Mary Norton’s story of little people living a hidden existence among regular-sized humans, surviving by “borrowing” their daily needs, captured the imagination and admiration of readers from the time it was first published in England in 1952. This 50 ^th anniversary volume is enhanced by the original British illustrations of Diana Stanley, available for the first time in a U.S. edition. A foreword by children’s literature scholar Leonard Marcus, an introductory letter by the author written in 1966, and a printing of Mary Norton’s own cover art of Arrietty and Homily Clock combine in a handsome gift edition of a classic tale. (Ages 8–12)

Beneath the kitchen floor is the world of the Borrowers -- Pod and Homily Clock and their daughter, Arrietty. In their tiny home, matchboxes double as roomy dressers and postage stamps hang on the walls like paintings. Whatever the Clocks need they simply "borrow" from the "human beans" who live above them. It's a comfortable life, but boring if you're a kid. Only Pod is allowed to venture into the house above, because the danger of being seen by a human is too great. Borrowers who are seen by humans are never seen again. Yet Arrietty won't listen. There is a human boy up there, and Arrietty is desperate for a friend.