The Dark Spell of Fruitland Curse is a mysterious and ancient enchantment that has plagued the kingdom of Fruitland for centuries. It is said to be a powerful and sinister curse that has brought nothing but misfortune and despair to the once abundant and joyful land. Legend has it that the curse was cast by an envious sorcerer who was jealous of the prosperity and abundance of Fruitland. Determined to bring ruin to the kingdom, the sorcerer devised a cunning plan to bewitch the fruits of the land. With his dark magic, he imbued the fruits with a malevolent force that would corrupt and wither everything it touched. As the curse took hold, the once lush orchards and fertile fields of Fruitland turned barren and desolate.
Author/illustrator Norman Bridwell (1928-2014) has more then 100 million books in print and was best known for his Clifford the Big Red Dog series, which includes an astounding 80 books. But in 1965 he published a sweet children's book titled The Witch Next Door. This is the Scholastic Book Services (fourth printing) edition from 1967. It is TW 776 and cost 35 cents (the equivalent of $2.66 today).
She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she d love to tell you about but that she s sure you d find more interesting to hear of in person. Author illustrator Norman Bridwell 1928-2014 has more then 100 million books in print and was best known for his Clifford the Big Red Dog series, which includes an astounding 80 books.
As the curse took hold, the once lush orchards and fertile fields of Fruitland turned barren and desolate. The bountiful harvests that the kingdom was once known for became meager and scarce. The once vibrant and succulent fruits became shriveled and tasteless, causing great sorrow and hardship for the people of Fruitland.
Fuse 8 n’ Kate: The Witch Next Door by Norman Bridwell
The final Halloween-inspired episode of October is always a bittersweet time. And once more, pity my sister. I happened to notice that there’s a Clifford the Big Red Dog film out in theaters at the moment and it got me to thinking. Clifford = creator Norman Bridwell. And didn’t Norman Bridwell do a Halloween book of his own once? One that I happened to remember from my own childhood? Alas for Kate, this means that we are doing a THIRD witch and broom-related picture book in a row. I’m in a witch rut! I can only do witches!! Listen to the whole show here on Soundcloud or download it through iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, PlayerFM, or your preferred method of podcast selection.
Show Notes: I like Kate’s theory that the witch wandered into a Manic Panic store and just lifted the first shade of green she was able to see. Particularly since I personally believe that that is also where she got those socks.
SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENTHard not to notice that she’s approaching it like a sheriff entering a saloon. Also, someone didn’t pay her parking.
One thing that I do honestly appreciate about my sister is that when she looks at an image like this one, she immediately zeroes in on … the vulture. Hard not to contemplate why it was that Bridwell felt inspired to add it to this illustration.
Kate votes for this to be the scariest image in this book. I like it because it allowed me to make a “dad joke” (How does she smell? Terrible!).
“And then we come to the most scientifically inaccurate picture .” I kind of went down a rabbit hole trying to figure out how bats actually do drink.
Kate has a whole theory with these two, that they’re undercover witches themselves ala The Americans.
We’re still trying to figure out how this solution to angry neighbors applies to your average Home Owner’s Association.
It’s not fancy, but if ever you want to create a Witch Next Door cupcake, here’s the recipe. Kate Recommends: Muppets Haunted Mansion. (By the way, I have a theory that Gonzo is the de facto leader of the Muppets now because he’s the only original cast member still working with the company anymore). Kate also did the Haunted Mansion Game. ” ‘It can’t hurt you’ RAVES Kate Atienza!”
Betsy Recommends: I’ll be writing a lot more about this later this week, but here’s Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids. Filed under: Fuse 8 n' Kate
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Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
“And then we come to the most scientifically inaccurate picture .” I kind of went down a rabbit hole trying to figure out how bats actually do drink.
Fear and despair filled the hearts of the inhabitants of Fruitland as they struggled to break free from the clutches of the curse. Many brave heroes and powerful wizards tried to lift the curse, but all their efforts were in vain. The dark magic was too strong, and the curse seemed unbreakable. Generations passed, and Fruitland remained trapped in the grip of the curse. The kingdom became a shadow of its former self, with its people losing hope and forgetting the prosperity they once enjoyed. The curse had not only affected the land but also the hearts and minds of the people, draining them of their joy and optimism. However, hope never truly dies, and legends tell of a chosen one who will arise and lift the dark spell that lingers over Fruitland. This hero will have the strength and courage to face the evil sorcerer who cast the curse and restore Fruitland to its former glory. The tale of the Dark Spell of Fruitland Curse serves as a reminder of the power of curses and the importance of resilience and hope. It teaches us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light that can guide us towards freedom and happiness..
Reviews for "The Curse of the Forbidden Fruit: The Legend of Fruitland"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I must admit that I was quite disappointed with "Dark Spell of Fruitland Curse". The storyline felt convoluted and confusing, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and development, leaving me feeling disconnected from their struggles. The pacing was also inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I found the book to be lackluster and struggled to find enjoyment in it.
2. Sarah Johnson - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Dark Spell of Fruitland Curse". The writing style was too flowery and overly descriptive, making it tedious to read. I found myself skipping paragraphs just to get to any semblance of a plot. Moreover, the characters were shallow and cliché, lacking any nuance or originality. It's rare for me to not complete a book, but this one simply did not captivate my interest at all.
3. Emily Thompson - 2 stars - While the concept of "Dark Spell of Fruitland Curse" had potential, the execution fell flat for me. The writing was repetitive, often rehashing the same ideas and phrases, which quickly became tiresome. The dialogue felt forced, lacking authenticity and natural flow. Additionally, the romance subplot felt forced and unnecessary, detracting from the main storyline. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and wished for more depth and originality in both the writing and the characters.