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The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
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The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine

By Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by Erin Stead

By Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by Erin Stead

By Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by Erin Stead

By Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by Erin Stead

By Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by Erin Stead

By Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
Illustrated by Erin Stead

By Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
Read by Keegan-Michael Key, Philip C. Stead, Mark Bramhall, Julia Whelan and Francis Gilbert
Contributions by Erin Stead

By Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
Read by Keegan-Michael Key, Philip C. Stead, Mark Bramhall, Julia Whelan and Francis Gilbert
Contributions by Erin Stead

Best Seller
Paperback $9.99

Mar 09, 2021 | ISBN 9780593303825 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Hardcover $24.99

Sep 26, 2017 | ISBN 9780553523225 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Ebook $7.99

Sep 26, 2017 | ISBN 9780553523249 | Middle Grade (8-12)

Audiobook Download $8.00

Sep 26, 2017 | 71 Minutes | Middle Grade (8-12)

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    The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain and Philip C. Stead
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    Sep 26, 2017 | ISBN 9780525498698 | 71 Minutes

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      Mar 09, 2021 | ISBN 9780593303825 | Middle Grade (8-12)

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    • Hardcover $24.99

      Sep 26, 2017 | ISBN 9780553523225 | Middle Grade (8-12)

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      Sep 26, 2017 | ISBN 9780553523249 | Middle Grade (8-12)

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      Sep 26, 2017 | ISBN 9780525498698 | Middle Grade (8-12)

      71 Minutes

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    About The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine

    New York Times Bestseller!
    A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

    A never-before-published, previously unfinished Mark Twain children’s story is brought to life by Philip and Erin Stead, creators of the Caldecott Medal-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee.
     
    In a hotel in Paris one evening in 1879, Mark Twain sat with his young daughters, who begged their father for a story. Twain began telling them the tale of Johnny, a poor boy in possession of some magical seeds. Later, Twain would jot down some rough notes about the story, but the tale was left unfinished . . . until now.
     
    Plucked from the Mark Twain archive at the University of California at Berkeley, Twain’s notes now form the foundation of a fairy tale picked up over a century later. With only Twain’s fragmentary script and a story that stops partway as his guide, author Philip Stead has written a tale that imagines what might have been if Twain had fully realized this work.
     
    Johnny, forlorn and alone except for his pet chicken, meets a kind woman who gives him seeds that change his fortune, allowing him to speak with animals and sending him on a quest to rescue a stolen prince. In the face of a bullying tyrant king, Johnny and his animal friends come to understand that generosity, empathy, and quiet courage are gifts more precious in this world than power and gold.
     
    Illuminated by Erin Stead’s graceful, humorous, and achingly poignant artwork, this is a story that reaches through time and brings us a new book from America’s most legendary writer, envisioned by two of today’s most important names in children’s literature.

    A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year

    “Will capture the imaginations of readers of all ages”—USA Today, ★ ★ ★ ★ (out of four stars) 

    ★ “Samuel Langhorne Clemens himself would be proud.”—Booklist, starred review

    ★ ”A cast of eccentric characters, celestially fine writing, and a crusade against pomp that doesn’t sacrifice humor.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

    ★ ”Completing a story penned by arguably America’s greatest author is no easy feat, but the Caldecott-winning author-illustrator (and husband-wife) team proves more than equal to the task. . . . A pensive and whimsical work that Twain would applaud.”—Kirkus, starred review

    ★     “The combination of Twain’s (often sarcastic) humor and “lessons of life,” a touch of allegory, and Stead’s own storytelling skills result in an awesome piece of fantasy.”—School Library Journal, starred review

    ★     “Beautifully understated and nuanced illustrations by Erin Stead add the finishing flourishes to this remarkable work.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review

    “drawn with a graceful crosshatched intelligence that seems close to the best of Wyeth.”—Adam Gopnik, The New York Times

    “Twain and the two Steads have created what could become a read-aloud classic, perfect for families to enjoy together.”—The Horn Book

    “Artful and meta and elegant”—The Wall Street Journal

    “Should inspire readers young and old to seek further adventures with Twain.”—The Washington Post

    About The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine

    New York Times Bestseller!
    A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

    A never-before-published, previously unfinished Mark Twain children’s story is brought to life by Philip and Erin Stead, creators of the Caldecott Medal-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee.
     
    In a hotel in Paris one evening in 1879, Mark Twain sat with his young daughters, who begged their father for a story. Twain began telling them the tale of Johnny, a poor boy in possession of some magical seeds. Later, Twain would jot down some rough notes about the story, but the tale was left unfinished . . . until now.
     
    Plucked from the Mark Twain archive at the University of California at Berkeley, Twain’s notes now form the foundation of a fairy tale picked up over a century later. With only Twain’s fragmentary script and a story that stops partway as his guide, author Philip Stead has written a tale that imagines what might have been if Twain had fully realized this work.
     
