Wee Sir Gibbie of the Highlands (George Macdonald Classics for Young Readers)

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Summary: The tale beautifully stresses moral values of love and piety
Review: Sir Gibbie is an exquisitely written children's classic, depicting in poetic,vivid detail a country of lush beauty as viewed from the eyes of a small city waif, whose father has perished, leaving his young son with nothing more than a full, loving heart; a gracious, generous nature; and a warm, open personality bent on doing good for others by every means in his power. The adventures of the ill-clad child begin as he travels the open road, in response to his father's constant words "Up Daurside!", where he befriends the herdboy Donal, is taken in by his parents, Robert and Janet Grant, and rescues the young lady Ginevra from a natural catastrophe. Sweet, tender Gibbie automatically floats into one's heart as one follows him from town vagrant to benevolent gentleman, and remains there long after the book's pages are closed. His growing awareness of the world in both materialistic and spiritual matters holds the reader captivated. Geroge Macdonald has compos! ed a nineteenth century story in true Scottish style, where one may observe everything in the universe from the grace of the mountaintops to the wonder of human beings through innocence, peace, and love. Written in an almost angelic manner, Sir Gibbie transports one to the realm where nature and piety and loveliness are intertwined, and produces a magical air which no one can fail but love, and desire to experience over and over again.

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Summary: Enchanting story of a seemingly destitute Scottish orphan
Review: The author, George MacDonald, was a prolific Scottish writer who lived from 1824 to 1905. He knew Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and Lewis Carroll. He was the favorite author of C.S. Lewis (author of the Narnia books). This book is thought by many to have provided inspiration and several plot elements for Twain's "Huckleberry Finn". It is an excellent story and is especially good as a read-aloud. The adventures of this ragged, barefoot street urchin as he finds his destiny are truly compelling. Little Gibbie is mute (unable to speak) but has a heart of gold and his greatest joy lies in helping others. After the tragic death of his titled but penniless father, Gibbie is the horror-stricken witness to a violent murder. His faith in humanity shaken, he flees the city in hopes of discovering a new life in the highlands.