Helen Cresswell (1934–2005)

I read this book a child, and it has remained floating around in my head to haunt me ever since. Since I haven't actually reread it, I can't say much as to its literary value, but the fact that I remember it in such detail after all these years says something. It is the story of three children from different times who all discover the ability to visit each others' times through a sundial standing on the property of a very old home. If I ever name a daughter Araminta, it will be entirely the show more fault of this book. Who am I kidding? I will never name my daughter Araminta. But that's not to say I wouldn't like to. This was one of the fundamental works of my childhood. show less

Poor Jack. In a family of (eccentric) overachievers, he's the average one, no 'strings to his bow.' In an effort to impress his family, he enlists his dog and his uncle in a scheme to demonstrate his psychic powers, which, of course, this being the Bagthorpes, goes awry with hilarious results.

Even as an adult, I find myself reflecting on Jack Bagthorpe's experiences when I've had a particularly difficult day at work and need to lighten up.. Cresswell's characters and their exploits never show more fade, from the demon pair of Grandma and Daisy to the hedgehogging housekeeper and the offstage Anonymous from Grisby. show less

Everybody in Jack's family seems to be brilliant - apart from Jack and his downtrodden dog Zero. Even his little sister can beat him at swimming. But Jack's uncle Parker has come up with a plan to make him and Zero shine: they'll pretend that Jack can tell the future! If only they could foresee what chaos the plan will cause.

Jack, the only "ordinary" child in the Bagthorpe family, hatches a plot with his sympathetic Uncle Parker to gain some fame (or at least notoriety) by becoming a prophet. Throw in some competitive genius siblings, a homesick Danish au pair, a birthday portrait destined for disaster, a pyromaniac four-year-old, and a missing hearing aid, and hilarity ensues. The plot is funny and fast-paced, but the eccentric characters and the wonderful humor are what really make this series stand out. show more Anyone who likes British humor should certainly look for these books -- they are definitely worth the effort! show less