Episode 3 Web

Interviews

Ask Penguin Podcast: Is never growing up the secret to great storytelling?

A selection of fiction books with empowering girl characters on a light blue background with orange squiggles and doodles

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Children's reading lists

12 books packed with girl power

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Features

Philip Pullman books to read if you love His Dark Materials

A picture of several children's graphic novel books on a comic strip style background alongside cartoon sound words, 'Wham' and 'Pow'

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10 books for fans of comics and graphic novels

8 things you need to know about Philip Pullman's The Book of Dust

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8 things you need to know about Philip Pullman’s The Book of Dust

A photo of The Firework-Maker's Daughter book by Philip Pullman on a light blue background

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Extracts

The Firework-Maker’s Daughter by Philip Pullman

The Rose Field: The Book of Dust Volume Three

‘Powerful, profound and utterly unforgettable: The Rose Field gives us a stunning trilogy conclusion’ - The Telegraph 
 
The spell-bounding conclusion to Philip Pullman’s bestselling The Book of Dust sequence . . . 
 
‘Lyra: what will you do when you find this place in the desert, the opening to the world of the roses?’ 
 
‘Defend it,’ Lyra said. ‘Die defending it.’ 
 
When readers left Lyra in The Secret Commonwealth she was alone, in the ruins of a deserted city. Pantalaimon had run from her – part of himself – in search of her imagination, which he believed she had lost. Lyra travelled across the world from her Oxford home in search of her dæmon. And Malcolm, loyal Malcolm, too journeyed far from home, towards the Silk Roads in search of Lyra . . . 
 
In The Rose Field, their quests converge in the most dangerous, breathtaking and world-changing ways. They must take help from spies and thieves, gryphons and witches, old friends and new, learning all the while the depth and surprising truths of the alethiometer. All around them, the world is aflame – made terrifying by fear, power and greed. 
 
As they move East, towards the red building that will reunite them and give them answers – on Dust, on the special roses, on imagination – so too does the Magisterium, at war against all that Lyra holds dear. 
 
'Ablaze with light and life . . . To read Pullman is to experience the world refreshed, aglow, in technicolour' - Independent

‘A masterpiece for all eternity… Powerful, profound and utterly unforgettable: a stunning trilogy conclusion’

‘Pullman’s uncanny ability to conjure place is once again in full evidence . . .  And when we reach it, the novel’s final showdown is a fantastically nail-biting ride.’

‘But for all its intricate interweavings of alchemy and folk tales, ballads and poetry, the book has the pacing of a thriller.’

Philip Pullman (Author) 
Philip Pullman is one of the most highly respected children's authors writing today. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Whitbread Award, Pullman’s epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials has been acclaimed as a modern classic. It has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages. In 2005 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in Oxford. 
 
Christopher Wormell (Illustrator) 
Chris Wormell is a self-taught artist, and the winner of the Ragazza Prize at Bologna in 1991. Two Frogs won the Nestlé Bronze Award, Molly and the Night Monster was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and One Smart Fish won the Booktrust Early Years Awards Best Picture Book. His books include George and the Dragon and The Big Ugly Monster and the Little Stone Rabbit which was recently adapted into a stage play. Chris lives in North London with his wife and children.

‘Lyra: what will you do when you find this place in the desert, the opening to the world of the roses?’ 
 
‘Defend it,’ Lyra said. ‘Die defending it.’ 
 
When readers left Lyra in The Secret Commonwealth she was alone, in the ruins of a deserted city. Pantalaimon had run from her – part of himself – in search of her imagination, which he believed she had lost. Lyra travelled across the world from her Oxford home in search of her dæmon. And Malcolm, loyal Malcolm, too journeyed far from home, towards the Silk Roads in search of Lyra . . . 
 
In The Rose Field, their quests converge in the most dangerous, breathtaking and world-changing ways. They must take help from spies and thieves, gryphons and witches, old friends and new, learning all the while the depth and surprising truths of the alethiometer. All around them, the world is aflame – made terrifying by fear, power and greed. 
 
As they move East, towards the red building that will reunite them and give them answers – on Dust, on the special roses, on imagination – so too does the Magisterium, at war against all that Lyra holds dear. 
 
Marking thirty years since the world was first introduced to Pullman’s remarkable heroine Lyra Belacqua in Northern Lights, The Rose Field is the culmination of the cultural phenomenon of The Book of Dust and His Dark Materials.

