The Midnight Folk

In this follow-up to Masefield's classic Christmas fantasy "The Box of Delights," talking paintings and animals help the orphaned Kay Harker in his attempt to outwit the witches and locate his great-grandfather's buried treasure. Illustrations. The Midnight Folk introduces readers to Kay Harker, the young hero who also figures in John Masefield's classic Christmas fantasy The Box of Delights, Kay, an orphan, has for a guardian the oily and egregious (though certainly aptly named) Sir Theopompous, who can hardly be said to care for the boy, and he is looked after by a petulant and punitive governess, Sylvia Daisy, who has even taken away all his stuffed animals. But Kay's loneliness is alleviated when his great-grandfather steps out of his portrait to tell him of his adventures on the high seas and of the treasure he found there, which he came by honestly, though people will say he stole it. Kay must track down the lost treasure if the stain on the family name is to be lifted.Soon enough Kay is engaged in a thrilling treasure hunt that begins each night at midnight and that takes him to an enchanted and dangerous world of pirates, highwaymen, talking animals, and a gang of witches led by none other than Sylvia Daisy, in cahoots, as in The Box of Delights, with the arch-villain Abner Brown. In the end, it is that cast-off but beloved team of old stuffed animals who rally to support Kay and save the day.A book to set beside C.S. Lewis's Narnia tales and Joan Aiken's Wolves of Willoughby Chase -not to mention the Harry Potter series- The Midnight Folk is a wonderful and enthralling contribution to the great English tradition of children's literature, beloved by adults and children alike. Review: In its playful inventiveness and eventfulness, this fantasy is the grandparent of Mary Poppins, of Joan Aiken's Dido Twite books, and even of Eleanor Farjeon's short story collections...Names such as Brassy Cop, Pimply Whatto and young Roper Bilges - or Sir Hassle Gassle - can still amuse, even after 80 years, and there are only a few moments when attitudes grate on modern sensibilities. Hilder's black and white illustrations, from the 1930s, hark back to the era of 19th century boys' adventure stories. They also give the book added spice. -- The Toronto Star Mr. Masefield has written the sort of book that grown-up people like to give a child for Christmas, and then enjoy reading for themselves. The Midnight Folk is a story to be read aloud in the traditional Winter fireside setting....The style is imaginative and glamorous...Children will like to hear their elders read the tale. - The New York Times John Masefield's much-loved 1920s children's book about a boy who must fight dark magic to uncover his family's treasure. It won't be easy, but luckily he has an owl, a fox, a cat and a box of toys to help him on his way. - The Guardian (London) An imaginative and adventurous tale. - The New York Times Masefield the children's writers is unbeatable... The Midnight Folk is a truly remarkable book. - Daily Telegraph (London) A charming tale...Pirates and buried treasure, smugglers and witches, mermaids and an ancient wrong, all have parts in this story of the small boy who had friends among the animals, and lived a life of adventure when he was supposed to be asleep. - The Bookman There is a little boy for hero, there are witches, a good deal ofexcellent magic, a hidden treasure, and a profusion of talking animals and toys come to life...It may be added that anyone who has, in infancy, greatly disliked his governess will derive a special gratification from The Midnight Folk, - The Living Age (London)