Home
  • Home
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Authors & Artists
  • Articles
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Forums
  • Search

The Birthday Burglar and A Very Wicked Headmistress

  • View
  • Rearrange

Digital version – browse, print or download

Can't see the preview?
Click here!

How to print the digital edition of Books for Keeps: click on this PDF file link - click on the printer icon in the top right of the screen to print.

BfK Newsletter

Receive the latest news & reviews direct to your inbox!

BfK No. 42 - January 1987

Cover Story
Our cover this issue is taken from the jacket illustration by Trevor Webster for Peter Carter's Bury the Dead (OUP 0 19 271493 7, £9.95). We are grateful for help from OUP in using this illustration.

  • PDFPDF
  • Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version
  • Send to friendSend to friend

The Birthday Burglar and A Very Wicked Headmistress

Margaret Mahy
 Margaret Chamberlain
(Methuen Publishing Ltd)
978-0416597202, RRP £2.78, Hardcover
8-10 Junior/Middle
Buy "The Birthday Burglar (A Magnet book)" on Amazon

Boring and banal might be more becoming for at least the first of these two stories, for NEVER have I encountered so much alliteration on the letter 'B'. Margaret Mahy is an excellent story teller -- but surely not here? The first tale of two characters stealing birthdays is as far fetched as the second about a headmistress who wickedly tries to gain the monopoly in volcanic caramel custard. If such nonsense appeals to a reader, clearly this is the book for them; if not, middle juniors, you have been warned.

Reviewer: 
Nigel Spencer
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Help/FAQ
  • My Account