Blue John

by Berlie Doherty

Published 1 May 2003
The Queen of Darkness lives under the ground in the shadow of a mountain, Mam Tor. Before she was carried down into the shelter of the cavern, she snatched the two things she could not bear to leave behind - the purple-blue heart of the glacier and the gold of the sun. Out of these she makes a child and names him Blue John. He lives in the caves with her, forbidden to go out into the light. One day a party of children comes to the caves and Blue John follows them out into the sunshine and is turned to stone. (Blue John is a precious stone mined in the Blue John and Treak caverns of Derbyshire. The name is said to come from the French bleu-jaune.)

Charming countryside tale about the bond between children and animals, perfect for younger fans of Michael Morpurgo. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

When Joe's teacher announces the new class project will be all about their pets, Joe turns glum – there's no animals allowed in his house. So when he starts to invent a pet, his imagination turns wild and the dragonosaurus is born! There's lots of fun to be had with his new 'pet', but when Joe notices something amiss on the neighbouring farm the dragonosaurus is quickly abandoned. Perhaps an animal to call his own is closer than Joe thinks. Charming countryside tale about the bond between children and animals, perfect for younger fans of Michael Morpurgo. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.