Nancy and Plum Paperback – Illustrated, October 11, 2011

great condition great story

That this book should reappear, eons after my worn-out copy fell apart from loving use by my nieces, delights me. The fact that it is illustrated by Mary Grand Pre of Harry Potter fame just makes it all the better. I had bought a copy-on-demand from an Amazon partner years ago, but it held none of the appeal of this paperback edition.As a child, I read and reread the story of two resourceful and plucky sisters. My best friend and I, imaginations stimulated by Birdsall's engaging tale, often played "orphans" who had to run away from cruel circumstances and a villainous caretaker. The book encouraged me to dream, to imagine what could "be" in my own life, despite the facts that my orphan status was only that I was 8 years younger that my closest sibling and my villainous caretakers were simply parents who had to work hard to make a living for our family, years before two-parent paychecks were common.Reading it again brought back the satisfaction of knowing there are kind people in the world to this day--people who make a difference in children's lives. The book is a keeper and one that I am happy to recommend to the latest generation.

I get a Christmas book for each of my children every year, and while my 9 year old (4th grader) still loves and appreciates the family tradition of reading beautiful Christmas picture books together, she also loves novels. At this age, it gets harder to find a good holiday read, but this fit the bill perfectly! My daughter loved this book, and thanked me profusely for getting it for her. I think it will be one of those books she remembers and seeks out for her own children someday. Wonderful holiday read for middle/upper elementary school through middle school kids. Great find! Great stocking stuffer as well.

This was a well written story that I think kids would enjoy. The characters were well developed and relatable. The kids seemed very real children. They had big dreams and ideas.My biggest problem with the story was that when Mrs. Monday was shown to be a child abuser, the decision was made that it would be too upsetting for the children if anything was done to her. So they obviously left the majority of the children there to be abused while just rescuing our heroines. That seems to be what continues to happen today to the detriment of children and society.The rescued children tried to make life better for those left in her house of torture. But that is not teaching children to trust that adults will take action to right wrongs or that they should. It is more an everybody should be out for themselves but have a heart to share with the less fortunate. I prefer a story where a rising tide lifts all boats and good triumphs over evil and wrongs are righted.So I found that a big stumbling block. But the rest of the story was very appealing and there was a glimmer of hope and joyfulness in the children.

Nancy and Plum was my favorite book as a pre-teen reader, and to tell you the truth, it's still my favorite. I just bought two copies for some young friends for Christmas. My three daughters all loved it and now, when my granddaughters heard the last chapter read to them, they said "Can we hear it again". They are 5 and 7, probably at the youngest end of the reader spectrum. The best fit may be for a reader who is 9 or 10. For a while, this book was out of print and I'm so happy to see it available. It takes place in one year from Christmas Eve to Christmas Eve, so it's truly the perfect Christmas gift for a young girl. Mothers, you'll love it, too...so try reading it aloud.

I kept thinking over the years of a book I loved when I was in the 3rd or 4th grade (I am now a Grandma). I checked it out of the elementary school library many times. For years I would remember the book fondly, but could not remember the name! I just remembered it was about 2 little girls and reading it gave me a glow. Recently the name of the book came to me (Yay!) and I checked on Amazon and there it was!!! I immediately ordered it, read it, and relived some of my childhood. It is still a heart warming story.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the negative reviews. The book itself is a wonderful children's book... a favorite of my sister and myself growing up. I ordered this for my sister for Christmas. And, many pages were out of order and whole sections were missing. I don't get how so many editions of this classic book could be in such unacceptable shape. Of course, I have missed the free return window. But, I ordered another from a different vendor; hopefully, it will be in good condition (as advertised..."like new"...).

I have a first edition I received from a bookstore manager when it first came out. She asked me to read it and let her know if I liked it. I enjoyed it then, I bought one for my grandsons, they will let me know. Betty MacDonald was a local author, I heard her speak when I was a child, and I am 74. The book is as good now as it was then.

charming tale of two little orphan girls who escape from a cruel life in a children's boarding house. Nice characterisation and good plot.

A classic children's book. A really good read.

The pages in this book are so completely out of order that it's impossible to read it. The first page is 171. Somewhere in the middle is page 29. It's a complete wreck. I don't know how it's even possible to put together such a book.

I ordered this book 6 months ago to read at Christmas time, so I didn’t open it until now and cannot return it, unfortunately! The book is printed completely out of order, page 47 is followed by 112, and so on. So annoying to try and read it to my kids. Have to hunt and search for each page.

I read this to my 7&4 year old girls and they both loved it.The girls in the book are spunky but also sweet and kind.