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tmathews0330's review against another edition
5.0
Well-written, sweet book that makes it's reader fall in love with its characters and long for it's setting - while reminding them to consider their own magic.
alidottie's review against another edition
4.0
4 and a half stars.
I loved this book! Some of the story reminded me of Holes by Louis Sachar. The family curse that needed to be broken. Great for any kid, but this is the kind of juvenile fiction that appeals to adults like me too.
I loved this book! Some of the story reminded me of Holes by Louis Sachar. The family curse that needed to be broken. Great for any kid, but this is the kind of juvenile fiction that appeals to adults like me too.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
This book had the beauty of being original and fresh while still feeling familiar and comfortable. Midnight Gulch is a well-described, unique town with a snicker of magic, but it still has always that will remind everyone of wherever they may call home. Felicity is wonderfully insecure and talented, and the live of words rims through every page. If it all wraps up just a bit too neatly, well, that's just magic. ;)
sparksofember's review against another edition
4.0
My daughter and I weren't sure we'd like this book at first. It starts off a bit slow and the heavy southern-twang in the narration made us pause. The book never really picks up speed but we ended up getting sucked into the whimsical narrative, and loved the characters (especially Boone - such a great uncle!). I loved Cleo too except the constant mentions of her smoking all the time. The entire town and all the characters were cute, and the idea of snickers of magic, and Felicity collecting words was a unique one. I kept picturing a tv show like Lizzie Mcguire only, instead of a cartoon friend, cartoon words dripping from the curtains or blowing in the breeze. The story had a layer of depth to it that speaks to the heart.
callmecat's review against another edition
1.0
This book was fine but I didn't get to finish it because I had to return it. I think I will try again though in the future.
debbiebarr's review against another edition
5.0
A marvelous, magical middle grade read, full of hope and dreams, the beauty of words, friendship, family, and just a touch (or in this case, a snicker) of magic. Reminiscent of Ingrid Law's SAVVY, Natalie Lloyd manages to weave contemporary fiction seamlessly with magical elements that feel right at home. A book that is sure to lend itself well to classroom and bookclub discussion, and will help every reader see a little bit of magic everywhere.
listen_learn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Oh the whimsy. Thank you Natalie Lloyd for the whimsy. It probably bumped my rating up because tbh I was not the biggest fan of all the characters, especially too perfect Jonah, but the quirky fancifulness and the well threaded plot made up for it. Not to mention the lyrical lines that are just hidden like tiny sand gems sprinkled throughout.
onceuponacarm's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet story about magic, love, family, friendship, and home.
The Pickle family can't seem to put down roots, much to Felicity's disappointment. She and her little sister are sick of first days of school, of being the new kids, and of wandering all over the country. This time, though, they're headed to their mom's hometown, Midnight Gulch, which "used to be" magical. Like people who lived there actually had some magic in their veins and could do things like make it rain by singing or bake pies with secrets that were revealed by the eater. When they arrive, Felicity begins learning about the town's history, how it lost its magic, and how her own family is wrapped up in the lore. She also discovers there's more than a "snicker" of magic left in this old town, as well as a whole community to love. Is the Pickle family cursed? What happened to the town's magic? How can Felicity managed to get over her stage fright and convince her wanderlust mother that Midnight Gulch IS home?
Notes:
There is a tradition of The Beedle--an anonymous person in town who does random acts of kindness to help those in need (a lot like Stargirl). The current Beedle, Jonah, has a gift of knowing when someone is in need and just what will help them. He's also incredibly kind, sincere, and practically too good to be true. He's wheelchair bound, but this is just a small part of who he is and is not really addressed in the story.
There are a LOT of characters and subplots. Perhaps because I read this in one day, I didn't have trouble keeping track of everybody and their stories. Some examples: Jonah's father is fighting in an unnamed war; Felicity's father left the family, but she never finds out/understands why; the bus driver has a crush on Aunt Cleo; the town is famous for it's ice cream, including an exclusive flavor that makes one recall memories.
Felicity is able to "see" words, similar to someone with synesthesia. She collects words in a notebook and often creates little poems for her sister, but is terrified of sharing her words with anyone else. When her class holds a talent show, Jonah encourages Felicity to read her poems to the whole community because he got a feeling this would make all the difference for her problems.
