"Watch Thunder and the House of Nmagic" is a thrilling and adventurous animated film released in 2020. It takes audiences on a magical journey filled with excitement and wonder. The story follows Thunder, a young cat who embarks on a quest to save his home, the House of Nmagic. The house is a sanctuary for a variety of mystical creatures, which coexist peacefully under the watchful eye of the house's caretaker, Jack. However, their peaceful existence is threatened when an evil sorcerer named Shadow swoops in, intent on capturing the creatures for his own dark purposes. With the help of his newfound friends, Thunder must navigate a dangerous landscape filled with treacherous traps and enchanted obstacles.
With the help of his newfound friends, Thunder must navigate a dangerous landscape filled with treacherous traps and enchanted obstacles. Along the way, he discovers hidden powers and learns the true meaning of courage and teamwork. The stakes are high as Thunder races against time to save not only his home but also the magical creatures within it.
Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones
Earwig lives at St Morwald's children's home. Unlike some orphans in literature she's perfectly happy there since she seems to have everyone answering her every whim, and she loves spending time with her best friend Custard. Things are soon to change though as one day a rather strange couple, Bella Yaga and the Mandrake, come to look for a child to foster and the one they pick is Earwig!
This is a wonderful little story, perfect for those aged around 7 to 11 years old although it can easily be read aloud to slightly younger children too who can't manage to read it themselves. Earwig finds herself the servant of Bella Yaga, a witch, living in fear of disturbing the Mandrake. She's interested in magic herself, and so carefully watches everything Bella Yaga does before finding an unlikely accomplice who helps her find a way to bewitch both Bella and the Mandrake into doing what she wants them to.
The book is full of wonderful, quirky line illustrations - there are crow headers on each page, as well as spiders and crows appearing at the bottom of pages throughout but then there are also fabulous pictures of the characters showing Earwig with her googly eyes and crooked teeth, Bella Yaga looking rather hideous and the Mandrake with his horns and scary eyes! The pictures are funny and spread throughout the book, and it's nice to look over them if you read it aloud with your child, thinking about how the different characters are feeling and what's going on.
The story is divided into chapters, but at less than 150 pages isn't so long that younger readers would find it too difficult. I could easily see myself several years ago (well, quite a bit more than several but let's not get into that!) curled up reading this over a school holiday. Earwig is a fun character and the story is entertaining and engaging.
I had a feeling, by the end, that this could well have been a much longer, more detailed book though. It's sad that Diana Wynne Jones died earlier this year, cutting short what might have been quite a different story had she had more time. There were things mentioned, about Earwig's past for example, that aren't touched on for the rest of the book, and the ending also leaves things somewhat unfinished, I felt, so it's sad to think that there won't be any follow up stories about Earwig to tie up the loose ends. Adult fans of Wynne Jones will perhaps be disappointed by this book which is shorter and less detailed than some of her other novels, but I thought it was a nice introduction for younger readers to the wonderful characters she could create in her writing, and the magical worlds they live in.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag.
Further reading suggestion: You might also like to try another of Diana Wynne Jones' books - Power of Three.
You can read more book reviews or buy Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones at Amazon.com.
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Further reading suggestion: You might also like to try another of Diana Wynne Jones' books - Power of Three.
As Thunder and his friends face numerous challenges, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, from mischievous imps to wise old owls. Each character brings a unique perspective and skill set, adding depth and richness to the story. The animation vividly brings these characters to life, capturing their emotions and interactions in stunning detail. The film's visual effects are equally impressive, with enchanting spells and magical transformations adding to the awe-inspiring experience. The magical world created in "Watch Thunder and the House of Nmagic" is a feast for the eyes, transporting audiences to a realm where anything is possible. In addition to the captivating adventure, the film explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the importance of protecting the ones you love. It delivers these messages in a way that is accessible to both children and adults, making it a truly enjoyable experience for the whole family. Overall, "Watch Thunder and the House of Nmagic" is an enchanting and heartwarming animated film that captivates viewers from start to finish. With its engaging story, stunning animation, and memorable characters, it is a must-watch for fans of fantasy and adventure. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be spellbound by this magical journey..
Reviews for "Journey through the wondrous landscapes of "Watch Thunder and the House of Magic"
1. Ben - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Watch Thunder and the House of Magic" as it seemed like a fun and adventurous movie. However, I was sorely disappointed. The storyline was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth and development. The attempts at humor fell flat, and overall, the movie felt rushed and poorly executed. I would not recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars - "Watch Thunder and the House of Magic" was an absolute waste of time. The animation was mediocre at best, and the plot was confusing and disjointed. It seemed like the creators were trying to cram too many ideas into one film, resulting in a messy and unengaging story. I found myself bored and uninterested throughout the entire movie, and I couldn't wait for it to be over. Save yourself from this disappointment and watch something else.
3. David - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Watch Thunder and the House of Magic". The animation was lackluster, and the characters felt flat and unremarkable. The premise had potential, but it was poorly executed, leaving me uninvested in the story. The dialogue was cliché and lacked any real substance. Overall, it was a forgettable movie that I wouldn't recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable animated film.