You are not lost! You are on Marcia Williams' website!
On this page, me and my gang will tell you all about the books I have
created - and some to come!
The Elephant’s Friend and Other Tales from Ancient India
Yes, my next book does have an elephant in it and many other creatures – but you will have to wait until next year to find out!
These eight individual stories form a magical collection of India’s best-loved animal folk tales. Taken from the three main books of Indian folktales – Hitopadesha Tales, Jataka Tales and Panchatantra Tales – the stories are beautifully illustrated and packed with humour and warmth.
OUT NOW!
Ancient Egypt — Tales of Gods and Pharaohs
Full of mystery and adventure, the stories of the pharaohs and their ancient gods are steeped in thousands of years of history. From the creation myth to the curse of Tutankhamen and the fall of Cleopatra, these classic retellings bring new life to the myths and wonders of this ancient civilization.Three Cheers for books!
All of my books are published by Walker Books Ltd. and Candlewick Press in the US and are available at your local library or bookshop. Most of them are in comic-strip and many of them are retellings of famous tales from the past.
Now, the question you will be asking yourself, if you haven't seen one of my books before, is - would you like them? Well, why not read what my gang and other distinguished reviewers have had to say about them and decide for yourself?
My Great Lost Dog Adventure!
by Me, Iggy Wilder (2010)
Seven-year-old Iggy Wilder loves dogs. In fact, he loves them so much he'd quite like to be one. So when Iggy's grandpa dies and his dog, Fred, is sent away, Iggy is desperate to get his four-pawed pal back...
First News
'The book has funny facts and great
pictures. I read it all in one go with my brother, Thomas. I'd recommend it
to everyone, it's so great they really should buy it. In fact, it's
barkingly brilliant!'
Ella:
Packed with doggy facts
The Sunday Telegraph
Children will love Williams’ hyperactive style, which blends a frenzy of comic strip illustrations with reams of text... a great learn-to-read incentive for five to eight-year-olds.
Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (2006)
Travel back to Medieval England and join Chaucer and his merry band of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. You'll meet the Wife of Bath, the Knight, the Franklin and many more colourful characters, all brought to life in a funny comic-strip style.
Iggy:
This book is wicked! I didn't know Dotty could draw horses.
Kirkus Review
"Of Williams's string or recast classics, this is the best so far."
* A starred review for a book of special merit...
...and selected as one of the Best Books of 2007 by US School Library Journal.
Noah's Ark & Other Bible Stories (2004)
Behold! In the beginning there was only God...then he started creating! The last and most troublesome of his creations were men and women. God was forever having to give them a helping hand, as these brilliant stories reveal.
Abel:
This book is very friendly!
Scottish Sunday Herald
This is a terrific collection of stories and the combination of direct
quotations with speech-bubble asides is immensely appealing for newly
independent and older readers.
Bravo, Mr William Shakespeare! (2000)
The Globe Theatre is delighted to announce a new season of Mr. William Shakespeare's plays! Prithee take your places once more for a performance of seven of the Bard's finest tales. See - As You Like It, Antony and Cleopatra, Richard 111, Twelfth Night, King Lear, The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing.
Ella:
Shakespeare would love Marcia!
Reading Time, Australia
The concept is brilliant, the execution spectacular and the artwork
(akin to Raymond Briggs's masterpieces) great fun.
Mr William Shakespeare's Plays (1998)
Take your place at the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's day to see seven of his best-loved plays in performance. Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, The Winter's Tale and The Tempest are all brought vividly to life!
Ella:
You'll keep going back to this book!
The School Librarian US
Only too proud and privileged to be among those leading the encore
of applause for the critically acclaimed Mr William Shakespeare's
Plays!
King Arthur and The Knights of The Round Table (1996)
Aided by the magician Merlin, Arthur draws the sword from the stone to become King of Britain, and Lord of the Knights of the Round Table. Read of their valiant deeds as King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad and other heroic knights rescue maidens, fight dragons, defend Excalibur and search for the Grail. Tales rich in adventure, romance and enchantment.
Ella:
I share this
with everyone!
School Library Journal
Comedy is the most delicate, underrated and difficult art. Williams's
treatment is a breath of fresh air.
Sinbad The Sailor (1994)
The seven voyages of Sinbad are among the most colourful and thrilling tales from The Arabian Nights, they are full of amazing creatures and spectacular feats. Follow one of the oldest action heros from one of the first adventure books ever written!
Iggy:
Sometimes we climb on the top bunk and sail away with Sinbad!
The Funday Times
Exotic locations and exciting comic-strip illustrations. Put it on
your birthday list.
