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Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) was born in Manchester, England, on November 24, 1849. Her mother moved to Knoxville, Tenessee in 1865. Miss Hodgson began writing for magazines soon after. Her first widely-known story appeared in "Scribner's Magazine" in 1872.
Frances married Dr. L. M. Burnett of Washington D.C. in 1873. In 1898 she divorced Dr. Burnett and married Mr. Stephen Townsend in 1900.
Her reputation as a novelist was made with her story of Lancashire life, That Lass o' Lowrie's. A number of other works followed, with Through One Administration and A Lady of Quality as the most notable.
In 1886 she published the Little Lord Fauntleroy, which was dramatized during her life and (now safely out of copyright) continues as videos and movies. Her children's books, including the marvelous Secret Garden and Sara Crew (later rewritten to become: A Little Princess) are what she is best known for today, but her romance novels were very popular during her lifetime.
A recommendation from our Guest Editor, Lauren Child MBE | One of the best loved stories in children’s literature, The Secret Garden brings nature alive in the story of how Mary Lennox, a lonely, unhappy and spoilt child is transformed by finding her way into a hidden garden. Brought to her Uncle’s house in Yorkshire after the death of her mother, Mary has no friends and no occupation. Used to being waited she is selfish and mean spirited. But when Mary unlocks the door to the garden she not only finds the wonders of nature as the flowers and trees grow and bear fruit but she also finds a friend in Dickon, the kindly gardener’s boy. How Mary, and her wheelchair bound cousin Colin are transformed by the garden remains as magical as when it was first written.
The riches to rags story of young Sara Crewe is one of the most poignant of the classics. Little Sara Crewe is only seven when her father leaves her at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies. She is serious, thoughtful and very much loved child. And she is very, very rich. Miss Minchin has little time for Sara herself but a lot of time for her great wealth. But then the money disappears and Sara’s life is turned upside down. Sara’s genuine good nature helps her to survive the misfortune of the changing circumstances around her. And to embrace another surprise when it happens! ~ Julia Eccleshare
The riches to rags story of young Sara Crewe is one of the most poignant of the classics. Little Sara Crewe is only seven when her father leaves her at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies. She is serious, thoughtful and very much loved child. And she is very, very rich. Miss Minchin has little time for Sara herself but a lot of time for her great wealth. But then the money disappears and Sara’s life is turned upside down. Sara’s genuine good nature helps her to survive the misfortune of the changing circumstances around her. And to embrace another surprise when it happens! ~ Julia Eccleshare
The classic story of how an unhappy little girl is transformed by the wonders of nature is a deeply touching one which provides hope and optimisim to readers. When misrerable Mary Lennox is taken out into the garden, she is sure she will hate it. But then she meets Dickon, the garden boy who reveals to her the wonders of nature held within the secret garden with simple and absolute delight. Dickon also describes his family revealing to Mary as he does so some important truths about the bonds of kinship and loyalty. The magical spell that the garden weaves over Mary and the way that it changes her her physically and spiritually. readers will have their eyes opened too. This edition is part of the Vintage Children's Classics series which is aimed at and shaped by 8-12 year olds, and the adults in their lives. It is a broad, affordable selection of books that will inspire a life-long love of reading; these stories that have secured a place in the hearts of thousands. They are all unabridged. To view all the Vintage Children's Classics titles click here. They are books to be given as gifts, and passed down the generations. In addition, story hungry children often don't want the adventure to end, so why not take a look at the fully interactive website - World of Stories - which contains lots of extra material - the backstory: with quizzes, activities and fascinating facts about the books and their authors.
Sally Nicholls, March 2012 Guest Editor: "I first came across The Secret Garden on story tape as a little girl. I think it's a near-perfect children's book – full of mystery and excitement, but grounded in a child's journey of self-discovery. Hodgson Burnett makes the most ordinary things extraordinary – a robin, a key, a skipping-rope. Brilliant." Michael Morpurgo says of this favourite: "I love this story of a girl's life being changed by nature." The Lovereading comment: An exquisite new edition of the heart-warming tale of Mary, whose life is transformed as she restores an abandoned garden to its former beauty. The book is illustrated throughout with some stunning artwork from the pen of Robert Ingpen. Coupled with various other classics that Robert has illustrated including Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol and Treasure Island to name just four this is a terrific collection of collectible hardbacks for the nursery bookshelf. Click here to view all the classics that Robert has illustrated.