    Johnny, forlorn and alone except for his pet chicken, meets a kind woman who gives him seeds that change his fortune, allowing him to speak with animals and sending him on a quest to rescue a stolen prince. In the face of a bullying tyrant king, Johnny and his animal friends come to understand that generosity, empathy, and quiet courage are gifts more precious in this world than power and gold.
     
    Illuminated by Erin Stead’s graceful, humorous, and achingly poignant artwork, this is a story that reaches through time and brings us a new book from America’s most legendary writer, envisioned by two of today’s most important names in children’s literature.

    A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year

    “Will capture the imaginations of readers of all ages”—USA Today, ★ ★ ★ ★ (out of four stars) 

    ★ “Samuel Langhorne Clemens himself would be proud.”—Booklist, starred review

    ★ ”A cast of eccentric characters, celestially fine writing, and a crusade against pomp that doesn’t sacrifice humor.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

    ★ ”Completing a story penned by arguably America’s greatest author is no easy feat, but the Caldecott-winning author-illustrator (and husband-wife) team proves more than equal to the task. . . . A pensive and whimsical work that Twain would applaud.”—Kirkus, starred review

    ★     “The combination of Twain’s (often sarcastic) humor and “lessons of life,” a touch of allegory, and Stead’s own storytelling skills result in an awesome piece of fantasy.”—School Library Journal, starred review

    ★     “Beautifully understated and nuanced illustrations by Erin Stead add the finishing flourishes to this remarkable work.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review

    “drawn with a graceful crosshatched intelligence that seems close to the best of Wyeth.”—Adam Gopnik, The New York Times

    “Twain and the two Steads have created what could become a read-aloud classic, perfect for families to enjoy together.”—The Horn Book

    “Artful and meta and elegant”—The Wall Street Journal

    “Should inspire readers young and old to seek further adventures with Twain.”—The Washington Post

    About The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine

    New York Times Bestseller!
    A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

    A never-before-published, previously unfinished Mark Twain children’s story is brought to life by Philip and Erin Stead, creators of the Caldecott Medal-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee.
     
    In a hotel in Paris one evening in 1879, Mark Twain sat with his young daughters, who begged their father for a story. Twain began telling them the tale of Johnny, a poor boy in possession of some magical seeds. Later, Twain would jot down some rough notes about the story, but the tale was left unfinished . . . until now.
     
    Plucked from the Mark Twain archive at the University of California at Berkeley, Twain’s notes now form the foundation of a fairy tale picked up over a century later. With only Twain’s fragmentary script and a story that stops partway as his guide, author Philip Stead has written a tale that imagines what might have been if Twain had fully realized this work.
     
    Johnny, forlorn and alone except for his pet chicken, meets a kind woman who gives him seeds that change his fortune, allowing him to speak with animals and sending him on a quest to rescue a stolen prince. In the face of a bullying tyrant king, Johnny and his animal friends come to understand that generosity, empathy, and quiet courage are gifts more precious in this world than power and gold.
     
    Illuminated by Erin Stead’s graceful, humorous, and achingly poignant artwork, this is a story that reaches through time and brings us a new book from America’s most legendary writer, envisioned by two of today’s most important names in children’s literature.

    A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year

    “Will capture the imaginations of readers of all ages”—USA Today, ★ ★ ★ ★ (out of four stars) 

    ★ “Samuel Langhorne Clemens himself would be proud.”—Booklist, starred review

    ★ ”A cast of eccentric characters, celestially fine writing, and a crusade against pomp that doesn’t sacrifice humor.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

    ★ ”Completing a story penned by arguably America’s greatest author is no easy feat, but the Caldecott-winning author-illustrator (and husband-wife) team proves more than equal to the task. . . . A pensive and whimsical work that Twain would applaud.”—Kirkus, starred review

    ★     “The combination of Twain’s (often sarcastic) humor and “lessons of life,” a touch of allegory, and Stead’s own storytelling skills result in an awesome piece of fantasy.”—School Library Journal, starred review

    ★     “Beautifully understated and nuanced illustrations by Erin Stead add the finishing flourishes to this remarkable work.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review

    “drawn with a graceful crosshatched intelligence that seems close to the best of Wyeth.”—Adam Gopnik, The New York Times

    “Twain and the two Steads have created what could become a read-aloud classic, perfect for families to enjoy together.”—The Horn Book

    “Artful and meta and elegant”—The Wall Street Journal

    “Should inspire readers young and old to seek further adventures with Twain.”—The Washington Post

    About The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine

    A never-before-published, previously unfinished Mark Twain children’s story is brought to life by Caldecott Medal winners Philip Stead and Erin Stead.
     
    In a hotel in Paris one evening in the 1879, Mark Twain sat with his young daughters, who begged their father for a story. Choosing a picture from a magazine to get started, Twain began telling them the tale of Johnny, a poor boy in possession of some magical seeds, who finds himself on a quest to rescue a stolen prince. Later, Twain would jot down some rough notes about the story, but the tale was left unfinished . . . until now.
     
    Plucked from the Mark Twain archives at the University of California, Berkeley, Twain’s notes now form the foundation of a fairy tale picked up over a century later. With only Twain’s fragmentary script and a story that stops partway as his guide, author Philip Stead has written a tale that imagines what might have been if Twain had fully realized this work. This is a story that reaches through time and brings us the debut children’s book of America’s most legendary writer, envisioned by one of today’s most important names in children’s literature.
     
    Read by Keegan-Michael Key and Philip Stead, with Mark Bramhall as the voice of Mark Twain, Julia Whelan as Susy Clemens, and an Editor’s Note read by Frances Gilbert.

    Listen to a sample from The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine

    About Mark Twain

    MARK TWAIN, considered one of the greatest writers in American literature, was born Samuel Clemens in Florida, Missouri, in 1835, and died… More about Mark Twain

    About Philip C. Stead

    PHILIP STEAD is the author of the Caldecott Medal–winning book A Sick Day for Amos McGee. With his wife, illustrator Erin Stead,… More about Philip C. Stead

    About Mark Twain

    MARK TWAIN, considered one of the greatest writers in American literature, was born Samuel Clemens in Florida, Missouri, in 1835, and died… More about Mark Twain

    About Philip C. Stead

    PHILIP STEAD is the author of the Caldecott Medal–winning book A Sick Day for Amos McGee. With his wife, illustrator Erin Stead,… More about Philip C. Stead

    About Mark Twain

    MARK TWAIN, considered one of the greatest writers in American literature, was born Samuel Clemens in Florida, Missouri, in 1835, and died… More about Mark Twain

    About Philip C. Stead

    PHILIP STEAD is the author of the Caldecott Medal–winning book A Sick Day for Amos McGee. With his wife, illustrator Erin Stead,… More about Philip C. Stead

    About Mark Twain

    MARK TWAIN, considered one of the greatest writers in American literature, was born Samuel Clemens in Florida, Missouri, in 1835, and died… More about Mark Twain

    About Philip C. Stead

    PHILIP STEAD is the author of the Caldecott Medal–winning book A Sick Day for Amos McGee. With his wife, illustrator Erin Stead,… More about Philip C. Stead

    Product Details

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Action & Adventure Books

    Paperback | $9.99
    Published by Yearling
    Mar 09, 2021 | 160 Pages | 6 x 8-1/4 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780593303825

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Action & Adventure Books | Children’s Picture Books

    Hardcover | $24.99
    Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers
    Sep 26, 2017 | 160 Pages | 8 x 11 | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780553523225

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Action & Adventure Books | Children’s Picture Books

    Ebook | $7.99
    Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers
    Sep 26, 2017 | 160 Pages | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780553523249

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Action & Adventure Books | Audiobooks

    Audiobook Download | $8.00
    Published by Listening Library
    Sep 26, 2017 | 71 Minutes | Middle Grade (8-12) | ISBN 9780525498698
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    Praise

    A School Library Journal Best Book of 2017

    A Bank Street College of Education 2018 Best Children’s Book of the Year

    “will capture the imaginations of readers of all ages”—USA Today, ★ ★ ★ ★ (out of four stars) 

    ★ “Samuel Langhorne Clemens himself would be proud.”—Booklist, starred review

    ★ ”a cast of eccentric characters, celestially fine writing, and a crusade against pomp that doesn’t sacrifice humor.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

    ★ ”Completing a story penned by arguably America’s greatest author is no easy feat, but the Caldecott-winning author-illustrator (and husband-wife) team proves more than equal to the task. . . . A pensive and whimsical work that Twain would applaud.”—Kirkus, starred review

    ★     “The combination of Twain’s (often sarcastic) humor and “lessons of life,” a touch of allegory, and Stead’s own storytelling skills result in an awesome piece of fantasy.”—School Library Journal, starred review

    ★ ”Beautifully understated and nuanced illustrations by Erin Stead add the finishing flourishes to this remarkable work.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review

    “drawn with a graceful crosshatched intelligence that seems close to the best of Wyeth.”—Adam Gopnik, The New York Times

    “Twain and the two Steads have created what could become a read-aloud classic, perfect for families to enjoy together.”—The Horn Book

    “artful and meta and elegant”—The Wall Street Journal

    “should inspire readers young and old to seek further adventures with Twain.”—The Washington Post

    “Johnny is destined to become as much a part of Twain lore as Tom, Huck, Jim and The Mysterious Stranger.”—Hartford Courant

    “bound to become a reading staple for all ages.”—RealSimple.com

    “Philip Stead brilliantly captures Twain’s style, his homespun humor, his wordplay, his biting wit, his sympathy for the powerless and his disdain for the mighty.”—The Buffalo News

    Awards

    ALSC Notable Children’s Recordings SELECTION 2018

    Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year SELECTION 2018

    Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books SELECTION 2017

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