Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 1594623597, Paperback)

In the first place, Miss Minchin lived in London. Her home was a large, dull, tall one, in a large, dull square, where all the houses were alike, and all the sparrows were alike, and where all the door-knockers made the same heavy sound, and on still days and nearly all the days were still seemed to resound through the entire row in which the knock was knocked. On Miss Minchin's door there was a brass plate. On the brass plate there was inscribed in black letters...

Amazon.com (ISBN 0590025708, Paperback)

Incredible encounters seem to be the norm at this school, and the unbelievable experiences all seem to prove a point. Whether it's the hirsute beasty that moves into the desk of the messy girl or a genie from the chalkboard that grants a wish to the class know-it-all, the creatures of Douglas Evans's amusing stories all communicate subtle lessons to kids. Humorous stories of familiar students and unbelievable classroom inhabitants make this book an attractive alternative to stories of the supernatural that entertain without any substance. (Ages 8 to 12)

Amazon.com Book Description (ISBN 0766197085, Paperback)

1888. Burnett, began as a novelist, but she is now best remembered for her children's books including Sara Crewe (which was later rewritten to become The Little Princess). It begins: In the first place, Miss Minchin lived in London. Her home was a large, dull, tall one, in a large, dull square, where all the houses were alike, and all the sparrows were alike, and where all the door-knockers made the same heavy sound, and on still days-and nearly all the days were still-seemed to resound through the entire row in which the knock was knocked. On Miss Minchin's door there was a brass plate. On the brass plate there was described in black letters, Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies.