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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
There were some… problems… with this book (especially the first part), but the writing was lively and the ending is so very spooky and sweet. The book is very little like the movie that I remember so fondly.
Not a completely unappealing story, but Mary Norton both overly complicates plot points and makes them boring. It's like she can't write a "straight" children's fantasy novel, she has to add all these qualifiers and objections to magic in it. This is one case where the movie is better than the book.
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Read aloud to our 6 year old and she absolutely loved it. Slightly less familiar setting (England) and dated language than was a perfect intellectual challenge to keep her learning and growing as a reader.
adventurous
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Nice fantastical children's book, Norton is not a fantastic writer, but for kids, it is good enough
This may be the first and only time I can say this – but you should watch the movie instead. Bedknob and Broomstick is one of my favorite childhood movies. It’s a fun tale of a bed that can travel through space (and time?), and other witchy adventures. That’s almost where the comparisons end.
This is one of those children’s books that doesn’t age well. From the cannibals to the strange distrust of children in need (aka wandering around London at night), I recommend watching the movie and giving the book a pass.
Three stars just because the movie is so amazing.
This is one of those children’s books that doesn’t age well. From the cannibals to the strange distrust of children in need (aka wandering around London at night), I recommend watching the movie and giving the book a pass.
Three stars just because the movie is so amazing.