns. And also like Half Magic, there’s character growth at the end, which adds depth to all the fun.
One thing about Edward Eager – he likes literary referenc More...
Like Half Magic, this is a magical adventure story featuring four kids. Like Half Magic, the kids aren’t quite in control of the magic, so it takes some funny twists and turns. And also like Half Magic, there’s character growth at the end, which adds depth to all the fun.
One thing about Edward Eager – he likes literary referenc More...
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Dec 30, 2008
Lisa
rated it:
A mid 20th century children's classic. I read this because it was there. At the time I was making my way through The English Patient; oh wait I am still making my way through The English Patient!
Anyhow, any book that fell in my path that was not The English Patient had a good chance of being read. This one my son had left in my room. So I read it because it wasn't The English Patient!
Really a delightful and whimsical story. I appreciated the nod to the greatest of childr More...
Anyhow, any book that fell in my path that was not The English Patient had a good chance of being read. This one my son had left in my room. So I read it because it wasn't The English Patient!
Really a delightful and whimsical story. I appreciated the nod to the greatest of childr More...
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Jan 30, 2010
Kathleen
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The most adventurous book of Eager's, in my opinion, both in terms of plot and in terms of actual adventure. It builds on an E. Nesbit book I haven't read (but should since I like this book so much) and a whole magical world is born and reborn several times within the book. As charming as the original Half Magic, but perhaps a little more modern, even if it is still a book of the 1950s. Like Half Magic, a great introductory fantasy book for younger readers who have graduated from picture book
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Jul 23, 2009
Tim
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Read this with the girls. Eager admits to following after E. Nesbit, but that is cause for enthusiasm, not criticism. Like Nesbit, Eager's writing contains a clever plot, distinctive child characters who learn during their adventures, humor, and a few knowing adults who encourage magic to happen. Great fun to read aloud too.
Oct 11, 2007
Donald
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This is probably Edward Eager's best-known book, and in most respects is probably his finest work. Once again, four children find magic in the most improbable place; in this case, a set of toy figures from the middle ages. It's a lovely fantasy; shrinking down to miniature size at night and sneaking into a playroom, to enter a medieval world of castles and knights. The illustrations in this book, and all others by Edward Eager, were by the wonderful N.M. Bodecker. They really add to the stories,
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Feb 01, 2010
Mayakda
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Read this to 8yo at bedtime one chapter at a time and we both loved it! It was great to discover a new favorite together -- I had to restrain myself from reading ahead.
(Interesting to see the Cold War influence in the story, but it flew right over the 8yo's head.)
We are starting on Half Magic now.
(Interesting to see the Cold War influence in the story, but it flew right over the 8yo's head.)
We are starting on Half Magic now.
Oct 29, 2009
Brad
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This has been the best of Eager's books so far. I think it appealed even more to me because it focuses so much on knights, castles, and even Robin Hood (confession: Robin Hood is probably my favorite Disney movie ever). Eager has also put in several funny things for adults to catch, too. Another one that I'm eager (yuk yuk) to share with my kids.
Rating: G.
Rating: G.
Dec 28, 2008
Lydia
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This is about 4 different kids than half magic and magic by the lake. The names will sound sort of familiar. You read about them in Magic by the Lake. This time a boy has a toy soilder that takes them in magic adventures with knights, robin hood and Prince John.
May 02, 2009
Molly
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I just read this one recently, but when D started reading me "The Castle in the Attic", I couldn't help remarking on the similarities between the plots. However, Edward Eager did it first and (I think we can both agree) better. Four cousins visiting for the summer become involved in a magical adventure centered around and marvelous toy castle and a mysterious old toy soldier. They learn that, despite their differences in age, gender, and interests, they can all learn to get along, and
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Nov 16, 2011
Suzanne
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I wish I had read Ivanhoe first- it would have been more fun if I knew that story first. But it did inspire me to read Ivanhoe. I enjoyed the book, the book club boys had a hard time with the language (they are 2-4 graders).
Oct 27, 2009
Krista
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Another charming tale. I think I would have liked this much, much more if I had been more familiar with Ivanhoe. I enjoyed it slightly less than Half Magic but still recommend it for imaginative kids and their parents.
Sep 07, 2009
Thestorygirl
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Edward Eager has done it again. How does he capture so vividly just what it feels like to be a child on a magic adventure? I laughed out loud more than once, and even turned misty-eyed (I'm a crier, I admit it). I can't wait for The Time Garden to arrive in the mail.
Aug 19, 2009
Alicia
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This is one of the few fantasy authors I enjoy. Though we like Edward Eager's Half Magic much better, Joshua enjoyed this adventure of children going back to the time of Robin Hood and Ivanhoe.
Dec 29, 2008
Jeff
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The first time I read this was to my daughter a couple years back. She liked the series a great deal. I would say its definitely written for kids, and appropriate for any age.
Jul 21, 2011
Melanie
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This book is so much fun! I imagine "Castle in the Attic" was inspired by this story, but this one is hilarious! Part Ivanhoe, part Sword in the Stone, and part Robin Hood- all blended together in one happy story. I love Eager's narrative. He has such a way of putting things. Our family is really enjoying this series!
May 12, 2009
Catherine
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A fun ride through the magical misadventures of 4 children. Read Sir Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe" first though; the events in the book will make a lot more sense that way.
Jul 04, 2009
Nathan
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I read all of Edward Eager's books when I was younger, so I decided to read this to the kids for bedtime stories. It was written in the late 50's, so some of the language was challenging for the kids, but I enjoyed explaining it to them. The boys loved the story!
Aug 05, 2011
Kelly
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edward eager's books are wonderful. this is the one I have read most recently, but even beyond that it is the story I have most vividly remembered. The children in the story base their play upon their recent encounter with Ivanhoe.
Jul 10, 2010
Jane
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Sorry, this just didn't stand the test of time. I loved all of these as a child. Maybe I picked the worst one to reread.
Dec 15, 2009
Sherwood
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As always with Eager, the Nesbitt influence is strong, but that's no bad thing. I read this book over and over as a kid.
Dec 27, 2008
Melissa
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I liked this... but I wish I would have read the other books first. It's a clever book, but nothing spectacular.
Dec 12, 2011
Amber
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This boy believes that he is a toy solider and he is battling to find his missing queen. I would use this in a classroom to show symbolism and to have the children use their imagination.
Apr 30, 2011
MamaDoodle
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Read outloud with L. Fits and starts but we finally finished tonight! Fun read-aloud book. Will likely try another Edward Eager for a read-aloud.
Aug 30, 2010
Jan
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toy soldiers and dollhouse figures come alive to re-enact adventures from Ivanhoe and Robin Hood
Jan 28, 2010
Skedatt
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In some ways it is almost a what-if children's version of Ivanhoe. With four cousins landing in the middle of it, of course.
