Here is an author who I met when I was a child. He used to come
to C.R.A.B.s (Children Raving About Books), a discussion group at the Oxon Hill Public
Library. I've become re-acquainted with Lloyd Alexander this year; I read the Vesper Holly
Series, I looked up his autobiography (My Love Affair With Music), and the charming
biography of his wife (Janine is French) and I began corresponding with him. When I
wrote him about our web site, he offered the following encouragement:
I've become more and more convinced that
reading aloud -- parents to children or vice versa -- is one of the most loving and
nurturing things that any family can do. Good things come from it, they really do.
...Lloyd Alexander
The Vesper Holly Series by Lloyd
Alexander
Imagine traveling to mythical countries with Miss Vesper Holly,
a sixteen year old who "has the digestive talents of a goat and the mind of a
chessmaster." All Miss Holly's journeys have innocent beginnings, such as when
she crosses the world to return an ancient library book or wants to attend the Grand
Duchess of Drackenberg's diamond jubilee celebration. Of course, Vesper Holly never
travels alone; her bumbling guardian, Philadelphian (as in Pennsylvania) Professor Brinton
Garrett is by her side, ready to be dragged through jungles and prisons for her sake.
And you can count on their foil, the mad intellectual-gone-astray, Dr. Helvetius, to
make an appearance.
Rachel, my daughter, was enamored with Vesper Holly, the
practically perfect teenager (she's a might too headstrong for me!). Lloyd
Alexander's elegant writing style, imaginative lands, and fast moving plots impressed me.
I could only identify with Vesper's guardian, "Brinnie", who was charming,
but a bit of a windbag!
ORDER these books and become acquainted with Vesper
Holly by clicking below:
The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd
Alexander
The Prydain Chronicles have inspired a spirit of courage
and honor in all who have read them. With only a background in assistant pig
keeping, our main character, Taran, is unexpectedly flung into a series of adventures that
continue through these five stimulating novels. Lloyd Alexander received the Newbery
Medal for The High King. 
As for the harp with the broken string (the icon by which you
entered this page), find out why the string breaks at critical times. ORDER THESE BOOKS TODAY, it may be your last chance (twang, just kidding!)