Most Popular Books by Ruth Sawyer

In "Leerie," Ruth Sawyer crafts a whimsical yet poignant tale that captures the essence of childhood wonder and the interplay of light and shadow. Set against a backdrop of a bustling, idyllic town, the narrative unfurls through the eyes of a young boy, who navigates the complexities of life, friendship, and dreams under the watchful gaze of the magical street lamp, Leerie. Sawyer''s prose masterfully intertwines elements of folklore and realism, resulting in a rich literary tapestry that reflects the innocence and imagination of youth while steering the reader toward contemplations on mortality and hope. This enchanting work fits seamlessly into the tradition of American children''s literature, enriched by the author''Äôs knack for vivid imagery and lyrical storytelling. Ruth Sawyer, a revered figure in children''s literature, drew inspiration from her own roots and experiences in rural America. Her extensive background in storytelling, paired with her passion for preserving oral traditions, allowed her to infuse "Leerie" with authenticity and emotional depth. Sawyer''s commitment to celebrating the joys and challenges of childhood is underscored by her belief in the transformative power of stories, making her a pioneer in advocating for the literary needs of young readers. "Leerie" is not merely a book for children; it is a timeless journey that resonates with readers of all ages. I recommend this enchanting tale to anyone seeking to rekindle their sense of wonder or to understand the profound connections between childhood experiences and the stories we cherish. Sawyer''Äôs narrative invites you to rediscover the magic found in everyday moments, making it a worthy addition to any bookshelf.

As interest in the art of storytelling continues to grow, many books have appeared on the subject but none have matched the scope and charm of The Way of the Storyteller. First published in 1942, this classic work is unique in its blend of literary history, criticism, analysis, personal anecdote, and how-to instructions. Sawyer examines storytelling as a folk art and a still-living art, tracing its evolution from the earliest narrative impulses that developed as stories were written down. With simple suggestions, she instructs the reader in the art of storytelling and freeing the creative imagination by disciplining the mind. Sawyer''s guide also includes an engaging selection of international stories sure to enchant both children and adults. The Way of the Storyteller also is an invaluable resource with a comprehensive reading and story list.

A lonely boy in snowy hill country at Christmas meets a "locked-out fairy" who introduces him to equally lonely neighbors and each tells him a unique story of the Christmas season.

In Ruth Sawyer''s enchanting novel, "The Primrose Ring," readers are immersed in a whimsical narrative that intertwines fairy tale elements with rich, evocative language. The story follows the adventures of a spirited protagonist as she navigates a world brimming with magic and beauty, exploring themes of friendship, love, and the intrinsic connection between nature and humanity. Sawyer''s lyrical prose and vivid imagery create a sense of immediacy, allowing readers to experience the charm of the setting deeply, while her adept use of folklore enriches the narrative context, positioning the work within the broader tradition of children''s literature that celebrates imagination and wonder. Ruth Sawyer, a pioneering figure in American children''s literature, drew inspiration from her own childhood experiences and deep appreciation for storytelling. Her background as an educator and her passion for preserving traditional tales influenced her desire to craft narratives that resonate with young readers. Sawyer''s commitment to cultural heritage and her belief in the transformative power of literature guided her writing, making "The Primrose Ring" not just a tale for entertainment, but a thoughtful exploration of moral and social values. This delightful tale is highly recommended for readers of all ages seeking an imaginative escape. Sawyer''s ability to weave profound messages into a captivating narrative ensures that "The Primrose Ring" will leave a lasting impression on anyone who dares to read its enchanting pages, appealing particularly to lovers of folklore and those who cherish the magic of storytelling. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work''s timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era''s events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work''s messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Reprint. Originally published: New York, N.Y.: Viking Press, 1936.

This Is A New Release Of The Original 1917 Edition.

This Way to Christmas is a tale about a young boy David whose parents go on a trip and leave him in the care of an Irish couple, Joanna and Barney. In each chapter David listens to a new Christmas story or folk tale, learning more and more about the magic of Christmas, and its tradition and customs.

