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breakfastgrey's review
2.0
This felt like a Kate DiCamillo paint by numbers or a bad cover band remix of Tale of Despereaux x The Inquisitor’s Tale. I struggle to define what separates a great vs mediocre DiCamillo tale in my mind because this book is technically proficient. I think when the characters don’t land with the reader, it reveals that many of her stories are unoriginal, the morals identical (love and stories are all that matters in this world), and her authorial voice obnoxious and patronizing. When the characters do, then suddenly the story becomes classic, the moral timeless, and the authorial voice one of a warm storyteller at a fireside.
whatsthestorywishbone's review
4.0
What a random book! I am always impressed with the mind of Kate DiCamillo after having read quite a few of her books. They are all so wildly different. This is part fairy tale and part adventure story. I would warn it has a pretty violent death scene that involves kids which I found hard to listen to, but I listened to this with Reid at 9 and he took it well. Not sure that this was my favorite of hers but it was a fun listen and completely unpredictable as always.
karinlib's review
4.0
I read [b:Because of Winn-Dixie|357664|Because of Winn-Dixie|Kate DiCamillo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1456871914l/357664._SX50_.jpg|25169] years ago, and have really enjoyed everything I have read by DiCamillo since. This story was just as wonderful.
weskstarzec's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shirleytupperfreeman's review
The combination of Kate DiCamillo and Sophie Blackall is just brilliant and charming. There is a medieval setting, a quest, a prophecy to be fulfilled, evil to be vanquished, love, kindness and a special goat. As per usual, DiCamillo doesn't shy away from challenging vocabulary and some darkness, but she tells a fabulous story where change for the better ultimately wins the day.
deutch79's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-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
5.0
ainay's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0