Linnets and Valerians

Four young siblings embark on a fantastical adventure in this classic children’s story by the Carnegie Medal-winning author of The Little White Horse.

When their father goes off traveling, Nan, Robert, Timothy, and Betsy Linnet are sent to stay with their grandmother. Unfortunately, their new caretaker doesn’t care much for children—let alone their dog. So they run away to stay with their Uncle Ambrose.

A retired schoolteacher, Ambrose is determined to give the Linnet children an education. But in addition to Greek, Latin, and Literature, they learn about nature and magic, the power of the past, and, of course, the importance of the bees. Armed with their new knowledge, they set off on a fantastical adventure to find the lost Valerians, undo some wicked spells, and reunite a divided family.

Linnets and Valerians is filled with Elizabeth Goudge’s trademark mixture of realism and magic. Much like The Little White Horse, it is set in Devon and inspired by local folklore and legends.