Human children Joe and Sylvia have magical adventures in the land of the snergs, a race of people only slightly taller than the average table.

“Long before Harry Potter and J. K. Rowling, there were Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins, and J. R. R. Tolkien . . . This will bring the creator to vivid life” (Booklist). A philologist of world renown, a professor at Oxford, and the author of academic treatises, J.R.R. Tolkien was far more than a fantasy book writer. His lifelong fascination with medieval texts and languages gave him a unique vision and endless inspiration for his tales. His broad interests made possible his creation of faery worlds and entire races of beings, as well as the languages, cultures, and characters that make his books as engaging today as they were fifty years ago. This clear and thoroughly researched biography of the creator of The Hobbit is accompanied by magical illustrations that recall the mystery of Tolkien’s imaginary worlds. “Give[s] some interesting insight into the power Tolkien’s work has had on people over the years.” —School Library Journal

"It is precisely against the darkness of the world that comedy arises, and it is best when that is not hidden." JRRT to R. Unwin Just like Tolkien's first reviewer, academic studies have tended to overlook the presence of humour in Tolkien's work and the effect of his work to inspire humour. This volume more than compensates for this oversight.

Tim Tuttle can't hold a candle to John Henry -- not in school, not in sports, not in anything. To make matters worse, John Henry is his younger brother. However, Tim has a wonderful refuge: his friendship with his eccentric great-aunt Winifred. And when his great-aunt teaches him to paint, Tim discovers a world all his own. Tim's newfound talent delights his parents, but it doesn't sit well with John Henry. Until one snowy Christmas Eve, when he hits upon the perfect plan to undermine Tim's glory. John Henry's sinister scheme succeeds beyond his wildest expectations and leads to a harrowing subzero adventure that changes both boys forever. Gripping and moving, Brothers Below Zero demonstrates that Tor Seidler is one of the strongest voices writing today.

A brand new, funny and quirky story based on E.A. Wyke-Smith's classic, the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. At the Sunny Bay Home for Superfluous and Accidentally Parentless Children, Pip and Flora are in trouble. Running away with their dog they discover the Marvellous Land of Snergs, a magical world of cinnamon bears and scrumptious feasts - but also one of vegan ogres, disgraced jesters and dastardly Kelps, with a villain dressed entirely in purple ... Soon their only friend is forgetful but lovable snerg, Gorbo. He will lead them home - if they can decide where home really is and if Gorbo can remember how to get there.

Age range 5+ Taking something his sister treasured wasn't seven-year-old Norton's best decision. But returning the thing and making good proves to be harder that it looks. Fortunately, Norton has a caring family to help him light the way - though sometimes his older sister can be a bit tricky.