I Was a Rat! Or, The Scarlet Slippers and The Scarecrow and his Servant

Everyman's Children's Classics has more than 50 titles in print. It offers the finest editions currently available of the world's greatest children's books in handsome, full cloth hardcover bindings. 
 
The library brings back into print major illustrators such as Ivan Bilibin, Kate Greenaway, Arthur Rackham, Nicolas Bentley, Walter Crane, Aubrey Beardsley, Edward Ardizzone, W.Heath Robinson and Mervyn Peake.

Sound morals are seldom so entertainingly delivered, and the language, pace and drama make it perfect for reading out loud.

‘I was a rat!’ So insists a scruffy boy named Roger. Maybe it’s true, but what is he now? A terrifying monster running wild in the sewers? The Daily Scourge is sure of it. A victim of ‘Rodent Delusion’? The hospital nurse says yes. A lucrative fairground attraction? He is to Mr. Tapscrew. Or is Roger just an ordinary little boy? Only three people believe this version of the story, and it may take a royal intervention–and a bit of magic–to convince everyone 
else. A playful parody of the press, I Was a Rat! is a magical weaving of humour, fairy tale, and adventure. 
 
When, in A Scarecrow and His Servant, a bolt of lightning brings Scarecrow to life, he proves to be a courteous but pea-brained fellow with grand ideas. He meets a boy, Jack, who becomes his faithful servant and the two embark upon a terrifying series of adventures–including battles, brigands, broken hearts, and treasure islands. But little does the Scarecrow know that he is being followed by a family who desperately wishes he’d never sprung to life. 
 
Two stories of myth, magic and adventure from the master teller of tales.

The Firework-Maker's Daughter, Clockwork, or All Wound Up

Exciting, scary, romantic, and deliciously readable.

A must-have for every child's library: two enchanting tales by the best-selling author of Northern Lights, in a special hardcover omnibus edition with newly colourised illustrations. 
 
With a delightful and unique introduction from the author- especially for this beautiful Everyman's Library volume. 
In The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, young Lila has learned from her father almost all there is to know about his profession—but he insists upon holding back the final secret. With the help of her friend Chulak, Lila discovers that anyone who wants to be a true firework-maker must face down the Fire-Fiend of Mount Merapi. It is only after Lila has set off on her quest that Chulak discovers the other half of the secret—and without it, Lila will perish. In the company of Hamlet, a talking white elephant, Chulak sets off to find Lila before it's too late. 
 
Clockwork features an apprentice clockmaker who is tempted to sell his soul. As the townspeople of Glockenheim gather on the eve of the annual unveiling of a new figure for the town clock, Karl, the apprentice, confides to Fritz, a storyteller, that he has failed his task to create one. Fritz, in his turn, has no idea how to finish the new story he has begun concocting, which he calls “Clockwork.” He begins to tell it anyway, only to see its dangerous antagonist materialize in front of the two boys and offer Karl a Faustian pact. 
Real life and storytelling merge, and destruction must be narrowly averted, in this unusual and suspenseful tale of the power of creativity.

Once Upon a Time in the North

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
A mesmerising episode from the universe of His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust, giving us an extraordinary insight into this world and its characters. 
 
When Lyra is studying at Oxford University, she comes across the story of Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnisson's first meeting, many years ago, along with much evidence of the adventure that brought them together. 
 
She discovers that when a young Texan balloonist Lee came down to earth in the harbour of an Arctic town in the North, little did he realise that he is about to be caught in a war between the residents of the town and the huge arctic bears that also live there. 
 
And when Lee meets one of these bears - Iorek - for the first time, they cement a friendship that will continue throughout their lives, as the tensions in the town threaten to erupt ... 
 
 
©2008 Philip Pullman (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Philip Pullman is one of the most highly respected children's authors writing today. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Whitbread Award, Pullman’s epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials has been acclaimed as a modern classic. It has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages. In 2005 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in Oxford.

A mesmerising episode from the universe of His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust, giving us an extraordinary insight into this world and its characters. 
 
When Lyra is studying at Oxford University, she comes across the story of Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnisson's first meeting, many years ago, along with much evidence of the adventure that brought them together. 
 
She discovers that when a young Texan balloonist Lee came down to earth in the harbour of an Arctic town in the North, little did he realise that he is about to be caught in a war between the residents of the town and the huge arctic bears that also live there. 
 
