Lord Harding and the Flying Roosters

Adapted from the beloved Polish tale of Pan Twardowski, this picture book tells the story of Lord Harding, a nobleman in historic Cracow who, despite his wife's warnings, seeks to uncover the secrets of life and death by summoning the devil. The narrative explores his journey as he tries to outsmart the devil, grappling with temptations and the consequences of his choices. It's a story that gently introduces complex themes of good versus evil, personal responsibility, and the idea of controlling one's own destiny, making it relevant for today's young readers. The book is beautifully illustrated, bringing the ancient city and its magical elements to life.

Adapted for English from the well known and loved Polish tale, Pan Twardowski, Lord Harding and the Flying Roosters is a heart-warming story of a nobleman who dabbles with dangerous dark forces! Lord Harding lives in the beautiful historic city of Cracow. He is an educated and clever man, but spends far too much time reveling with his friends, drinking and frittering his time away. Much to the consternation of his wife! He decides that what he wants most of all is to know the secret of life and death, in order to continue his fun-filled, but ultimately empty, lifestyle. Locked way in his study, he foolishly tries to conjure up the devil, in order that he may learn the secret of life and death. The tale tells the story of his efforts to outsmart the devil, alternating between living a good moral life and yielding to the temptations laid before him. This is a story as relevant today as it was hundreds of years ago in the ancient city of Cracow, can we really control our own destiny? Will our noble Lord find what he is looking for, will he learn the secrets of eternal life, or will it all end in tears and his wife’s dire warnings turn out to be true?