Books by Walter de la Mare

Told Again: Old Tales Told Again - Updated Edition (Oddly Modern Fairy Tales, 17)

by Walter de la Mare

An enchanting retelling of nineteen fairy tales, introduced by popular fantasy writer Philip Pullman

Originally published in 1927, Told Again is an enchanting collection of elegant fairy tales, showcasing the formidable talents of a writer who used magical realism before the term had even been invented. Walter de la Mare (1873–1956) was one of the most celebrated writers of children's literature during the first half of the twentieth century―so much so that W. H. Auden edited a selection of his poems and British children could recite de la Mare’s verses by heart. His abundant literary gifts can be savored once more in this new edition. With marvelous black and white illustrations by A. H. Watson, this volume includes a splendid introduction by Philip Pullman, the contemporary master of fantasy literature.

The significance of the nineteen adapted classics in Told Again lies in de la Mare’s poetic insights and graceful prose, which―as Pullman indicates in his introduction―soften and sweeten the originals, making these tales appropriate for younger readers. In "The Four Brothers," the siblings allow the princess to choose her own husband rather than argue over her; and in "Rapunzel," de la Mare discreetly leaves out details of the prince’s tortured, blind search for his love. Familiar stories, such as "Little Red Riding-Hood," "Rumplestiltskin," and "The Sleeping Beauty" are also made new through de la Mare’s expansive, descriptive, and lyrical prose. Pullman covers important details about de la Mare’s life and captures the stylistic intention behind the rewriting of these wonderful favorites.

Reviving the work of a writer who exemplified a romantic vision and imagination, Told Again is a remarkable retelling of fairy tales touched by mystery and magic.

The Ride-by-Nights (Four Seasons of Walter De La Mare)

by Walter de la Mare

Up on their brooms the Witches stream, Crooked and black in the crescent's gleam It's Halloween and a family is preparing to go trick-or-treating. Little do they know that up above them a coven of witches flies unseen through the starry sky... Carolina's stunning illustrations beautifully illuminate Walter de la Mare's thrilling, magical poem, published as a picture book for the first time. Part of the Four Seasons series.

Rhymes and Verses: Collected Poems for Young People

by Walter de la Mare

A beloved classic of children’s poetry

“Only the rarest kind of best in anything can be good enough for the young,” wrote Walter de la Mare, and this handsome reissue of Rhymes and Verses, an anthology of all his poems for children, does indeed offer the “rarest kind of best” to a new generation of young people.

De la Mare’s verse recaptures the direct appeal of the nursery rhyme in poems of amazing variety, poems marked by charm and freshness and an irresistible rhythmic force and immediacy. They should be part of every child’s reading experience.

The Turnip

by Jan Brett, Walter de la Mare

In a rollicking, cumulative tale, a badger family and their friends–Hedgie, Mr. Ram and Vanya, the horse–struggle to pull up a giant turnip. A cocky rooster steps in and pulls, sending him into the air, holding onto the turnip. No one knows that a mother bear in her underground den has kicked the turnip up through the soil to give the family room to sleep through the winter.

Once again Jan Brett brings an original twist to a favorite folktale. Snow covers the farm in rural Russia as badgers and friends in old-fashioned clothes, and bears marching through bright-colored borders, send young readers laughing from page to page.

The Turnip

by Jan Brett, Walter de la Mare

Here are two brothers: one greedy and duplicitous, the other selfless, poor. Their fates are forever altered by a giant turnip that springs from the good brother's field.

Silver (Four Seasons of Walter de la Mare)

by Walter de la Mare

One spring evening, the fairies gather in the woods. Two sleepy children join in the parade to a wonderful, dream-like fairy party. Illustrated by bright new talent, Carolina Rabei, this Walter de la Mare poem is brought to life with shimmery, ethereal illustrations, making it the perfect book for bedtime. One of four seasonal Walter de la Mare picture books that form a set, each with complementing colour palates and illustrations by rising young star Carolina.

