Three original Nurse Matilda tales--the inspiration for "Nanny McPhee, " starring Emma Thompson (who wrote the screenplay) and Colin Firth, set for release by Working Title/Universal Pictures in March--are collected for this omnibus volume. A governess uses magic to reign in the seven ne'er-do-well children in her charge. Illustrations. 300 pp. 4 1/4 x 6 3/4. 50,000 print. Pub. 1/05.