There are maybe two scenes set at school, even though I'm pretty sure this takes place during the school year. It ends in October and at the beginning of the story the girls are starting off at their first day of school. It just seems strange that school is pretty much an afterthought--that's just not how it works! As a plot device, it created a reason to hold a talent show and learn a bit of the town's history, but this could have been accomplished in other ways and allowed the story to take place mostly over summer vacation. I don't see a reason to squeeze in school scenes, especially when the purposes served by the school could have been served by a library or something.
Felicity also makes up words and uses them a LOT. "Spindiddly" is one of her words, which gets pretty annoying. As did the repetition of the phrase "a snicker of magic." I'm okay with including the title of a book in the text, but not like 3 or 5 times. I really enjoy Felicity's love of words, her collecting of words, the descriptive and visual language...but the nonsense words just drove me nuts. It felt like trying, and failing, to channel Roald Dahl.
I don't think this really captured the tone of the story. It was an enjoyable read and I cheered for the characters. It reminded me in a good way of Three Times Lucky (which I didn't like). I can see kids liking this one, if only I can figure out a succinct and enticing way to recommend it! It would make for a good classroom read-aloud or book club book for 4-6 graders.
The Pickle family can't seem to put down roots, much to Felicity's disappointment. She and her little sister are sick of first days of school, of being the new kids, and of wandering all over the country. This time, though, they're headed to their mom's hometown, Midnight Gulch, which "used to be" magical. Like people who lived there actually had some magic in their veins and could do things like make it rain by singing or bake pies with secrets that were revealed by the eater. When they arrive, Felicity begins learning about the town's history, how it lost its magic, and how her own family is wrapped up in the lore. She also discovers there's more than a "snicker" of magic left in this old town, as well as a whole community to love. Is the Pickle family cursed? What happened to the town's magic? How can Felicity managed to get over her stage fright and convince her wanderlust mother that Midnight Gulch IS home?
Notes:
There is a tradition of The Beedle--an anonymous person in town who does random acts of kindness to help those in need (a lot like Stargirl). The current Beedle, Jonah, has a gift of knowing when someone is in need and just what will help them. He's also incredibly kind, sincere, and practically too good to be true. He's wheelchair bound, but this is just a small part of who he is and is not really addressed in the story.
There are a LOT of characters and subplots. Perhaps because I read this in one day, I didn't have trouble keeping track of everybody and their stories. Some examples: Jonah's father is fighting in an unnamed war; Felicity's father left the family, but she never finds out/understands why; the bus driver has a crush on Aunt Cleo; the town is famous for it's ice cream, including an exclusive flavor that makes one recall memories.
Felicity is able to "see" words, similar to someone with synesthesia. She collects words in a notebook and often creates little poems for her sister, but is terrified of sharing her words with anyone else. When her class holds a talent show, Jonah encourages Felicity to read her poems to the whole community because he got a feeling this would make all the difference for her problems.
There are maybe two scenes set at school, even though I'm pretty sure this takes place during the school year. It ends in October and at the beginning of the story the girls are starting off at their first day of school. It just seems strange that school is pretty much an afterthought--that's just not how it works! As a plot device, it created a reason to hold a talent show and learn a bit of the town's history, but this could have been accomplished in other ways and allowed the story to take place mostly over summer vacation. I don't see a reason to squeeze in school scenes, especially when the purposes served by the school could have been served by a library or something.
Felicity also makes up words and uses them a LOT. "Spindiddly" is one of her words, which gets pretty annoying. As did the repetition of the phrase "a snicker of magic." I'm okay with including the title of a book in the text, but not like 3 or 5 times. I really enjoy Felicity's love of words, her collecting of words, the descriptive and visual language...but the nonsense words just drove me nuts. It felt like trying, and failing, to channel Roald Dahl.
I don't think this really captured the tone of the story. It was an enjoyable read and I cheered for the characters. It reminded me in a good way of Three Times Lucky (which I didn't like). I can see kids liking this one, if only I can figure out a succinct and enticing way to recommend it! It would make for a good classroom read-aloud or book club book for 4-6 graders.
sirts's review against another edition
4.0
At the beginning of the book I had all the doubts in the world, but the story was just like a hot summer rain, soaking you to the fullest, but also brightening and lifting your spirit, making you feel alive and happy. That you would be able to continue your day with a big smile.
To be quiet honest, it made me cry too, but they were tears of joy, the silly recognition of true magic, of love that we feel for all the people we carry in our hearts and in it's beauty.❤
To be quiet honest, it made me cry too, but they were tears of joy, the silly recognition of true magic, of love that we feel for all the people we carry in our hearts and in it's beauty.❤