Summer Evening

by Walter de la Mare

"As a revelation of the wonders of the English language, de la Mare's poems for children are quite unrivaled." - W. H. Auden

Part of a quintet of books revolved around the four seasons, this is a beautifully atmospheric picture book based around de la Mare's eight line poem. In Summer Evening, readers will join a farmer and his family as they enjoy a picnic dinner in the late summer sun. Their pet cat spots a mouse in the field and a chase pursues that includes a dog, a horse, cows, pigs, chickens, and ducks! The sparse text and bright colors give children much to look at and explore, and they will love identifying the different animals in each spread. It concludes with all the animals going to sleep, so also a great bedtime read.

With striking orange and yellow tones throughout, this conjures up perfectly the feeling of a balmy late summer evening.

Told Again: Old Tales Told Again (Oddly Modern Fairy Tales, 17)

by Walter de la Mare

An enchanting retelling of nineteen fairy tales, introduced by popular fantasy writer Philip Pullman

Originally published in 1927, Told Again is an enchanting collection of elegant fairy tales, showcasing the formidable talents of Walter de la Mare, one of the most celebrated writers of children’s literature during the first half of the twentieth century. His abundant literary gifts can be savored once more in this beautiful new edition. Nineteen adapted classics, including “Rapunzel,” “Little Red Riding-Hood,” “Rumplestiltskin,” and “The Sleeping Beauty,” are made new by de la Mare’s poetic insights and graceful prose, making these tales appropriate for younger readers. With marvelous black and white illustrations by A. H. Watson, this volume also presents a splendid introduction by Philip Pullman, the contemporary master of fantasy literature.

Dream Song

by Walter de la Mare

This dreamy poem about all the kinds of light at the "shut of day" evokes a world of wonder.

Snow (Four Seasons of Walter de la Mare)

by Walter de la Mare

Part of the stunning collection of Walter de la Mare's Four Seasons, illustrated by Caroline Rabei, comes Snow. This is a wonderful picture book, perfect for the festive time.

Snow (Four Seasons of Walter de la Mare)

by Walter de la Mare

A board book edition of Walter de la Mare's classic poem, abridged in stunning fashion celebrating the wonder of snow.

Summer Evening (Four Seasons of Walter de la Mare)

by Walter de la Mare

"As a revelation of the wonders of the English language, de la Mare's poems for children are quite unrivaled." - W. H. Auden

Part of a quintet of books revolved around the four seasons, this is a beautifully atmospheric picture book based around de la Mare's eight line poem. In Summer Evening, readers will join a farmer and his family as they enjoy a picnic dinner in the late summer sun. Their pet cat spots a mouse in the field and a chase pursues that includes a dog, a horse, cows, pigs, chickens, and ducks! The sparse text and bright colors give children much to look at and expore, and they will love identifying the different animals in each spread. It concludes with all the animals going to sleep, so also a great bedtime read.

With striking orange and yellow tones throughout, this conjures up perfectly the feeling of a balmy late summer evening.

The Green Room: A Ghost Story for Christmas (Seth's Christmas Ghost Stories)

by Walter de la Mare

Upstairs from the shabby book store was a private room for the favored customers. A strange little room with a stranger atmosphere. What was the feeling there? Oppressiveness? Loneliness? Or perhaps there was a presence―something trying to contact him as he browsed. Strange thoughts crossed his mind and even after leaving he knew he must return. Something was being asked of him and he must comply.
Series Description
Halloween might seem like the spookiest time of year, but H.R. Wakefield, Walter de la Mare, and Daphne du Maurier felt otherwise. They were among the many authors who set their scariest stories during the dark and shivering days of ― yes, Christmas.
Biblioasis is thrilled to announce three new books in this series of beautifully illustrated collectibles that share these classic Christmas ghost stories with readers across North America. Seth, our world-famous and beloved cartoonist, has designed and illustrated each book in his own inimitable way. Trimmed to fit the coziest stocking, they're specifically made for placement beside the registers of the finest bookstores.