Beautifully written and at times heartbreakingly sad, this classic tells the story of how a little girl retains her courage, kindness and dignity when her circumstances are completely changed. Sara Crewe has a very rich daddy; she wants for nothing at Miss Minchin’s, the boarding establishment to which she is sent. But then Sara’s father loses all his money and so Sara too loses all the privileges and glamour she had previously enjoyed. Fortified by hope and by her friendships Sara retains her spirit and above all her kindness in tough circumstances.
This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911. In this remarkable new gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing about the transformation of two unhappy children. It’s an edition that will bring this classic to a new generation of readers eager for a timeless story that’s full of mystery, wonder and secrets. A gift to be treasured. To view other titles in the Walker Illustrated Classics series go to our Classics genre. We also rate very highly a new edition from Oxford Children’s Books. From Michael Morpurgo: "I love this story of a girl's life being changed by nature."
This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911. In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing about the transformation of two unhappy children. It’s an edition that will bring this classic to a new generation of readers eager for a timeless story that’s full of mystery, wonder and secrets. A book to be treasured. From Michael Morpurgo: "I love this story of a girl's life being changed by nature." This book is part of the Walker Illustrated Classics, a new series which brings together some of the best-loved stories ever told, illustrated by some of today's finest artists. These exquisitely designed books, with their magnificent words and glorious pictures, are a pleasure to read - and re-read. The classics have never looked so good. To view other titles in the Walker Illustrated Classics series go to our Classics genre and click the Illustrated tab.
This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911. In this remarkable new gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing about the transformation of two unhappy children. It’s an edition that will bring this classic to a new generation of readers eager for a timeless story that’s full of mystery, wonder and secrets. A gift to be treasured. To view other titles in the Walker Illustrated Classics series go to our Classics genre. We also rate very highly a new edition from Oxford Children’s Books. From Michael Morpurgo: "I love this story of a girl's life being changed by nature."
This absolute classic has entranced children the world over since its first publication in 1911. In this remarkable new hardback gift edition from Walker Books, Inga Moore’s beautifully observed illustrations capture the wonder of the garden coming alive again, bringing about the transformation of two unhappy children. It’s an edition that will bring this classic to a new generation of readers eager for a timeless story that’s full of mystery, wonder and secrets. A book to be treasured. From Michael Morpurgo: "I love this story of a girl's life being changed by nature." This book is part of the Walker Illustrated Classics, a new series which brings together some of the best-loved stories ever told, illustrated by some of today's finest artists. These exquisitely designed books, with their magnificent words and glorious pictures, are a pleasure to read - and re-read. The classics have never looked so good. To view other titles in the Walker Illustrated Classics series go to our Classics genre and click the Illustrated tab.
The classic story of how unhappy Mary Lennox is transformed by her friendship with Dickon, the garden boy and the wonders of nature that he reveals to her in the secret garden. Unabridged, this is nicely produced in a sturdy hardback edition. We also rate very highly the edition from Walker Books. Just click here to view our range of Children’s Classics. From Michael Morpurgo: "I love this story of a girl's life being changed by nature."
Chosen by Jacqueline Wilson. Step into the shoes of Sara, a girl with a lively imagination who although well-mannered is absolutely no angel, as fate determines her fortune. Transformed from princess to pauper join Sara in her battle to assuage her fears and conquer her hardships? It’s a story where triumph finally over adversity and is proof that if a character such as Sara can triumph then anything is possible for the reader. For Adeline Yen Mah, The Little Princess was a book that changed her life and had a profound effect upon her, both through stimulating her imagination but also on a personal level for she encountered similar hardships as she grew up, but in a very different world. In this terrific pocket size Puffin Classics edition there’s lots of additional material at the end of the book including an author profile, a guide to who’s who in The Little Princess plus many related activities to do beyond the book.
This is a book that fires the imagination with its bewitching and magical qualities and one that every young girl will absolutely love. There’s an Introduction by Sophie Dahl who at the age of nine (the same age as Mary, the heroine in the story) relished secret places just as Mary did. Sophie’s secret places were the airing cupboard and behind the compost heap in the garden. In this terrific pocket size Puffin edition there’s lots of additional material at the end of the book including an author profile, a guide to who’s who in The Secret Garden plus many related activities to do beyond the book. From Michael Morpurgo: "I love this story of a girl's life being changed by nature."
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