And when Lee meets one of these bears - Iorek - for the first time, they cement a friendship that will continue throughout their lives, as the tensions in the town threaten to erupt ... 
 
Another wonderful tale from a master story-teller, which includes beautiful illustrations and maps.

Lyra's Oxford

A full-colour beautiful gift edition of this magical story featuring Lyra and Pan, set in the world of Philip Pullman's ground-breaking his Dark Materials and The Book of Dust. Illustrated for the first time by Chris Wormell.

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
Two years after the events of His Dark Materials, Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon sit high on the roof of Jordan College, gazing down on the streets of Oxford. But their peace is shattered by a flock of enraged starlings, who seem intent on knocking another bird out of the sky - a bird that Lyra and Pan quickly realise is a witch's daemon. The daemon carries worrying tidings of a terrible sickness spreading in the north, and claims that only Lyra can help him - but is he really friend, or foe? 
 
© Philip Pullman 2003 (P) Penguin Audio 2023

Two years after the events of His Dark Materials, Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon sit high on the roof of Jordan College, gazing down on the streets of Oxford. But their peace is shattered by a flock of enraged starlings, who seem intent on knocking another bird out of the sky - a bird that Lyra and Pan quickly realise is a witch's daemon. The daemon carries worrying tidings of a terrible sickness spreading in the north, and claims that only Lyra can help him - but is he really friend, or foe?

Illustrated Edition

A full-colour beautiful gift edition of this magical story featuring Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnison, set in the world of Philip Pullman's ground-breaking his Dark Materials and The Book of Dust. Illustrated for the first time in full colour by Chris Wormell.

Philip Pullman (Author) Philip Pullman is one of the most highly respected children's authors writing today. Winner of many prestigious awards, including the Carnegie of Carnegies and the Whitbread Award, Pullman’s epic fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials has been acclaimed as a modern classic. It has sold 17.5 million copies worldwide and been translated into 40 languages. In 2005 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in Oxford. Christopher Wormell (Illustrator) Chris Wormell is an award-winning, well-loved illustrator and storyteller. Most recently, he has illustrated the cover of Philip Pullman's The Book of Dust, and has lent his woodcut style to Dinosaurium. Chris has created many award-winning books, including Molly and the Night Monster (shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal), Two Frogs (winner of the Nestlé Bronze Award), and One Smart Fish (winner of the Booktrust Early Years Awards Best Picture Book). His books include the much-loved George and the Dragon and also Scruffy Bear and the Six White Mice (winner of the Children's Book Award).

Lyra is studying at Oxford University, she comes across the story of Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnisson's first meeting, many years ago, along with much evidence of the adventure that brought them together . . . 
When a young Texan balloonist, Lee Scoresby, comes down to earth in the harbour of an Arctic town in the North, little does he realise that he is about to be embroiled in an out-and-out political brawl. 
 
Lee and his daemon, Hester, find themselves the target of political factions trying to take over the running (and oil) of the town. And also resident in the town are huge arctic bears, ignored and patronised by the people and treated like second-class citizens. When Lee and Iorek first meet, they cement a friendship that will continue throughout their lives, as the tensions and pressure in town lead to a deadly conclusion . . . 
 
Featuring two of Philip Pullman's best-loved characters, this is an adventure-filled short story that builds on the world of His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust.

The Tiger in the Well

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
The third book in the Sally Lockhart Quartet, narrated by Adjoa Andoh. 
 
Sally is 25, and somebody wants to destroy her. She receives divorce papers from a man she has never met, let alone married - yet this trap is so well laid that she is powerless to prove otherwise. 
 
When custody of her precious daughter is awarded to this evil stranger, it is the beginning of a terrifying struggle in which Sally will have to fight, with a gun if necessary, for the freedom of her family. 
 
© Philip Pullman 1991 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Philip Pullman was born in Norwich and educated in England, Zimbabwe, Australia and Wales. He studied English at Exeter College, Oxford. 
 
His first children's book, Count Karlstein, was published in 1982. To date, he has published thirty-three books, read by children and adults alike. His most famous work is the His Dark Materials trilogy. These books have been honoured by several prizes including the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Children's Book Prize, and (for The Amber Spyglass) the Whitbread Book of the Year Award - the first time that prize had been given to a children's book. Pullman has received numerous other awards, including the Eleanor Farjeon Award and the Astrid Lindgren Award. He was knighted in the 2019 New Year's Honours List for Services to Literature.

