Earwig and the Witch is a children's fantasy novel written by Diana Wynne Jones. The story follows the adventures of a young girl named Earwig, who is adopted by a witch and her talking cat. The main idea of the story is the power of wit and intelligence. Earwig, despite her young age, is clever and resourceful. She uses her intelligence to manipulate the adults around her and get what she wants. This is evident when she outsmarts the witch and her cat, who initially planned to use her as a household slave.
This is evident when she outsmarts the witch and her cat, who initially planned to use her as a household slave. The story also explores the theme of friendship. Earwig forms an unlikely bond with the cat, Thomas, who initially dislikes her.
Earwig and the Witch
"I would like to declare Diana Wynne Jones an international treasure," proclaimed Neil Gaiman, Newbery Medalist and best-selling author. In this enchanting introduction to Diana Wynne Jones's magical and funny work, Earwig is a fearless young orphan. When she finds herself in a house of dark magic, she does whatever she can to adapt—especially if it means that she'll learn a little magic herself! A young middle grade novel by World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement‒winner Diana Wynne Jones, beautifully illustrated in black and white by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky.
Not every orphan would love living at St. Morwald's Home for Children, but Earwig does. She gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants it, and it's been that way since she was dropped on the orphanage doorstep as a baby. But all that changes the day Bella Yaga and the Mandrake come to St. Morwald's, disguised as foster parents. Earwig is whisked off to their mysterious house full of invisible rooms, potions, and spell books, with magic around every corner. Most children would run in terror from a house like that . . . but not Earwig. Using her own cleverness—with a lot of help from a talking cat—she decides to show the witch who's boss.
От 9 до 12 летHowever, through their shared adventures and challenges, they develop a genuine friendship and learn to rely on each other. Another important aspect of the story is the exploration of unconventional family structures. Earwig lives in an orphanage until she is adopted by the witch, Bella Yaga. Their relationship is complex, with Earwig trying to assert her independence while navigating the strange world of magic. Overall, Earwig and the Witch is a delightful and whimsical tale that teaches valuable lessons about the power of intelligence, the importance of friendship, and the beauty of unconventional families. Diana Wynne Jones' storytelling and colorful characters make this a memorable read for children and adults alike..
Reviews for "Diana Wynne Jones' 'Earwig and the Witch': A Magical Coming-of-Age Story"
- John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Earwig and the Witch" by Diana Wynne Jones. The story felt shallow and the characters were not well-developed. It lacked the magical charm that I expected from a children's book and the plot was predictable. Overall, it was a forgettable read and I wouldn't recommend it.
- Sarah - 1/5 - I couldn't get into "Earwig and the Witch" at all. The writing style didn't engage me and the story felt disjointed. It seemed like there were many unanswered questions and loose ends, leaving me confused and unsatisfied. The characters were unrelatable and I couldn't care less about what happened to them. This book simply wasn't for me.
- David - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Earwig and the Witch," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot felt rushed and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with the story. The main character, Earwig, was annoying and I didn't find her charming or endearing. The ending was unsatisfying and left me wanting more. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it.
- Emily - 2/5 - "Earwig and the Witch" was not what I anticipated. The story lacked the whimsical and magical elements that I enjoy in children's books. The characters felt flat and the conflict was resolved too easily. The pacing was slow and I found myself losing interest as the story dragged on. It's a shame because I usually enjoy Diana Wynne Jones' work, but this one didn't do it for me.