This issue, we seem to have a wee bit of a sea theme. But there’s more than enough variety to go around, with original crime and mystery tales from Hal Charles, Neil S. Plakcy, Pam Barnsley—plus original science fiction and fantasy from Steven Mathes, Tim Fahlstedt, and Maureen Bowden. As to classics, we have a Sherlock Holmes parody from Maurice Baring and a rare Irish fantasy from Ruth Sawyer (who is a writer I’ve recently become interested in—she published a significant body of supernatural fiction, but in literary and mainstream publications). We also have classic novels from Victor L. Whitechurch and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (of Sherlock Holmes fame)—though this one is a science-fantasy tale of lost Atlantis! And here’s a giant salute to Ron Miller. This is his 75th issue as Art Director. He’s been either using his own artwork or that of his friend, the late Stephen Hickman (courtesy of Vicki Hickman), for covers since he took over. Hickman’s cover this issue is another great one. Here’s the complete lineup: Cover Art: Stephen Hickman NOVELS The Templeton Case, by Victor L. Whitechurch A mysterious will, hidden motives, and a case that tests sharp wits… The Maracot Deep, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Explorers dive beneath the ocean waves—and find a lost world! SOLVE-IT-YOURSELF MYSTERY “Sweet Tooth,” by Hal Charles Can you solve the mystery before the detective? All the clues are there! SHORT STORIES “A Dog of Justice,” by Neil S. Plakcy [Michael Bracken Presents short story] When justice falters, one golden retriever helps uncover the real story. “Catch-and-Kill,” by Pam Barnsley She made a career chasing scandals—until one scandal came chasing her… “Alibi,” by Hal Charles A retired agent and his brother test a suspect’s shaky alibi at Fenway Park. “The Story of a Skat Scoring Book,” by Maurice Baring [Sherlock Holmes series] A lost scoring book draws Holmes and Watson into intrigue in snowy Russia! “Unmistakable Laughter,” by Steven Mathes On Venus, a salesman dares to bargain with a mountain that kills intruders. “Assisted Evolution in the Suburban Life,” by Tim Fahlstedt Machines hum, children excel, and doubt shadows a flawless society. “Annabelle,” by Maureen Bowden On Anglesey’s wild coast, witches, ghosts, and destiny entwine across ages. “The Blessing of the Waters,” by Ruth Sawyer On Donegal’s shores, hunger and hope collide with the mysteries of faery.

A little girl in Hungary celebrates Christmas during one of the lean years of World War I.

During WWI, one Christmas, a young boy finds himself stranded in a snowed-in hill community in upstate New York, and finds himself experiencing a Christmas he is not accustomed to. He meets a "locked-out fairy" who introduces him to equally lonely neighbours, all of whom were also spending the winter far from home, and each tells him a personal story of the Christmas season. Some stories the neighbours heard in their native homelands long ago. A final celebration brings all the neighbours of different nationalities together, forging relationships that will outlast the holiday season and sending a message of hope to a war-torn world. Suitable for reading to children aged up to 8 or as a gift to young readers aged 9 and up. 10% of the publisher’s profit is donated to charities. =============== Ruth Sawyer (August 5, 1880 – June 3, 1970) was an American storyteller and a writer of fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. She may be best known as the author of Roller Skates, which won the 1937 Newbery Medal. She also received the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (she who wrote Little House on the Prairie) in 1965 for her lifetime achievement in children''s literature. =============== KEYWORDS/TAGS: This Way to Christmas, winter, USA, Snowed in, mountain community, upstate New York, share, stories, story, locked out fairy, home, immigrants, togetherness, adventure, storytelling, Barney, Bethlehem, born, Bridget, bring, children, Chris’mus, Christ-child, Christmas, Claus, clock-maker, clock, creatures, David, Dona, Eve, fairies, fairy, fiddle, roaring fire, flagman, friend, gather, gipsies, gray, great, happen, heart, Hermann, hill, holy, honey, Joab, Johanna, Josefa, King, lad, locked-out, lodge, Manuel, Mary, neighbours, neighbours, Nicholas, Peter, poor, reindeer, saint, Santa, Santy, squirrel, Teig, Uncle, window, world, ruth sawyer,

The story of a country doctor and the people of a small Irish village, quite ignored by the railway guides and unknown to travelers.