The third book in the Sally Lockhart Quartet, narrated by Adjoa Andoh. 
 
Sally is 25, and somebody wants to destroy her. She receives divorce papers from a man she has never met, let alone married - yet this trap is so well laid that she is powerless to prove otherwise. 
 
When custody of her precious daughter is awarded to this evil stranger, it is the beginning of a terrifying struggle in which Sally will have to fight, with a gun if necessary, for the freedom of her family.

A short story from the world of His Dark Materials and the Book of Dust

The Collectors

From the best-selling master storyteller, Sir Philip Pullman, dive once again into the world of His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust... 
 
'D'you - er - have you seen her before?' 
'Yes. I know who she is.' 
'But, Grinstead, this painting is seventy years old - probably nearer eighty! You're not being serious - I mean . . . What do you mean?' 
 
On a dark winter's night in 1970, Horley and Grinstead huddle for warmth in the Senior Common Room of a college in Oxford. Conversation turns to the two impressive works of art that Horley has recently added to his collection. 
 
What the two men don't know is that these pieces are connected in mysterious and improbable ways; and they are about to be caught in the cross-fire of a story which has travelled time and worlds.

Philip Pullman (Author) 
Philip Pullman was born in Norwich and educated in England, Zimbabwe, Australia and Wales. He studied English at Exeter College, Oxford. 
 
His first children's book, Count Karlstein, was published in 1982. To date, he has published thirty-three books, read by children and adults alike. His most famous work is the His Dark Materials trilogy. These books have been honoured by several prizes including the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Children's Book Prize, and (for The Amber Spyglass) the Whitbread Book of the Year Award - the first time that prize had been given to a children's book. Pullman has received numerous other awards, including the Eleanor Farjeon Award and the Astrid Lindgren Award. He was knighted in the 2019 New Year's Honours List for Services to Literature. 
 
Tom Duxbury (Illustrator) 
Tom Duxbury is an illustrator from the moors of West Yorkshire. His work is influenced by lino-printing, which he uses to depict feeling, movement and nostalgia. He is inspired by the spirit of nature and the narrative of a landscape. His work is represented by Artists Partners Ltd.

'D'you - er - have you seen her before?' 
'Yes. I know who she is.' 
'But, Grinstead, this painting is seventy years old - probably nearer eighty! You're not being serious - I mean . . . What do you mean?' 
 
On a dark winter's night in 1970, Horley and Grinstead huddle for warmth in the Senior Common Room of a college in Oxford. Conversation turns to the two impressive works of art that Horley has recently added to his collection. 
 
What the two men don't know is that these pieces are connected in mysterious and improbable ways; and they are about to be caught in the cross-fire of a story which has travelled time and worlds.

The Ruby in the Smoke

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
The first book in the Sally Lockhart Quartet, narrated by Adjoa Andoh. 
 
A gripping new recording of Philip Pullman's nerve-shattering thriller, set in the murky streets and opium dens of Old London. 
 
When 16-year old Sally's father drowns in suspicious circumstances, she is left to fend for herself in Victorian London. Although she doesn't know it, she is already in terrible danger. 
 
© Philip Pullman 1985 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

The first book in the Sally Lockhart Quartet, narrated by Adjoa Andoh. 
 
A gripping new recording of Philip Pullman's nerve-shattering thriller, set in the murky streets and opium dens of Old London. 
 
When 16-year old Sally's father drowns in suspicious circumstances, she is left to fend for herself in Victorian London. Although she doesn't know it, she is already in terrible danger.

The Shadow in the North

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
The second book in the Sally Lockhart Quartet, narrated by Adjoa Andoh. 
 
An elderly lady loses her money on an investment; a conjuror is pursued by thugs; and a clairvoyant mentions the name of the richest man in Europe and his mysterious company. Seemingly unconnected events set Sally Lockhart on the trail of an evil far more awful than she could ever imagine. 
 
© Philip Pullman 1986,1988 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

The second book in the Sally Lockhart Quartet, narrated by Adjoa Andoh. 
 
An elderly lady loses her money on an investment; a conjuror is pursued by thugs; and a clairvoyant mentions the name of the richest man in Europe and his mysterious company. Seemingly unconnected events set Sally Lockhart on the trail of an evil far more awful than she could ever imagine.

