Description: "... Martin's school is no ordinary school. There are snowball fights, kidnappings, cakes, a parachute jump, a mysterious man called 'No-Smoking' who lives in a railway carriage and a play about a flying classroom. As the Christmas holidays draw near, Martin and his friends-- nervous Uli, cynical Sebastian, Johnny, who was rescued by a sea captain, and Matthias, who is always hungry (particularly after a meal)--are preparing for the end of term festivities. But there are surprises, sadness and trouble on the way-- and a secret that changes everything..."--Provided by publisher.
Review Quotes:
"a memorable exploration of bravery, boyhood and friendships that last, albeit in a world that would soon vanish." -- The Wall Street Journal
"Originally published in 1935 and charmingly illustrated by Trier, Kästner's (Emil and the Detectives) pleasingly sentimental tale of early 20th-century boarding-school life gets the opportunity to reach a new audience, courtesy of Bell's new translation." --Publishers Weekly
'A little masterpiece... Read it and you will be happy' Maurice Sendak
'Marvellous' Philip Pullman
'My favourite book as a child... funny, exciting and very atmospheric' Michael Rosen
Praise for Emil and the Detectives:
'Walter Trier's deceptively innocent drawings are as classic as Kästner's words; I never tire of them' Quentin Blake