The Complete Adventures of the Borrowers: 5-Book Paperback Box Set: Classic Adventure for Young Readers

Was a gift. The child liked it

I bought these for my 8yr old granddaughter who is flying through books - she's reading them so fast I can't keep up. I've gotten her into a few different series but when I saw The Borrowers I had to buy it! I remember reading these books at her age. What child wouldn't want to have little people or animals living in their walls that's only the can talk to?! These are a little higher than her reading level right now but as I said she's reading so quickly I want to continue it. The quality of the books are beautiful. They come in a box that holds them all together making them easy to stay together on the bookshelf. They have good illustrations, the binding is tight, and the pages are clean.

While reading reviews, I was dismayed to see how many people complained about The Borrowers books being 'outdated', as if they want the books to be re-written with current pop-culture lingo. These charming stories are a glimpse into the past and history. This is a wonderful way for a child to learn about it how people lived in that time. One review complained about outdated words like mustard spoon (still used in high society at formal parties), cogwheel (look inside a vintage clock), blotting paper (still used by some when writing calligraphy); wainscot (still used as a term for paneling a lower wall). Good Gods man, your wanting the book to be updated so you won't have to explain what something means??We should be encouraging children to look up words they don't understand. Or better yet, look them up with the children and learn something new. Every child today seems to have their eyes glued to a tablet or phone - they certainly have the means to find the words. What better way to learn about how people lived than to read a charming story about the past and discover new things that you didn't know before??Would you want the works of Shakespeare to be re-written so children don't have to deal with iambic pentameter?? Should all of Tolkien re-written because Hobbits wore Waistcoats? You truly cannot see the word 'button hook' and know that it was used to fasten shoes and gloves? It is still used today by some who need help with buttoning their shirt. Have we become a society of people that want the phone and computer to think for us? So far gone that we don't want to tax our brains to figure something out? That my friend is just sad.When a child is reading and they ask you what a word means, it is a chance to open their eyes to something new... add more flavor to the book. Yes, they might have trouble reading it the first time. But if you are engaged with them and excited to learn, they will be as well and they will re-read the books.. perhaps to their children. If you find yourself looking at a chance to connect with a child and, instead of embracing that chance, you get frustrated and want them. Would you actually prefer the books be dumbed down so much that a child can read it all without it sparking curiosity.. just so they won't be bothering you... oh my friend, how far you've fallen.

Loved this series as a child now can share with my kids

perfect choice. child loved it.

Got these books to read to my 7 year old son. He tries to get into them, but I can tell they are far too advanced with the wording for an elementary student. Might be good for middle school kids.

These are low quality books, physically, not the stories. Thin covers and paper etc. The stories are fantastic and readable at any age level. I did not get these as a "collector" set or etc. I just wanted to read all of them and it was cheaper and easier to get the box set. If you are looking for quality bindings and acid-free paper that will last for years, pass on this set. But if you just want ones to read and pass along to a friend etc. these are perfect. The stories themselves all build off of the previous book so though they could be read individually, each having a start and finish, they are really meant to be read in sequence. They are fantasy stories about the fictional "little people" of English/Irish/Scottish lore who call themselves Borrowers because they live hidden in 'humans' houses and "borrow" scraps of food, and household items to furnish their dwelling... usually inside a wall or under floorboards etc. where they stay hidden from the humans... or try to! When they are discovered, the peril, drama and adventure ensues.

If you are a book fan that HATES stickers on books, beware. This sticker DOES NOT COME OFF! I love my books to match and quite honestly, as first world of a problem as this is, it's quite annoying. I don't know of ANYONE who ACTUALLY CARES enough about this being the inspiration of a movie enough to WANT to keep that ON THEIR book. Why do publishers do this? The book series is cute and amazing and brings me back to childhood so my issue IS NOT with the books, but with publishers thinking this is ok. The second image is what the cover looks like without that stupid sticker and I am thankful to have that one. But come on, publishing companies! STOP PUTTING STICKERS ON COVERS. EVERY READER tells you HOW MUCH WE HATE IT. Maybe actually listen.The rating is FOR THE ACTUAL BOOKS...NOT THE STUPID PUBLISHER! THE BORROWERS was a childhood favourite of mine that I always go back to in my mind and reminds of a less hectic and stressed time where I WANTED borrowers to live in my house. Mary Norton understood who she was writing for and most people who have read this series love it and it stays with them. It's technically a children's book, but adults can enjoy the world of the borrowers and be reminded of a time when our lives were mostly uncomplicated and innocent.