A Magical Christmas Village 2021 As the end of the year approaches, the charm of the holiday season envelops towns and cities with a magical aura. In 2021, the anticipation for Christmas is even greater, as people long for a sense of joy and enchantment after a challenging year. One place where this festive spirit comes alive is in the magical Christmas village of 2021. Upon entering the village, visitors are immediately captivated by the twinkling lights that adorn every corner. The streets are lined with quaint shops, each displaying their own unique displays and decorations. Colorful wreaths hang from every lamppost, and the scent of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air.
Colorful wreaths hang from every lamppost, and the scent of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air. The heart of the village is the town square, where a towering Christmas tree stands. Covered in sparkling ornaments and topped with a dazzling star, it serves as a beacon of light and hope.
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.
Carolers gather around, their melodious voices spreading cheer to all who pass by. If one ventures further into the village, they will find Santa’s workshop. Children eagerly line up to meet the jolly old man himself and share their Christmas wishes. The workshop is a haven of activity, with elves scurrying around, wrapping presents and preparing for the big day. No Christmas village would be complete without a market brimming with goodies. The scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine wafts through the air. Vendors sell handmade crafts, ornaments, and delicious treats, enticing visitors to indulge in the magic of the season. As the sun sets, the village truly comes alive. The streets light up with an enchanting glow, and the sound of festive music fills the air. Families and friends gather around bonfires, roasting marshmallows and enjoying each other's company amidst the winter chill. But perhaps the most magical moment of all is the lighting of the village. The switch is flipped, and suddenly, the entire village is bathed in a cascade of shimmering lights. It is as if time stands still, and for a brief moment, worries and troubles are forgotten, replaced by a sense of wonder and awe. The magical Christmas village of 2021 is a place where dreams come true and memories are made. It is a sanctuary of joy and happiness, where people of all ages can come together to celebrate the spirit of the season. As the year comes to a close, this enchanting village reminds us to embrace the magic of Christmas and hold onto hope for a brighter future..
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