The Worm In The Well - Tapa blanda

Críticas

Unexpectedly very funny, often darkly so ... A folk tale fuelled with life (Books For Keeps)

There are few better writers for the imaginative, zany child, who delights in magical absurdity. (School Librarian)

Mayne writes with power and wit, creating an imaginative story with elements of horror, magic and fantasy ... an enjoyable and worthwhile read (Book Trust)

Mayne's uncompromising style -- every word working to create a world layered with meaning, every phrase pleasurable for its freshness and originality -- creates a narrative about metamorphosis that careers between foreboding and humour (TES Primary)

Mayne, at his best, is the best children's writer living. (DAILY TELEGRAPH)

. . . no one writes as he does. He remains a complete original, a damn-your-eyes individualist . . . never less than true to his material. (JAN MARK, TES)

The richness and originality of the writing makes it an enjoyable and worthwhile read. (Booktrusted News)

The most original writer for children in the land. (THE TIMES)

This is Mayne at his best, and at his best there are few better writers for the imaginative, zany child, who delights in magic and absurdity. (The School Librarian)

Mayne's uncompromising style - every word working to create a world layered with meaning, every phrase pleasurable for its freshness and originality. (TES Primary)

Reseña del editor

Robin and Meric are the sons of neighbouring squires. One day, on a fishing trip into the woods, Meric disobeys the orders of the witch, Granny Shaftoe, and shortly after, disappears ...

Robin misses his friend, but occupies himself telling stories to his son, Alan, and the foundling, Margaret. Before long, these two are old enough to go fishing at the well deep in the woods. They meet Granny Shaftoe along the way, and she tells Alan that he must keep whatever he catches. But when Alan reels in his line, an appalling monster emerges, begging not to be thrown back. Alan, horrified, disregards the monster's pleas, and lets go - and turns to find that Margaret, too, has disappeared.

It is soon time for Alan to fight for his king. On his return years later, he is appalled to find that a strange, man-eating worm has laid his town to waste . . .