The Tin Princess

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
The fourth book in the Sally Lockhart Quartet, narrated by Adjoa Andoh. 
 
Jim Taylor, Sally's oldest friend, is engaged as bodyguard to a princess. But Crown Princess Adelaide of Razkavia is not what you'd expect. She's the slum-girl Jim has been searching for ever since she vanished 10 years ago. 
 
Now her life is in mortal danger, and together they must battle against unknown enemies in a country where no one can be trusted. 
 
 
© Philip Pullman 1994 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

The Subtle Knife: The Graphic Novel

Enter the remarkable world of His Dark Materials like never before with this stunning, full-colour graphic novel. 
 
Following the life-shattering events of Northern Lights, Lyra has stepped into a brand-new world. Will has just killed a man. 
 
Their paths cross in Cittàgazze. In a city haunted by soul-eating Spectres, troops of angels and vengeful witches, they find in each other a welcome ally. 
 
Both are hoping to find something in this strange world: Lyra must discover the meaning of Dark Matter, while Will is desperately searching for his missing father. 
 
What they find instead is a deadly secret, an object with extraordinary power. Each step of their journey brings them closer to an even bigger threat - and the shattering truth of their own destiny.

Philip Pullman (Author) 
Philip Pullman was born in Norwich and educated in England, Zimbabwe, Australia and Wales. He studied English at Exeter College, Oxford. 
 
His first children's book, Count Karlstein, was published in 1982. To date, he has published thirty-three books, read by children and adults alike. His most famous work is the His Dark Materials trilogy. These books have been honoured by several prizes including the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Children's Book Prize, and (for The Amber Spyglass) the Whitbread Book of the Year Award - the first time that prize had been given to a children's book. Pullman has received numerous other awards, including the Eleanor Farjeon Award and the Astrid Lindgren Award. He was knighted in the 2019 New Year's Honours List for Services to Literature.

Enter the remarkable world of His Dark Materials like never before with this stunning, full-colour graphic novel. 
 
Lyra has stepped into a brand-new world. Will has just killed a man. 
 
Their paths cross in Cittàgazze. In a city haunted by soul-eating Spectres, troops of angels and vengeful witches, they find in each other a welcome ally. 
 
Both are hoping to find something in this strange world: Lyra must discover the meaning of Dark Matter, while Will is desperately searching for his missing father. 
 
What they find instead is a deadly secret, an object with extraordinary power. Each step of their journey brings them closer to an even bigger threat - and the shattering truth of their own destiny.

Thunderbolt's Waxwork

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
Lambeth, South London, 1894. Meet the New Cut Gang - Sharky Bob, Benny, Thunderbolt, Bridie and the Peretti twins: the greatest detectives since Sexton Blake. 
 
They inhabit the streets around Lambeth Walk and the New Cut in 1894, a place bristling with gangsters, bookies, pickpockets, horse thieves and the occasional policeman. But who's passing counterfeit coins 'round Lambeth? Surely not Thunderbolt's dad, who's just been arrested... 
 
© Philip Pullman 1994 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

The Firework Maker's Daughter

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
What Lila wants to be more than anything else in the world is . . . a Firework-Maker! 
 
But firework-making is not just about being able to make Crackle-Dragons and Golden Sneezes. There is also one special secret: every Firework-Maker must make a perilous journey to face the terrifying Fire-Fiend! 
 
Not knowing that she needs special protection to survive the Fire-Fiend's flames, Lila sets off alone. Her friends, Chulak and Hamlet - the King's white elephant - race after her. But can they possibly reach her in time? 
 
© Philip Pullman 1995 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

The Gas-Fitters' Ball

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
The New Cut Gang is a group of urchins ranging from six-year-old Sharky Bob to thirteen-year-old Bridie Malone. They inhabit the streets around Lambeth Walk and the New Cut, in 1892. 
 
In this second adventure, £10,000 worth of silver is stolen from the Gas-Fitters' Hall and the New Cut Gang are immediately on the case. They enlist the help of Orlando, the strongest man in the world, and the Gas-Fitters' Ball provides them with the perfect opportunity to expose the villain. 
 
