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Once Upon a Time in the North

Illustrated Edition
3.85 goodreads logo

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( 17,807 ratings, 1,546 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman is a thrilling prequel to the His Dark Materials series. It follows the daring young aeronaut Lee Scoresby and his loyal daemon, Hester, as they embark on an adventure in the Arctic region. The story explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the burgeoning friendship between Lee and the armoured bear, Iorek Byrnison, offering readers a glimpse into their pasts.
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Format: Hardback
$3600
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're captivated by richly woven tales set in a fantastical world, where exciting adventures and the magic of the Northern Lights play a key role. This story offers an engaging backstory for beloved characters from the author's acclaimed series, making it a delightful read for both new readers and long-time fans.

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Once Upon a Time in the North

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A full-colour beautiful gift edition of this magical story featuring Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnison, set in the world of Philip Pullman's ground-breaking His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust. Illustrated for the first time in full colour by Chris Wormell.

Lyra is studying at Oxford University when she comes across the story of Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnison's first meeting many years ago, along with much evidence of the adventure that brought them together...

When a young Texan balloonist, Lee Scoresby, comes down to earth in the harbour of an Arctic town in the North, little does he realise that he is about to be embroiled in an out-and-out political brawl. Lee and his daemon, Hester, find themselves the target of political factions trying to take over the running (and oil) of the town.

Also resident in the town are huge arctic bears, ignored and patronised by the people and treated like second-class citizens. When Lee and Iorek first meet, they cement a friendship that will continue throughout their lives, as the tensions and pressure in town lead to a deadly conclusion...

Featuring two of Philip Pullman's best-loved characters, this is an adventure-filled short story that builds on the world of His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman is praised for its engaging storytelling and the intriguing backstory it provides to beloved characters from the His Dark Materials series. Readers appreciate the blend of adventure, exploration, and Pullman's signature blend of fantasy and reality. The illustrations and the inclusion of a board game at the end are also noted as delightful additions enriching the overall reading experience.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241509975

Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 14 September 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Christopher Wormell

Audience: Children, Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 194.0mm

Height: 257.0mm

Weight: 768g

Pages: 176

About the Author

Philip Pullman (Author) Philip Pullman is one of the most highly respected children's authors writing today. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Whitbread Award, Pullman's epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials has been acclaimed as a modern classic. It has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages. In 2005 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in Oxford. John Lawrence (Illustrator) Tony Mitton is an award-winning poet, whose gently mesmerising, often humorous poetry is irresistible to children and adults alike. He is an extremely versatile author, writing story poems and shorter verse with skill and wit. Tony does many author events, school visits and poetry readings and always leaves his audience entranced. He lives in Cambridge with his wife and two children. John Lawrence was born in Hastings, studied at Hastings School of Art, followed by military service in West Africa, and more study at the Central School of Arts and Crafts (now Central St. Martin's). Since then he has worked as an illustrator and a lecturer at Brighton School of Art, Camberwell School of Art and Cambridge School of Art. John has illustrated over 150 books and is one of the leading wood-block engraving illustrators in the world.

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