- Library Binding: 240 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (May 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0060287667
- ISBN-13: 978-0060287665
- Product Dimensions: 23.1 x 15 x 2.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,101,286 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Phelim was the only one, they said, the only one who could save the world from the Hatchlings of the Stoor Worm. The Stoor Worm, who had been asleep for aeons, since it was vanquished by the hero, Assipattle, was beginning to waken. It was the booming of the guns, the cries of the wounded, the dreadful sounds of war that had woken it, and now its Hatchlings were abroad to terrorize the people who had forgotten all about them, forgotten all the ancient magics. But how could Phelim, who was only a boy, after all, save the world from all these dreadful monsters? And where could he find the Maiden, the Fool, and the Horse who were supposed to help him? And as Phelim leaves his home and sets out on his quest, the words of the domovoy ring in his ears: 'You are the one. To stop the Worm waking. To do what must be done.' Geraldine McCaughrean is a best-selling author who has won the Carnegie Medal, the Whitbread Children's Novel Award (twice), and the Guardian Children's Fiction Award. The Stones Are Hatching is now reissued in a smaller mass-market paperback format.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
From the Author
Thisis my latest novel and the riskiest yet.
Here is an adventure story for children of 12 and over. While researching another book, I kept coming across monsters which, until very recently, were believed in and propitiated all year round. This is my attempt to bring them back to life. Phelim Green, againt his better judgement, finds he has been chosen to deal with impending disaster. He must stop the Stoor Worm waking. In the meantime he and his travelling companions - the Maiden, the Fool and the Horse - must contend with the offspring of the Worm which are hatching out from the stones beneath her warming body. It's scary in parts - apparently more scary than I intended. If you are looking for something to hold a boy's interest, you might give it a try. It should appeal equally to girls, but since when was getting girls to read a problem? Hope you like it. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Here is an adventure story for children of 12 and over. While researching another book, I kept coming across monsters which, until very recently, were believed in and propitiated all year round. This is my attempt to bring them back to life. Phelim Green, againt his better judgement, finds he has been chosen to deal with impending disaster. He must stop the Stoor Worm waking. In the meantime he and his travelling companions - the Maiden, the Fool and the Horse - must contend with the offspring of the Worm which are hatching out from the stones beneath her warming body. It's scary in parts - apparently more scary than I intended. If you are looking for something to hold a boy's interest, you might give it a try. It should appeal equally to girls, but since when was getting girls to read a problem? Hope you like it. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Thirsty for a page turner that'd feed my imagination, I recently read this book in 2 days with my eyes springing out of my head each morning when travelling by train to work!
A wonderful story, likeable characters and very scary at times.
I think if you already know about some of the legends and folk lore that form the basis of the book, it will enhance your enjoyment.
I have given 4 stars because I found some descriptions confusing and, like 'Gold dust', the only other McCaughrean book I've read', I had to re-read some passages because they didn't seem clear.
Also, the text is very small and seems cramped in this paperback verison.
Perhaps there's not much depth, except that the book also touches on themes such as choices, friendship and family secrets.
All in all, I think it's a great book - scary and gripping. Phelim's choices are frustrating but make you woo him on...
A wonderful story, likeable characters and very scary at times.
I think if you already know about some of the legends and folk lore that form the basis of the book, it will enhance your enjoyment.
I have given 4 stars because I found some descriptions confusing and, like 'Gold dust', the only other McCaughrean book I've read', I had to re-read some passages because they didn't seem clear.
Also, the text is very small and seems cramped in this paperback verison.
Perhaps there's not much depth, except that the book also touches on themes such as choices, friendship and family secrets.
All in all, I think it's a great book - scary and gripping. Phelim's choices are frustrating but make you woo him on...
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of the greatest and best books of, arguably, all time. The wit is lovely but the adventure keeps you on the edge of your seat hour after hour, page after page.
My mother, Geraldine McC, read this to me every night and remember that when writing it she would often stand up and walk out of the room for no apparent reason. Not normally a fantasy person, this is a fantastic insight into English mythology. It combines Phelim's loyalty to his horrible sister, no matter what anyone says, with his longing to go home then twists the story around him. The boy must journey with Alexiam, Sweeny and lovely Obby Oss on a road that intertwines with destiny to save the world from destruction from the ginormous Stoor Worm and its venomous brood of hatchlings. They are hatching from the stones...
My mother, Geraldine McC, read this to me every night and remember that when writing it she would often stand up and walk out of the room for no apparent reason. Not normally a fantasy person, this is a fantastic insight into English mythology. It combines Phelim's loyalty to his horrible sister, no matter what anyone says, with his longing to go home then twists the story around him. The boy must journey with Alexiam, Sweeny and lovely Obby Oss on a road that intertwines with destiny to save the world from destruction from the ginormous Stoor Worm and its venomous brood of hatchlings. They are hatching from the stones...
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Phelim "Phee" Green is a simple lad, living under the thumb of his tyrant sister. It is 1919, and the Great War with all of its horrific results is over. However, Phelim's world seems to literally unravel when all of the fairytales he has ever heard begin to come true; a small troll-like man lives behind his stove, monsters live in rivers, washerwomen wash shirts on the shores, merrows inhabit the ocean, redcaps dye their hats in human blood, and many other horrors abound.
Worst of all, three characters come to Phelim, claiming that he is Jack O'Green and only he can defeat the Stoor Worm, the giant dragon that is mother to all of these horrors. The three characters are a maiden with no shadow, a madman who has haunted a forest since Waterloo, and a genuine Hobby Horse. Finding himself propelled along on this quest, Phelim must overcome his fears, his disbelief, and quite a few monsters.
Geraldine McCaughrean has taken the old idea of fairytales proving true, and has formed it into a fascinating story. In her world, the simple stories of yesterday are transformed into a reality deadly beyond a cartoonist's wildest imagination. This book is a good read, well written, and I recommend it highly.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The tale of Jack O'Green
Reminiscent of a spicier Lloyd Alexander, Geraldine McCaughrean weaves a spellbinding tale with bits of Celtic lore, excellent writing and amazing lead characters. Read more
Published on 2 May 2002 by E. A Solinas
Why bother with Harry Potter when you can read McCaughrean?
Phelim (like Harry) has to live with a cruel relative, his sister Prudence. Prudence is clearly embittered by having to provide from her pitiful earnings for both her small brother... Read more
Published on 13 April 2002
TERRORISM AND HEROISM ABOUND IN THIS READING
Fantasy fans will find a terrific tale and a thrilling reading in this audio version of "The Stones Are Hatching" by noted British author and myth historian Geraldine Mc... Read more
Published on 6 Aug 2001
Forget Harry Potter--read some top quality fantasy
I agree with Shane Speck: this is a story for all ages, both male and female. Geraldine McCaughrean need not worry about its being too scary--children love spine-chilling fiction. Read more
Published on 29 Jun 2000
A stunning journey into a land of mythical monsters
For 12 year olds? Forget that - this is a book for adults as well. Prepare to enter a strange world where Phelim Green is dizzied forth from creature to creature in an unwilling... Read more
Published on 29 Nov 1999
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