Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthday with books inspired by her, her writing, and her life!
Mr. Darcy by Alex Field and illustrated by Peter Carnavas
Mr. Darcy is a rather reserved and gentle duck, with all the qualities of an English aristocrat. He likes to tip his hat and say “Good Morning” and he would never want to bother anybody.
He lives alone on the edge of Pemberley Park and keeps himself to himself. Unfortunately, his life is a little lonely.
One day, he receives an invitation from Lizzie and her sisters for tea but declines. He would never go to the ordinary park where they live. Over the next few days, certain events change Mr. Darcy and he realizes that it’s okay to let his friends know he needs some help and perhaps it’s rather nice to be loved after all.
A delightful introduction to some of Jane Austen’s most famous characters with stunning watercolors from award-winning illustrator Peter Carnavas.
Mr. Darcy the Dancing Duck by Alex Field and illustrated by Peter Carnavas
With a furrowed brow, Mr. Darcy waddled around his garden. Mr. Darcy enjoyed waddling: but dancing?
Mr. Darcy dreads the first sign of spring. Flowers blooming means only one thing—dancing season, and Mr. Darcy simply cannot dance. What does it take for a proud duck to use his dancing feet? Can Lizzy convince Mr. Darcy to take a turn around the maypole? This delightful introduction to some of Jane Austen’s infamous characters includes stunning watercolors from award-winning illustrator Peter Carnavas.
Jane Austen: Her Heart Did Whisper written and illustrated by Manuela Santoni
In a time of formal dances, courtyard courtships, and strict ideas about a woman’s role in the world, Jane Austen looked at the England around her and created unforgettable art.
Before she was the beloved author of Pride and Prejudice and other classic novels, Jane Austen was a young woman wrestling with society’s expectations and challenges of the heart. Her own story involves choices that changed literary history—and perhaps even the choice to walk away from love.
This graphic imagining of Jane Austen’s youth includes her creative awakening and her much-speculated-upon encounters with Tom Lefroy, a brash law student. Jane Austen: Her Heart Did Whisper is a vision of the thrills and pains of young romance, the bonds of sisterhood, and the decisions that make a person who she is.
Praise for Jane Austen: Her Heart Did Whisper
“An engaging, creative addition to Austen’s many biographies.”—Booklist
“Young readers new to Austen will enjoy speculating on their romance and will admire Jane’s strength in an era that gave women very few options. A loose black-and-white illustration style gives a nice fluidity to the story and fits Jane’s personality. . . . [L]ovely.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A good choice where Janeites are plentiful.”—School Library Journal
“Readers who are deeply under Austen’s spell will enjoy a glimpse into a formative time in her life and career. Substantial back matter provides additional context and history, highlighting how societal and economic hierarchies played such and role in Austen’s life and works.”—Voya