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bigbeardedbookseller's review against another edition
4.0
Was really lucky to get a proof copy of The Time of Green Magic from Macmillan as I really loved The Skylarks’ War and was looking forward to this.
When Theo and Polly met Abi’s life went through some big changes, two families blended, and she didn’t have her dad Theo all to herself anymore. More than that though she also had Max and Louis, two new stepbrothers to share everything with.
When they move into a mysterious ivy-clad new house for the extra space, mysterious happenings start to haunt them.
Shadows throughout the house and a mysterious visitor makes for a magical mysterious adventure with a real hint of danger.
Themes of change, growth, and familial love give this book a wonderful magical depth that needed a couple of read throughs to get everything out of it.
When Theo and Polly met Abi’s life went through some big changes, two families blended, and she didn’t have her dad Theo all to herself anymore. More than that though she also had Max and Louis, two new stepbrothers to share everything with.
When they move into a mysterious ivy-clad new house for the extra space, mysterious happenings start to haunt them.
Shadows throughout the house and a mysterious visitor makes for a magical mysterious adventure with a real hint of danger.
Themes of change, growth, and familial love give this book a wonderful magical depth that needed a couple of read throughs to get everything out of it.
xan_48's review against another edition
4.0
This was a magical book. Enjoyed the story, family dynamics, humour, drama & it is just beautifully written. It exudes warmth. Just lovely. I read it aloud to my 9 year old daughter & it was just gorgeous.
marianguish's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
sandra_foriers's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
andrearbooks's review against another edition
3.0
The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay was a (literal) magical middle grade read. The story focuses on a blended family who moves into a mysterious new home. The home has a strange appeal and vibe, and that's why they are drawn to it. And then things start happening. The story then focuses on the kids trying to understand the magic. Some of it is good, and some of it is bad, so it's navigating what's what and their plan of action. I found it to be a nice, light read. Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the advanced copy of this now released read!
heathssm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
witchinmyguy's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this book felt like being let into the front of this ivy-covered house, surrounded by this strange but lovable family, and being absorbed by the magic of the pages. That is a more flowery open to a review than I normally do, but the nature of this book somewhat demands it. The plot revolves around a newly formed family moving into the only, slightly run-down, home they can afford, and the period of magical possibility that brings them together more deeply.
How the bonds of family are weaved with the magic is well done. While the way the narrative switched between characters could be somewhat disorienting, I can’t imagine it being any other way. It gave a chance to understand each member of this family and why they might struggle to understand each other. And that made the character moments all the more satisfying. The way magic manifests in this story appeals greatly to my book-loving heart. There was one character who I wish we had gotten a bit more of a chance to know, but to say who and why would be a spoiler. But, if you’re a fan of wild animal companions there is a treat waiting for you here.
That all being said, I feel like this story would be suited to a very particular audience of kids. That may be the British sensibility of it, or the whimsical, character-driven narrative. But, for that audience, I think it would be an impactful read. I enjoyed my time with it thoroughly.
How the bonds of family are weaved with the magic is well done. While the way the narrative switched between characters could be somewhat disorienting, I can’t imagine it being any other way. It gave a chance to understand each member of this family and why they might struggle to understand each other. And that made the character moments all the more satisfying. The way magic manifests in this story appeals greatly to my book-loving heart. There was one character who I wish we had gotten a bit more of a chance to know, but to say who and why would be a spoiler. But, if you’re a fan of wild animal companions there is a treat waiting for you here.
That all being said, I feel like this story would be suited to a very particular audience of kids. That may be the British sensibility of it, or the whimsical, character-driven narrative. But, for that audience, I think it would be an impactful read. I enjoyed my time with it thoroughly.
miblette's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Truly magical. At times, it was a bit slow, but overall charming, endearing, and magical.
sarahwuzhere's review against another edition
4.0
It was an adorable book. I probably wont keep it as I dont think my kids would really enjoy it though.
Abby is struggling to share her dad, her granny and a house with her new step family. After some time and tears later she finds herself caring about them and wanting to help with their problems.
Max has a cleaing/bike repair "shop" that he and his friend Danny own.
Louise is just a little guy and misses his mom. He wishes for an owl but gets something much much bigger.
Abby is struggling to share her dad, her granny and a house with her new step family. After some time and tears later she finds herself caring about them and wanting to help with their problems.
Max has a cleaing/bike repair "shop" that he and his friend Danny own.
Louise is just a little guy and misses his mom. He wishes for an owl but gets something much much bigger.