Daddy-Long-Legs

One of the classics of American children’s literature, Daddy-Long-Legs tells the tale of Judy Abbott – an ebullient orphan beginning a college degree with the aim of becoming a writer – through her letters to the anonymous patron who is paying for her education.


Judy is informed that she must write him monthly letters, but that she will never know his identity or receive a letter in reply. One day, Judy catches a glimpse of the man’s shadow and sees a pair of long legs, but just who is this mysterious benefactor?

Alma Junior Classics series of illustrated classics includes some of the greatest books ever written for younger readers and new translations of unjustly neglected international works. Our aim is to give our list an international feel and offer young readers to opportunity to connect with other cultures and literatures – this applies not only to the titles we chose but also to the illustrators we commission – so that we can bring a bit of novelty into the canon of British children’s literature. All children’s classics contain extra material for young readers, including a profile of the author, a section on the book, a list of characters, a glossary and a test-yourself quiz.