Puss in Boots Magic Beans is a popular fairy tale that has captured the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike. The story follows the adventures of a clever and cunning cat named Puss in Boots, who helps his master, a poor miller's son, rise from rags to riches. The tale begins with the miller's death, leaving his three sons with only a cat as inheritance. The youngest son, who is often overlooked and underestimated, receives Puss in Boots. Although initially disappointed, he soon discovers that his cat has an extraordinary ability – the power to talk. Puss in Boots reveals his plan to his new master: by using his cunning and wit, they can obtain wealth and power.
Badjelly the Witch, with audio CD
by Spike Milligan
Published by Puffin
ISBN 9780143772286
Before they go to sleep, they ask Binklebonk if he has seen Lucy and the Tree-Goblin tells them that he saw a Cow with a Straw Hat go by his Tree this morning. When the three travelers are captured by the evil Bedjelly the witch, who threatens to turn them into sausages, Dingle-mouse escapes and runs off in search of his massive eagle friend Jim.
Puss in Boots reveals his plan to his new master: by using his cunning and wit, they can obtain wealth and power. The cat's first step is to acquire a pair of magical boots, which allow him to travel swiftly and silently. With these boots, Puss in Boots embarks on a series of adventures and deceptions.
Book Review: Badjelly the Witch, with audio CD, by Spike Milligan
In the interests of full disclosure, I grew up on this story. I used to listen to Dick Weir’s radio show for kids on weekend mornings (morning TV wasn’t a thing until I was a bit older), and it was always a great day when he played Badjelly. I also raised my now-adult daughter on the story of courageous siblings who are searching for their lost cow, and meet a cast of interesting characters along the way. I am, as you can already tell, a fan.
What I wanted to see was if today’s kids would still appreciate Badjelly in all its un-PC, analogue glory. So, roll on up, my 5-7 year-old students: welcome to a piece of your teacher’s childhood.
I read the book in chunks. Milligan helpfully broke the text into sections, so I stuck with this and read the story over a couple of days like a mini-novel. The kids loved it. They laughed at the funny bits and gasped at the tense bits. They enjoyed the pictures (in colour, no less!) and were impressed that Spike Milligan had actually handwritten his story, just like they do.
What I was really looking forward was watching the children listen to the CD. I didn’t own a copy of the book until I was an adult, so my memories are aural. I’ve probably listened to the story about a hundred times … I’ve heard it so many times that when I read it aloud, I can’t help but read it in my best Spike Milligan imitation.
The kids enjoyed the CD, but couldn’t listen to the whole thing in one go … I’m not sure if it’s the “attention span of today’s yoof”, or just that classroom floors after lunch don’t foster the same cosy feelings as my childhood lounge floor in my PJs.
In hardback and in colour, with the CD, this has got to be the definitive version of Badjelly the Witch. If your household has small people in it, you need a copy. If you know small people, they need a copy. If you’re like me and grew up in the late 70s, you probably need a copy too, for nostalgia’s sake.
Reviewed by Rachel Moore
Badjelly the Witch, with audio CD
by Spike Milligan
Published by Puffin
ISBN 9780143772286
One day, when Tim & Rose go to Lucy's shed to get Milk from her, they discover that the door is open and Lucy is not in the shed. The children set out to find her but become lost in the Great Black Forest at night. When the children feel tired and need to find somewhere to sleep for the night, Binklebonk the Tree Goblin (Russell Brand) offers to let them sleep inside his tree home to keep them safe the Tin-Lion (Voiced by Jim Carter). Tim & Rose get settled in their own rooms and have a Goblin's supper, containing Nuts, Honey and Dandelion Tea. Before they go to sleep, they ask Binklebonk if he has seen Lucy and the Tree-Goblin tells them that he saw a Cow with a Straw Hat go by his Tree this morning. The Children are glad to learn that it is Lucy and that she's still out there in the forest.
He catches rabbits and presents them to the king as a gift from his master, claiming he and his master are landowners. Puss in Boots then persuades the king to engage his master in a trade, using his cunning wit to ensure his master's success. One day, Puss in Boots learns of a castle inhabited by an evil ogre who possesses great wealth and numerous magical treasures, including a goose that lays golden eggs and a harp that plays beautiful music. Puss in Boots hatches a plan to obtain these treasures for his master. Puss in Boots arrives at the ogre's castle and pretends to be a famous wizard. He claims to have heard that the ogre possesses the ability to transform into any animal he desires. Puss in Boots convinces the ogre to transform into a mouse, and he promptly pounces on and devours the ogre, thus eliminating the threat. With the ogre defeated, Puss in Boots presents the castle and all its treasures to his master, who marries the princess and becomes a wealthy and respected nobleman. Puss in Boots, having accomplished his mission, also receives recognition and praise for his cunning and loyalty. The story of Puss in Boots Magic Beans teaches us important lessons about the power of wit, cleverness, and resourcefulness. It shows that even the most unlikely heroes can achieve greatness with the right tools and mindset. Puss in Boots' magical abilities and his master's willingness to trust and follow his lead lead them both to a life of prosperity and success..
Reviews for "Puss in Boots' Magic Beans: A Catalyst for Transformation"
1. Chloe - 2/5 - I found "Puss in Boots: Magic Beans" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was weak and failed to capture my attention. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them. Additionally, the animation was subpar, with noticeable glitches and inconsistencies throughout the film. Overall, I felt like this movie fell short of its potential and I would not recommend it to others.
2. Ryan - 1/5 - "Puss in Boots: Magic Beans" was a complete disaster in my opinion. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, leaving me utterly unengaged. The attempts at humor felt forced and fell flat, making it hard to even crack a smile. Furthermore, the animation quality was dated and unimpressive. The voice acting was lackluster, with unconvincing performances from the cast. Overall, this film was a huge letdown and not worth your time or money.
3. Emily - 2.5/5 - I had high hopes for "Puss in Boots: Magic Beans," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The storyline was convoluted and confusing at times, making it challenging to follow along. The character development was lacking, leaving me uninvested in their journey. While some of the humor was amusing, it wasn't enough to save the film. However, I will give credit to the animation team for their visually appealing work. Overall, this movie had potential, but it ultimately missed the mark.
4. Liam - 1/5 - "Puss in Boots: Magic Beans" was an absolute disaster. The plot was nonsensical and left me scratching my head. The animation quality was abysmal, with choppy movements and unimpressive visuals. The characters were forgettable, and their interactions felt forced. The voice acting was lackluster and failed to bring any life to the dialogue. Overall, this film was a waste of time and money. Save yourself the trouble and steer clear of this disappointment.