Author(s): Philip Pullman

Children's fiction

What would you say if I offered you the position of my personal servant? I have nothing to offer but excitement and glory. We might sometimes go hungry, but we shall never want for adventure . . .'

So begins the story of the Scarecrow, a courteous but pea-brained fellow with grand ideas. He meets a boy, Jack, who becomes his faithful servant, and together they face battle and shipwreck, brigands and tricksters - and it's up to Jack to save the day, time and time again.