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andrearbooks's review
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.
foggy_rosamund's review
4.0
Hilary McKay is one of the best writer's of children's literature that I've ever read. Her stories are quietly enlightening, moving, and very funny. She captures the tumultuous and complex nature of family life in such assured, subtle strokes that she makes it look easy. But scratching beneath the surface, you realise how much McKay conveys in a very short space of time. Short story writers for adults could learn a lot from her. This is a wonderful novel from McKay: it features the blended family of Abi and her father, Theo, an A & E nurse, and his partner, Polly, and her two sons, Max and Louis. Abi is used to living with Theo and her grandmother, Grace, but after Theo marries Polly, Grace returns to her home in Jamaica. Abi feels adrift, and finds solace in books, but begins to feel better when the family to move to a rambling, impractical house, covered in ivy. This is the house of green magic, in which real creatures can slip from the pages of books, and books can allow their readers to travel through time.
It's an imaginative and beautifully told story. Abi, Louis and Theo are all very real, as are the feelings of wonder and loneliness. McKay's prose is simple, but often very beautiful. I was drawn in to this book and didn't want to stop reading it. That said, I was disappointed by the ending, which felt rushed, and I wanted a little more expansiveness in the resolution of the magical problems, and in the completion of the character arcs. In reading it, I was thinking about McKay's earlier book Indigo's Star, and how satisfactorily she resolves all the character's stories there. That being said, this is an excellent novel, and one I recommend, especially if you're looking for solace.
It's an imaginative and beautifully told story. Abi, Louis and Theo are all very real, as are the feelings of wonder and loneliness. McKay's prose is simple, but often very beautiful. I was drawn in to this book and didn't want to stop reading it. That said, I was disappointed by the ending, which felt rushed, and I wanted a little more expansiveness in the resolution of the magical problems, and in the completion of the character arcs. In reading it, I was thinking about McKay's earlier book Indigo's Star, and how satisfactorily she resolves all the character's stories there. That being said, this is an excellent novel, and one I recommend, especially if you're looking for solace.
womanon's review against another edition
2.0
This didn't make sense at all. I have no idea what the plotline ought to be, even after reading it.
bkschwartz's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Decent for 5-8 year olds, doesn’t hold over well for older kids.
caroparr's review
3.0
No one writes families better than McKay, and this one is perfect: a blended family with a few bumps along the way. The fourteen-year-old boy who falls for the French babysitter is so believably awkward, the littlest boy is endearing, and Abi, who used to be an only child, warms gradually to them both. The magic is a bit scary, as it should be, though McKay leaves the magic a bit unresolved. 3.5
barbarajean's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.0