© Philip Pullman 1995 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

The New Cut Gang is a group of urchins ranging from six-year-old Sharky Bob to thirteen-year-old Bridie Malone. They inhabit the streets around Lambeth Walk and the New Cut, in 1892. 
 
In this second adventure, £10,000 worth of silver is stolen from the Gas-Fitters' Hall and the New Cut Gang are immediately on the case. They enlist the help of Orlando, the strongest man in the world, and the Gas-Fitters' Ball provides them with the perfect opportunity to expose the villain.

A full-colour beautiful gift edition of this magical story featuring Lyra and Pan, set in the world of Philip Pullman's ground-breaking His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust. Illustrated for the first time by Chris Wormell. 
 
 
Two years after the events of His Dark Materials, Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon sit high on the roof of Jordan College, gazing down on the streets of Oxford. But their peace is shattered by a flock of enraged starlings, who seem intent on knocking another bird out of the sky - a bird that Lyra and Pan quickly realise is a witch's daemon. The daemon carries worrying tidings of a terrible sickness spreading in the north, and claims that only Lyra can help him - but is he really a friend, or a foe? 
 
Illustrated throughout for the first time by Chris Wormell, this is the perfect gift for Pullman fans old and new.

Two years after the events of His Dark Materials, Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon sit high on the roof of Jordan College, gazing down on the streets of Oxford. But their peace is shattered by a flock of enraged starlings, who seem intent on knocking another bird out of the sky - a bird that Lyra and Pan quickly realise is a witch's daemon. The daemon carries worrying tidings of a terrible sickness spreading in the north, and claims that only Lyra can help him - but is he really a friend, or a foe? 
 
Illustrated throughout for the first time by Philip's collaborator, Chris Wormell, this is the perfect gift for Pullman fans old and new.

Clockwork

Brought to you by Penguin. 
 
Tick, tock, tick, tock! Some stories are like that. Once you've wend them up, nothing will stop them ... 
 
A tormented apprentice clock-maker, a deadly mechanical knight in armour - and the sinister Dr Kalmenius, who some say is the devil ... Wind up these characters, fit them into a story on a cold winter's evening, with the snow swirling down, and suddenly life and the story begin to merge in a peculiarly macabre - and unstoppable - way. 
 
Almost like clockwork ... 
 
© Philip Pullman 1996 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Full-cast dramatisations of Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass

His Dark Materials: The Complete BBC Radio Collection

All three BBC radio dramatisations of the bestselling fantasy trilogy - plus bonus material 
 
 A breathtaking epic spanning multiple worlds, His Dark Materials follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, two children catapulted into a life-or-death struggle to save the future of the Cosmos. 
 
 In Northern Lights, 11-year-old Lyra discovers dark forces at work involving kidnapped children and a mysterious substance called 'Dust'. With her shape-shifting daemon, Pantalaimon, she leaves her Oxford college home and embarks on a dangerous journey to the frozen North, aided by armoured bears, Gyptians and a witch-queen... 
 
 The Subtle Knife sees 12-year-old Will finding an opening into the haunted world of Cittàgazze, where daemon-destroying Spectres roam. There he meets Lyra, and together they acquire the most powerful weapon in all the universes - an object many would kill to possess. 
 
 In The Amber Spyglass, a colossal war is brewing in Heaven, and Lyra and Will have been separated. They must find each other and journey onward - even into the World of the Dead... 
 
 These thrilling dramatisations feature an all-star cast, including Lulu Popplewell, Terence Stamp, Bill Paterson, Kenneth Cranham and Adrian Scarborough. 
 
 Also included is a bonus documentary, World Book Club, in which Philip Pullman answers readers' questions about Northern Lights.

Puss In Boots

Reissued with a new cover, this is a fresh take on a classic tale from two of the most respected talents in children's books.

A sparklingly original reimagining of this classic fairytale from two of the most respected talents in children's books. Now reissued with a brand new cover, discover the tale of Puss in Boots as you've never seen it before . . . 
 
Imagine how Jacques feels when he learns that his older brothers have inherited the mill and the donkey, and all he's got is the CAT! 
 
Well, he's not fed up for long, because he soon discovers that Puss is no ordinary cat... Not only can he talk (which is pretty unusual for a cat), but he's also got brains. And he's got a plan - a plan that involves Jacques, a Royal Princess and a very large fortune!

A sparklingly original reimagining of this classic fairytale from two of the most respected talents in children's books. Now reissued with a brand new cover, discover the tale of Puss in Boots as you've never seen it before . . . 
 
