The books in this section are usually hardcover and in decent shape, though we'll sometimes offer hard-to-find books in lesser condition at a reduced price. Though we often put images of the book with their original dust jackets, the copies here won't always (or even often) have them. If you need to see photos of the actual book or have questions about the condition, please call or email.
"This is the story of how the moon began. Once upon a time, there was no moon. The nights were as black as black. If you went out without a lantern, ten to one you bumped into somebody else. So people gave up going out at night and stayed at home."
With his unfailing sense of the authentic folk tale, James Reeves has retold this amusing story from Grimm. Four brothers from the land of Exe—Arn "the old one," Bor "the quiet one," Cass "a man of deeds," and Deol "a man of cunning"— journeyed to the land of Wye. There, they found the night as bright as day, for the Mayor had bought a moon for two pounds ten and hung it in an oak tree. The brothers stole the moon and carted it back to Exe, where everyone was delighted with their new lamp.
Everything went well until the four brothers died, one after another, each taking with him to the grave his quarter of the moon. When Deol, the last brother, passed away, the old state of darkness returned to the land of Exe.
Once again, Edward Ardizzone's charming illustrations admirably complement Mr. Reeve's story in a book that will enchant young readers who appreciate the unusual and take delight in the absurd.
—from the dust jacket
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