Books with author Rosalind Kerven

Text from the international bestseller, originally published as an illustrated book by DK. This was recommended by the American Library Association: “the legend of Arthur as you’ve never seen it”; attracted full-length features in the Sunday Times and the TES – and sold almost quarter of a million copies in 14 countries. A beautifully written retelling of the complete King Arthur story, brought dramatically, vividly and very readably back to life. Perfect for all ages from 9 to adult. Authentically based on the iconic medieval work, Malory’s ‘Morte d’Arthur’, it covers all the important episodes:* The sword in the stone* How Arthur obtained the magic sword Excalibur* His marriage to the noble Guinevere* The coming of the Knights of the Round Table* Merlin and the Lady of the Lake* The evil enchantments of Morgan le Fay* Sir Lancelot’s love affair with the Queen* The Quest for the Holy Grail* The last battle* The promise of Arthur as the ‘Once and Future King’Reviews of the first edition: – “a delightful retelling of the story which manages to bring the story alive and captivate the reader” (Goodreads)– “This king Arthur book is amazing…although this is aimed at children as an adult King Arthur fan I think this is one of my best King Arthur books as it summarises the Malory version of the legends” (amazon.co.uk) – “I recommend this book to those who like Arthurian Mythology” (amazon.com)– “chronicles the legend...simply and accessibly… both entertaining and informative” (Dispatch Online)– “vividly brought to life” (Northwest Evening Mail)

In these 18 Native American stories, you can meet the Sun, travel to the Moon, fly with the Thunders and discover what lies at the bottom of the Great Mystery Lake. Laugh at the crazy antics of Old Man Coyote, and be amazed when wise Spider Woman appears from nowhere to rescue people in trouble. There are illusions and shape-changing tricks, talking animals and monsters, and lots of really strange adventures to set your imagination spinning . . . Earth Magic, Sky Magic is one of eleven books that make up Extended Reading Level A, for children in Year 5/Primary 6. This phase of Cambridge Reading aims to develop children's knowledge about language, its vocabulary, forms, structures and styles, and motivate them to enjoy reading. This book provides children with good examples of the short story form.

Re-issue of this highly acclaimed book, previously published by Cambridge University Press under the title In The Court of the Jade Emperor: Stories from Old China – first edition 1993, second edition 1999.Reviews from the first edition:** ’What riches there are to be read here! A wonderful variety of stories…and in a variety of tellers’ voices, so that every story is different and a delightful surprise. The language itself is immediate... the words have a truth and depth... this is a book both to instruct us on Chinese culture and to delight our narrative thirst. A real find!’ – School Librarian** ‘luminously clear prose’ – Times Education Supplement** ‘Rosalind Kerven is the author of a number of excellent retellings from around the world, and this collection is as good as the others. The language is lively and direct … the stories have a timeless feel but are easy to read’ – English and Media Magazine ** SELECTED BY THE FEDERATION OF CHILDREN’S BOOK GROUPS FOR NATIONAL TELL A STORY WEEK, 1994A rich tapestry of stories full of extraordinary magic. Read about stern Dragon Kings and enchanted Dragon Princesses; laugh at the outrageous adventures of the super-hero King Monkey; mingle with a colourful crowd of gods and goddesses; visit the terrifying Palace of Boundless Cold; and even discover the secrets of Everlasting Life. The stories will transport you right into the heart and mind of ancient China – one of the oldest and greatest civilisations in the world. ** Stories tried and tested in primary schools over many years – perfect for reading alone or reading aloud ** Ideal for the government’s National Curriculum English statutory requirements: ‘increasing familiarity with … fairy stories, myths and legends’** Fun and informative for readers of all ages including adults.Full contents:THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF KING MONKEYPart 1 – In Which Monkey Proves That Nothing Is ImpossiblePart 2 – In Which Monkey Gets Too Big For His BootsPart 3 – In Which Monkey Tastes The Peaches Of ImmortalityPart 4 – In Which Monkey Takes A Giant Leap To NowhereWOMAN-OF-THE-MOON, MAN-OF-THE-SUNTHE FARMER AND THE WEAVING GODDESS (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Nine-Year-Olds)DARKNESSTHE PALACE OF BOUNDLESS COLD (Selected for the Puffin Book of Stories for Eight-Year-Olds)THE GOLDEN KEYTHE MAN WHO DID DRAGON’S WORKTHE HOT PIG AND THE DRAGON PRINCESSTHE GIRL WHO WENT HER OWN WAYCAKES AND KITCHENSSTORM GIRLTHE BOYS WHO FELL OUT OF TIMEBACKGROUND TO THE STORIES