Imagine how Jacques feels when he learns that his older brothers have inherited the mill and the donkey, and all he's got is the CAT! 
 
Well, he's not fed up for long, because he soon discovers that Puss is no ordinary cat... Not only can he talk (which is pretty unusual for a cat), but he's also got brains. And he's got a plan - a plan that involves Jacques, a Royal Princess and a very large fortune! 
 
However, there are some things that Puss hasn't included in his plan, such as a very hungry Ogre, some sleepless Ghouls and more than a touch of magic . . .

Brought to you by Puffin. 
 
A sparklingly original reimagining of this classic fairytale from one of the most respected talents in children's books. Discover the tale of Puss in Boots as you've never experienced it before . . . 
 
Imagine how Jacques feels when he learns that his older brothers have inherited the mill and the donkey, and all he's got is the CAT! 
 
Well, he's not fed up for long, because he soon discovers that Puss is no ordinary cat... Not only can he talk (which is pretty unusual for a cat), but he's also got brains. And he's got a plan - a plan that involves Jacques, a Royal Princess and a very large fortune! 
 
However, there are some things that Puss hasn't included in his plan, such as a very hungry Ogre, some sleepless Ghouls and more than a touch of magic . . . 
 
© Philip Pullman 2000 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

For Young and Old

Grimm Tales

A phenomenal bestselling author meets the most magical stories ever told, now in a beautiful clothbound classics edition 
 
In this stunningly designed book of classic fairy tales, award-winning author Philip Pullman has chosen his fifty favourite stories from the Brothers Grimm and presents them in a 'clear as water' retelling, in his unique and brilliant voice. These new versions show the adventures at their most lucid and engaging yet. Pullman's Grimm Tales of wicked wives, brave children and villainous kings will have you reading, reading aloud and rereading them for many years to come.

Philip Pullman was born in Norwich and educated in England, Zimbabwe, Australia and Wales. He studied English at Exeter College, Oxford. 
 
His first children's book, Count Karlstein, was published in 1982. To date, he has published thirty-three books, read by children and adults alike. His most famous work is the His Dark Materials trilogy. These books have been honoured by several prizes including the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Children's Book Prize, and (for The Amber Spyglass) the Whitbread Book of the Year Award - the first time that prize had been given to a children's book. Pullman has received numerous other awards, including the Eleanor Farjeon Award and the Astrid Lindgren Award. He was knighted in the 2019 New Year's Honours List for Services to Literature.

In this stunningly designed book of classic fairy tales, award-winning author Philip Pullman has chosen his fifty favourite stories from the Brothers Grimm and presents them in a 'clear as water' retelling, in his unique and brilliant voice. These new versions show the adventures at their most lucid and engaging yet. Pullman's Grimm Tales of wicked wives, brave children and villainous kings will have you reading, reading aloud and rereading them for many years to come.

Philip Pullman

Fans of His Dark Materials will find themselves joyfully immersed in a familiar world . . . meanwhile, awaiting first-time readers is all the pleasure of commencing their own journey into this most captivating of universes at the very beginning of Lyra's story

A rich, imaginative, vividly characterised rite-of-passage tale

High-octane adventure accompanies ingenious plotting

Winner - Author of the Year, British Book Awards 
Philip Pullman's magnificent bestseller now in paperback, with new additional illustrations. A coming of age story like no other . . . 
 
Malcolm Polstead's Oxford life has been one of routine, ordinary even. He is happiest playing with his daemon, Asta, in their canoe, La Belle Sauvage. But now as the rain builds, the world around Malcolm and Asta is, it seems, set to become increasingly far from ordinary. 
 
Finding himself linked to a baby by the name of Lyra Belacqua, Malcolm is forced to undertake the challenge of his life and to make a dangerous journey that will change him and Lyra for ever . . .

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Philip Pullman

Books by Philip Pullman

Sign up to the Philip Pullman newsletter

Series by Philip Pullman

Book of Dust Series3 Books

His Dark Materials9 Books

Articles featuring Philip Pullman

Ask Penguin Podcast: Is never growing up the secret to great storytelling?

12 books packed with girl power

Philip Pullman books to read if you love His Dark Materials

Videos

Philip Pullman and Ruth Wilson on His Dark Materials | In Conversation

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