When I Was Little (1991)
When Granny was little, she says, there were fairies at the bottom of her garden, babies under gooseberry bushes and children were seen but not heard!
Ella:
One to snuggle
& share with granny!
Practical Parenting
Delightful... Bright detailed illustrations provide 2-7 year olds with lots to look at and smile about, and the words are both simple and charming.
My Secret War Diary
by Me, Flossie Albright (2008)
Flossie's dad, Archie, could never have imagined that his daughter would wave him off to fight in WWII. Unfortunately, this was exactly what happened; soon, rationing, gas masks, bombs, chilblains, gum-chewing Yanks and the threat of an enemy invasion became part of Flossie's daily life.
Abel:
It's a flipping miracle! All my friends keep secret diaries now!
Sunday Times
Each page is a decorative compilation of tempting snippets...adding up to a memorable and moving tale.
Archie's War (2007)
... My Scrapbook of the First World War, by Me Archie Albright, Aged 10 years.
The Guardian
...a vivid and personal story that makes a perfect introduction to the subject.
Ella:
This is Dotty's best
Bookbag
Sometimes - not very often - you come across a real gem of a book, something so perfect it takes your breath away. Marcia Williams has achieved just that with Archie's War.
Three Cheers for Inventors! (2005)
Read about Johannes Gutenberg, James Watt, Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers and many more. Follow the inventors through their successes and difficulties. Be amazed by the variety of their inventions, from worm-destroying lozenges to the mobile phone.
Ella:
I want to invent when I grow up!
Books for Keeps
**** Williams's introduction to the world of inventors is a treat.
Charles Dickens and Friends (2002)
What the Dickens! Charles Dickens, Esq. (1812-1870) created some of the best loved characters in literature. In this book you will find five of his greatest stories retold in irrepressible comic-strip style! Meet and make friends with Tiny Tim, Mr Fagin, Uriah Heep, Scrooge, The Artful Dodger... plus many others.
Iggy:
This book is better than watching a film!
Independent on Sunday
A must-have. This woman has become a national treasure... a particularly
good present.
Fabulous Monsters (1999)
The poisonous Basilisk, the bellowing Bunyip, the three-headed Chimera, swamp-dwelling Grendel, quick-tempered Isikukumanderu... fabulous monsters to keep you on your toes! They're truly horrible!
Abel:
This book is too scary to keep in your room!
Amazon
**** Five of the most terrifying mythological monster stories from
around the world are retold here in this hilarious and terrifying
collection...
The Iliad and The Odyssey (1996)
The Iliad tells the story of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans: the love between Helen and Paris, Achilles and Hecotor's deadly combat, the Trojan Horse... The Odyssey depicts the perilous voyage home of the Greek warrior, Odysseus: his struggles against the one-eyed Cyclops, the deadly Sirens, and the dreadful six-headed Scylla...
Iggy:
I really liked the the Cyclops gobbling down people!
The Guardian
A big, beautifully produced book, telling the stories in irresistibly
detailed comic-strip form... Elegant, intelligent, funny, dramatic and
totally absorbing; the perfect start to an early familiarity with
Homer.
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1995)
There is no greater hero in all literature than Robin Hood, the brave and just outlaw of Sherwood Forest. This book relates eleven colourful, action-packed tales about Robin and his merry band of men including Little John, Fryer Tuck and of course... the lovely Maid Marion!
Abel:
We often dress up and act out this one!
The Financial Times
A marvellous strip-cartoon rivalling anything produced by Disney.
Greek Myths (1991)
Greek Myths are among the greatest, most exciting stories ever told and star some of the best-loved heroes and heroines. In this book you will find eight favourite myths and meet Theseus, conqueror of the Minotaur, the mighty Heracles, the tragic lovers Orpheus and Eurydice, Perseus, the Gorgon-slayer and many more!
Marcia:
This was my first big book and one of my funniest.
Wendy Cope, Daily Telegraph
Terrific... irresistibly entertaining.
No Worries! (1989)
Is there a burglar under the bed?
Or a monster down the toilet? There are lots of things to
worry about, but every single one of them can be chased
away - if you know the secret!
Abel:
Daddy reads me this - it makes him feel better!
Tony Bradman, Parents
A brilliant book... Marcia Williams illustrates in a very funny cartoon-strip style which children from three upwards will love poring over.
Where to buy my books!
Click here to go to my shop page!
You can buy personally dedicated and signed copies, including a few early and foreign language editions that may be hard to find elsewhere, through:
The Barnes Bookshop
60 Church Road, London SW13 0DQ
Tel: 020 741 0786
Email: orders@barnesbookshop.co.uk
Click here for a printable "All About My Books" page.