THRILLING, ACTION PACKED HISTORICAL ADVENTURESVividly set in the Viking Age – full of sword fights, treasure, pirates, adventurous sea journeys, kings, queens, runes and belief in the supernatural.Four-books-in-one edition of this HIGHLY ACCLAIMED series, recommended by numerous reviewers, teachers and young readers. - 'If you’ve not discovered Grim Gruesome yet, where have you been! ...Vividly told scary adventure…you can’t stop reading' - Primary Times- 'Dahl-style jokes and adventure' - The Times - 'horrible but also funny…wonderful’ - TES- 'Full of twists and turns that you are desperate to follow' - www.justimaginestorycentre.co.uk- 'A page turner...dramatic and vivid...fast-paced and enjoyable' - Birmingham Post- Shortlisted for the Solihull Children’s Book Award and Lancashire Fantastic Book AwardAN UNFORGETTABLE VILLAIN!Grim Gruesome is a mysterious, hideous, shape-shifting trickster – charismatic yet evil, the terror of the North Lands. He has sworn to harm as many children as he can. No one has ever seen his face, but he can be recognised by his repulsive, pus-oozing finger stump with hypnotic powers.In each story Grim appears incognito, and in a different disguise, to lure young victims into his power. He weakens them with terrifying threats and throws them into horrifically dangerous situations. At first escape seems impossible. However, in true fairy tale style, children always overcome him by drawing on their own courage, determination and inner strength. LOTS OF CHILD APPEAL- Child-centred fiction with the emphasis on a gripping, thrilling story. - Strong appeal to both girls and boys- Written in a page-turning style with short chapters ending on cliffhangers.- Scary yet buoyant and touched with dark humour.- Vividly written: rich plots and colourful characters.- Short chapters, snappy sentences and constant drama – accessible to all reading abilities.- Language that’s direct and pithy – look out for some unique Viking curses!About the AuthorRosalind Kerven has written over 60 books for both children and adults, published in 22 countries and including a number of bestsellers. Her work has been: shortlisted for several UK book awards, won a major award in Japan, recommended by the American Library Association and dramatised on BBC Radio.As well as Vikings, she has a special interest in world myths, legends and fairy tales, with in-depth knowledge of the traditional stories of many world cultures. She has written numerous collections for The British Museum, British Library, National Trust, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Dorling Kindersley and many other publishers.Her other most recent books are: ‘Faeries, Elves and Goblins: The Old Stories’, ‘Arthurian Legends’ and ‘English Fairy Tales and Legends’.You can read more about Rosalind Kerven’s books at: www.grimgruesome.com and www.workingwithmythsandfairytales.blogspot.co.uk"Rosalind Kerven seems to understand what children are attracted to and compelled to read" - School Librarian

A challenging and highly readable book that brings alive the human voices behind a major environmental tragedy. This book also contains plenty of factual information about the original forest peoples' ways of life. Readers go on a fascinating journey to meet some of the people who live in the world's disappearing rain forests and share their traditional stories.

For this collection of folk tales Rosalind Kerven has chosen traditional stories from twelve different North American Indian peoples. She has grouped her selection of stories around the recurrent themes of the sun, moon and stars; fantastical journeys; and two popular cultural heroes, Spider Woman, a benevolent sorceress, and Coyote the trickster. Her retellings beautifully convey the mystical atmosphere of the original stories and bring out the Native American's affinity with and respect for the natural world. A factual introduction explains the traditional role of story telling and gives background to past and present North American culture.