Edith Nesbit

Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.The Railway Children, a Level 1 Reader, is A1 in the CEFR framework. Short sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the past simple tense and some simple modals, adverbs and gerunds. Illustrations support the text throughout, and many titles at this level are graphic novels.Bobbie, Peter, Phyllis and their mother have to leave London and live in the countryside. Their new house is next to the railway, and the children visit it every day. Slowly, the children begin to love their new life.Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.

CHAPTER I.The Inevitable"No. The chemises aren't cut out. I haven't had time. There are enough shirts to go on with, aren't there, Mrs. James?" said Betty."We can make do for this afternoon, Miss, but the men they're getting blowed out with shirts. It's the children's shifts as we can't make shift without much longer." Mrs. James, habitually doleful, punctuated her speech with sniffs."That's a joke, Mrs. James," said Betty. "How clever you are ""I try to be what's fitting," said Mrs. James, complacently."Talk of fitting," said Betty, "If you like I'll fit on that black bodice for you, Mrs. Symes. If the other ladies don't mind waiting for the reading a little bit.""I'd as lief talk as read, myself," said a red-faced sandy-haired woman "books ain't what they was in my young days.""If it's the same to you, Miss," said Mrs. Symes in a thick rich voice, "I'll not be tried on afore a room full. If we are poor we can all be clean's what I say, and I keeps my unders as I keeps my outside. But not before persons as has real imitation lace on their petticoat bodies. I see them when I was a-nursing her with her fourth. No, Miss, and thanking you kindly, but begging your pardon all the same.""Don't mention it," said Betty absently. "Oh, Mrs. Smith, you can't have lost your thimble already. Why what's that you've got in your mouth?""So it is " Mrs. Smith's face beamed at the gratifying coincidence. "It always was my habit, from a child, to put things there for safety.""These cheap thimbles ain't fit to put in your mouth, no more than coppers," said Mrs. James, her mouth full of pins."Oh, nothing hurts you if you like it," said Betty recklessly. She had been reading the works of Mr. G. K. Chesterton.A shocked murmur arose."Oh, Miss, what about the publy kows?" said Mrs. Symes heavily. The others nodded acquiescence."Don't you think we might have a window open?" said Betty. The May sunshine beat on the schoolroom windows. The room, crowded with the stout members of the "Mother's Meeting and Mutual Clothing Club," was stuffy, unbearable.A murmur arose far more shocked than the first."I was just a-goin' to say why not close the door, that being what doors is made for, after all," said Mrs. Symes. "I feel a sort of draught a-creeping up my legs as it is."The door was shut."You can't be too careful," said the red-faced woman "we never know what a chill mayn't bring forth. My cousin's sister-in-law, she had twins, and her aunt come in and says she,

Edith Nesbit was an English author and poet who wrote and collaborated on over 60 books of children's fiction, and is considered today to be one of the founders of modern children's literature. Many of Nesbit's works have been adapted for film and plays, and her popular fantasy stories set the standard for later children's literature. "The Story of the Treasure Seekers" was Nesbit's first novel, published in 1899, and set a new precedent for English children's literature. The book is the first in a five-piece series called The Bastables Series, based around the six Bastable children: Dora, Oswald, Dicky, Alice, Noel, and Horace Octavius. The young narrator's identity is kept a secret, inviting the reader to deduce which of the intrepid Bastable children is the story-teller as they set off to restore their family's fallen fortunes. Readers will love this optimistic and lively tale of good intentions gone hilariously awry. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

First published in 1907, Edith Nesbit's "The Enchanted Castle" is the story of Gerald, James, and Kathleen, three young children living in the English countryside. They discover a castle while exploring during their school holidays and they pretend that it is enchanted. While in the castle's garden they discover what they believe to be a sleeping princess, who is actually Mabel, the housekeeper's niece. Mabel, pretending to be a princess, tells the children that the castle is full of magic. She takes them into the castle and shows the children a treasure room and what she says is a magic ring. Much to Mabel's and the children's surprise, the ring truly is magical and a fantastical adventure begins. The ring can also grant wishes and the children soon learn that not all wishes should come true and they must battle with a ghost, dinosaurs, and fearsome creatures called Ugli-Wuglies before they are all safe again. "The Enchanted Castle" is a delightful and entertaining tale of adventure which continues to entertain readers of all ages more than a century after its original publication. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

This collection of short stories features all of Edith Nesbit's trademark charm and wit, including the final four stories featuring the Bastable children, from The Story of the Treasure Seekers.Included with the stories featuring the Bastable's are eleven fairy-tales, many magical, that show why Nesbit is the master of the form.This edition is presented complete and unabridged with all the original illustrations.