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toad_maiden's review against another edition
3.0
It's too bad that this wasn't better written, because there are some truly charming aspects of this book that could have actually gotten it four stars! As it is, this is an "A for effort, C for execution" sort of story. As a fantasy, it is top-notch--I know that Miss Hickory's world of birds' nests, moss caps, and chipmunks would have absolutely enchanted me as a child, and still does to a certain degree.
However, these elements do not make up for the sloppy writing. The biggest irritation for me was the structure; I enjoy books with an episodic structure like this one, but several of these chapters ended in odd places that left me wondering whether my copy was missing pages (it wasn't). The lack of resolve this created left a bad taste in my mouth. There were also some odd stylistic quirks on Bailey's part that made me think she could have done with a better editor; mixed metaphors, confusing descriptions, etc.
These flaws would not keep me from recommending this book wholeheartedly to the children in my life; they are quick to overlook and forgive the quirks that make grown-up readers peevish. The message presented here is beautiful and the theme of personal growth is treated well--and the fantasy elements are so darling, that I couldn't help but enjoy this, despite its flaws.
However, these elements do not make up for the sloppy writing. The biggest irritation for me was the structure; I enjoy books with an episodic structure like this one, but several of these chapters ended in odd places that left me wondering whether my copy was missing pages (it wasn't). The lack of resolve this created left a bad taste in my mouth. There were also some odd stylistic quirks on Bailey's part that made me think she could have done with a better editor; mixed metaphors, confusing descriptions, etc.
These flaws would not keep me from recommending this book wholeheartedly to the children in my life; they are quick to overlook and forgive the quirks that make grown-up readers peevish. The message presented here is beautiful and the theme of personal growth is treated well--and the fantasy elements are so darling, that I couldn't help but enjoy this, despite its flaws.
missy_littell's review against another edition
4.0
Love the classic Newbery books. This was a little lengthy for my 5 year old, and lost his attention at times, but he enjoyed it nevertheless. Spoiler alert: I was mortified when Miss Hikory's head got eaten by her squirrel friend, but my son thought that part was funny!
adrielleshay's review against another edition
3.0
I quite liked Miss Hickory, the hardheaded old country woman surviving her first winter alone outdoors. Her episodic adventures are clever, straightforward, and sometimes include a pinch of sweetness -- as Miss Hickory herself. The conclusion is shocking and strange, but fitting and, even, dare I say? Lovely.
checkedoutbooks's review against another edition
2.0
this should have been a cute story about a doll made from sticks with a hickory nut head but my goodness did I dislike her and nearly every other creature character in the book. The ending was quite a twist but I thought it was rather clever even if unexpected in a children's book.
authorlibrarianrachel's review against another edition
3.0
It starts off as a typical, too long story about anthropomorphic animals who are trying to survive the winter. After multiple, redundant encounters with cows, crows, squirrels, and a cat, Ms. Hickory is beheaded on screen! Holy ****! That came out of left field. Though, as an adult reader, I did pick up on the foreshadowing of her hungry friend staring at her nut head. Still... I gave it an extra star because I liked the dark ending.
kaianicole's review against another edition
2.0
My thoughts for the first 90% of this book: another doll story, boring, episodic, lots of animals going around talking to each other like the previous winner ([book:Rabbit Hill|333735])
My thoughts for the last 10% of this book: WHAT?!?!
I almost gave it another star just for shock value. I'm so curious why/how this book won a Newbery?
My thoughts for the last 10% of this book: WHAT?!?!
I almost gave it another star just for shock value. I'm so curious why/how this book won a Newbery?
margardenlady's review against another edition
4.0
Charming story of winter in the northwoods. Complete with anthropomorphic animals, Christmas miracles and more.
triscuit807's review against another edition
4.0
3 stars. In spite of Miss Hickory being a doll, this doesn't really fit in the subcategory doll story and if you read it expecting a doll story you will be most unhappy. This is more an animal story. The story is of that of a doll made of an apple twig and an hickory nut who is abandoned in her corn cob house for several seasons (fall, winter, spring). It's set in New Hampshire's countryside and woodland and is populated by a variety of creatures with whom Miss Hickory interacts. There's Crow who while greedy is a true friend and the barncat who genuinely wants to help her and show her wonderful things, the hen pheasant whom the doll helps, and the Squirrel whom she rightly fears. It's a wonderful journey through the seasons, magical and more than a bit weird. I read this for my 2019 Reading Challenge and my Newbery Challenge (Medal 1947).