After Water comes Fire - five stories from Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson about the necessary yet dangerous element. In these tales, a boy and his dog are unexpected guests on a dragonrider's first flight. A slave saves his village with a fiery magic spell. A girl's new friend, the guardian of a mystical bird, is much older than he appears. A young man walks the spirit world to defeat a fireworm. A mysterious dog is a key player in an eerie graveyard showdown. These five short stories are full of magic, mystery, and wonder.
"This collection of beautifully crafted tales...

"The Contest" is an illustrated children's book teaching children what the Fruit of the Spirit is in a story about a farmer who wants to have the biggest, the juiciest, the plumpest, and the sweetest grapes in the whole county. Each grape has its own captivating personality which depicts a different fruit of the Spirit that your children will fall in love with. The unpredictable twist at the end teaches the most valuable lesson of all. It will allow children of all ages grow to be what God wants them to be. "The Contest" has been a favorite for countless children throughout the years.

This striking 40th anniversary edition of this acclaimed bestseller by Newbery Medalist McKinley brings a beloved classic to a fresh audience. Ideal for fans of Shannon Hale and Gail Carson Levine.