The Borrowers

(16 reviews with an average rating of 5 out of 5)

Publisher: Puffin

The Borrowers are tiny people who live in the secret places of old houses - behind the mantlepiece, inside the harpsichord, under the kitchen clock. They borrow everything from humans, existing on the scraps they collect from the homes they live in.

Arriety Clock's father, Pod, is an expert borrower, able to scale curtains using a hatpin, and bring back a doll's teacup without breaking it. Girls aren't usually supposed to go borrowing, but Pod makes an exception for Arrietty, who can't wait to explore the house and gardens that lie beyond her cramped home. But when she is at last allowed to accompany Pod on one of his borrowing expeditions, something terrible happens - she is 'seen' by a human boy.

This beautifully-written story will enchant young readers, who will love the idea of the Borrower's hidden 'wainscot world'. Exciting, mysterious and with a hint of sadness, it has a deserving reputation as a classic of twentieth century children's literature.

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