The Nurse Matilda Collection

Description

'Once upon a time there was a huge family of children; and they were terribly, terribly naughty . . .' So begins Nurse Matilda, the first of three books about the no-nonsense nanny who uses magic to rein in the mischievous children in her charge - and changes their lives for ever. This stunning new edition of a timeless classic is packed with episode after episode of mischief, mayhem and hilarity, all accompanied by Edward Ardizzone's beautiful original illustrations. A definitive edition, it brings together Christianna Brand's three-much loved stories - Nurse Matilda, Nurse Matilda Goes to Town and Nurse Matilda Goes to Hospital - in one beautiful collectable package. The inspiration for the much-loved film Nanny McPhee, starring Emma Thompson and Colin Firth, Nurse Matilda overflows with naughtiness, wit and timeless humour - the perfect gift for mischief-makers both young and old!

Christianna Brand was born in 1909 and grew up living with the family of her cousin, Edward Ardizzone. Her first novel Death in High Heels was published in 1941, followed by a series of successful crime novels and historical romance as well as much-loved children's books. The first Nurse Matilda book was published in 1964, and quickly gained a devoted following. Christianna died in 1988. Edward Ardizzone was born in 1900. He illustrated for the Radio Times, exhibited his art in prestigious galleries and, in 1936, he published his first book, Little Tim and the Brave Sea Captain. In 1956 Tim All Alone was the first book to win the Kate Greenaway Award. In 1962 Christianna and Edward collaborated on an anthology of stories called Naughty Children, which featured a tale about Nurse Matilda, followed by Nurse Matilda Goes to Town (in 1966) and Nurse Matilda Goes to Hospital (in 1973).

Full of such inventive naughtiness - it may be better to keep these away from your children * Emma Thompson *