First published in 1807, and never out of print, these stories, adapted from 20 of Shakespeare's plays, are clever and powerful summaries designed to provide children with enough plot and characterisation to allow them to understand the plays themselves when they later see or read the authentic versions.

Full of [Pratchett's] burgeoning wit and wordplay . . . A delightful romp.

A splendid collection . . . rumbustious, irreverent and hilarious.

A good choice for the chapter-book set, this is highly recommended for reading aloud to younger children as well . . . Pratchett’s vast, all-ages fan base will be intrigued by these early offerings, while their accessibility and skillful storytelling will pull in young newcomers to the masterful author's work.

Charming and funny . . . Accompanied by Beech’s wiry Quentin Blake–like illustrations, as well as numerous typographical flourishes, this volume will please both its intended audience and older Pratchett completists.

Terry Pratchett’s youthful short stories, as collected in Dragons at Crumbling Castle, just prove that he has always been what he is . . . These stories are far too good for children. Oops, I mean for children not to share with older people. But you knew that.

A joy to read . . . from dragons and wizards to monsters and talking animals, there really is something in each story to appeal to everyone.

Fourteen rollicking tales . . . all feature characters heroic or hiss-worthy, pranks and battles aplenty, sly twists on familiar tropes and [Pratchett's] trademark mix of silly humour and acute moral commentary. Juvenilia from a genius, showing bright signs of future masterworks.

Thanks to the blend of pin-sharp, bright-hued backdrops with outlandish happenings and wholesome messages, Ghibli-movie fans should feel at home

This Japanese writer found fame for his poetry and short stories only after his death in 1933. At last, this sublime collection introduces English-speaking readers to his curious and whimsical world

Six enchanting examples in the best tradition of storytelling . . . A treat for the
nines-plus.

I fell in love with it . . . an important, essential, beautiful collection of stories.

The talented Jamila Gavin is an author to watch and these refreshingly original and exciting stories are guaranteed to enchant children of every age.

Blackberry Blue and Other Fairytales is a beautifully written collection of stories that belongs on pretty much everybody's bookshelf. The descriptions that the author gives of these wonderful worlds are just magical and it is so easy to lose yourself in those words. Even though the stories are fairly short I fell deeply into the world created by the author every time and ended up feeling disappointed at the end of each story because I didn't want it to end . . . These stories are beautiful and magical and are perfect for older children and grown-ups alike.

An extraordinary and charming read for any young girl or boy.

It is the storytelling and the language that gives the collection the power to entrance; to be drawn into the spell of the story . . . I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the reading.