The Owlstone Crown

by X.J. Kennedy

Book Overview

Profusely illustrated description and analysis of actual building practices: quarrying methods, dressing and laying blocks of stone, brickwork, masonry, pyramid construction, Egyptian mathematics, tools, much else. Nearly 270 photographs and illustrations of sites and excavations, quarries, building plans, architect's diagrams and elevations, and a myriad of construction details. Appendices. Bibliography. 125 photographs. 144 line illus.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553153498
• ISBN13: 9780553153491
• Release Date: September 1985
• Publisher: Yearling Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Unique and fast paced adventure.

I'm a children's librarian, and I can't figure out why this book didn't catch on and become an instant success-- well known by kids, teachers and librarians. The story is fantastic and memorable. A great fantasy for 3rd to 5th grades but slightly shorter and easier to read than others written for this age group. The adventure isn't overly complex with extensive vocabulary, which can limit audience. This lack of vocabulary and layers doesn't water down the story, it makes it faster paced. The Owlstone Crown will get kids' attention from the first page (I've witnessed this often) and they will remember details and plot because there's nothing else out there like it. It's unique! (And how many times can we say that about a time travel fantasy?)

Great characters, nice brother-sister adventure, good storytelling

This was one of my fav books as a child. It's still sitting on my bookshelf, 20+ yrs later. I think of this book every time I eat parsnips, which is quite often! I'm glad it's back in print because it's a very memorable book with its great storytelling devices, wonderful character descriptions, and excellent pacing. Good for fans of books like Lion Witch Wardrobe, Alice in Wonderland, Wiz of Oz.

Terrific fun for all ages!!

I bought this book when I was in fifth grade and used to re-read it every summer until I loaned it out and never got it back. For anyone who likes magic and adventure stories, this is a great book! There are terrific lessons in this book for young and old and it's a wonderful story. A must read as far as I'm concerned.

Fast-paced adventure

Why is this fast-paced fantasy fun out of print? Kids about 4th grade will want to look for it in libraries. When unhappy orphans Tim and Verity Tibb fall into a parallel world called 'Other Earth,' they quickly rally an assortment of odd friends to defeat a criminal dictator and restore peace to the realm. Suspense and excitement combine with genuine humor in this gripping yarn. There is also a sequel, called "The Eagle As Wide As the World."