The Barnes & Noble Review
Three curious kids discover a world of brownies, fairies, and other fantastic creatures in this ultra-enchantin... read full description
Three curious kids discover a world of brownies, fairies, and other fantastic creatures in this ultra-enchantin... read full description
reviews
May 25, 2011
Chandra
rated it: 
In this first installment in the famous Spiderwick Chronicles, we meet the Grace children - nine year old twins Simon and Jared and their older teen sister Malory - as they are moving into Spiderwick Estate. Each kid is dealing with the separation of their parents in their own unique way. Malory releases her agression through fencing. Simon retreats by quietly tending to his little animal friends. Jared, however, hasn't found a good outlet for his fear and anger. It's clear that he's long si
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12 comments
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(6 people liked it)
Mar 24, 2008
Rachel
rated it: 
Everything about the packaging and promotion of this book is delightful...the title, the mysterious notes obscuring the back cover synopses, the inclusion of a letter from the three children protagonists to the author. All of that is very nice, but after reading the first installment, I can't help but feel a little robbed.
First of all, and forgive me for this, I can't help comparing the books to a more cleverly written and altogether smarter series, Lemony Snicket's "A Series o More...
First of all, and forgive me for this, I can't help comparing the books to a more cleverly written and altogether smarter series, Lemony Snicket's "A Series o More...
Sep 24, 2007
Heidi
rated it: 
I love this book. It is a childrens book and I read it in one day, but it was a great escape. I have a feeling the other ones in this series will be good as well.
Something to look for in the book: between some of the paragraphs there are little black figures of different fairies and they create an optical illusion - as you read and concentrate on one line, when you switch to another line, or look around the room or whatnot, it looks like there are little farie outlines. This had More...
Something to look for in the book: between some of the paragraphs there are little black figures of different fairies and they create an optical illusion - as you read and concentrate on one line, when you switch to another line, or look around the room or whatnot, it looks like there are little farie outlines. This had More...
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(2 people liked it)
Dec 15, 2008
Jennifer
rated it:
The First book in a series of Five.
The story is about the Grace Children: Mallory who is 13 and the 9 year-old twins Jared and Simon. When their father leaves the family, mom and the kids move into the Spiderwick estate - a large crumbling mansion that they inherited from their “crazy” Aunt. The house is big enough for Mallory to practice her fencing, Simon to keep his stray animals he loves and for Jared to ....well... mostly just be pissed off. He isn’t handling the whole abandonm More...
The story is about the Grace Children: Mallory who is 13 and the 9 year-old twins Jared and Simon. When their father leaves the family, mom and the kids move into the Spiderwick estate - a large crumbling mansion that they inherited from their “crazy” Aunt. The house is big enough for Mallory to practice her fencing, Simon to keep his stray animals he loves and for Jared to ....well... mostly just be pissed off. He isn’t handling the whole abandonm More...
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(2 people liked it)
Mar 10, 2008
Karen
rated it:
Since the book is very short I truly expected to find the typical kid's fantasy, I was disappointed. I mean it is a kid's fantasy, but it is so much more. Take a few words, sprinkle in some charm, and add numerous awesome illustrations and you have an excellent book. Getting to know the Grace kids in "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is going to be so much more than an adventure.
If I had to pick one element of "The Field Guide" I don't think I could. The kids are kids, More...
If I had to pick one element of "The Field Guide" I don't think I could. The kids are kids, More...
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(2 people liked it)
Oct 22, 2010
Elizabeth
rated it:
The original reason I didn't read this book is because of all how it looked like simply a ripoff of the popularity of Series of Unfortunate Events. However, when the movie came out, I went and saw it and thought the story line was really cool so I decided to finally pick it up (plus I found out one of the coauthors was Holly Black, and I really loved her other books).
While this book does have some, almost painful in their obviousness, similarities to Unfortunate Events, by the end of this s More...
While this book does have some, almost painful in their obviousness, similarities to Unfortunate Events, by the end of this s More...
2 comments
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(1 person liked it)
Mar 25, 2008
Pepper
rated it:
This is the first chapter book I have started to read with my six year old son. He truly enjoys the story and with the help of the descriptions the authors give, he is learning to "imagine" the story in his head. The beautiful illustrations scattered throughout the book help to keep him interested as well. My eight year old nephew also loves reading this series on his own.
I feel it is a wonderful story. The first book sets the stage and gives lots of background information. The l More...
I feel it is a wonderful story. The first book sets the stage and gives lots of background information. The l More...
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Aug 31, 2008
Jess
rated it:
Along with their recently divorced and broke mom, twins Jared (9) and Simon and sister Mallory (13) move into a decrepit Victorian house that holds all sorts of mysteries and creatures.
Fun, good characters, and excellent illustrations.
I glanced at some of the comments here and plenty of people seem to be finding fault with the fact that the book is short. Well, it's a chapter book; it ought to be short. I'm not a fan of books whose endings are little more than a set up More...
Fun, good characters, and excellent illustrations.
I glanced at some of the comments here and plenty of people seem to be finding fault with the fact that the book is short. Well, it's a chapter book; it ought to be short. I'm not a fan of books whose endings are little more than a set up More...
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(1 person liked it)
Dec 24, 2007
Ningerbil
rated it:
The three stars is tentative. I was intrigued about this series after watching the trailer for the upcoming movie. Well, it's obvious the movie combines more than one book, because the first book looks like it covers about 10-15 minutes of the movie. Maybe. It was...ok. Very imaginative. One advantage with the format (which reminds me of Stephen King's The Green Mile) is that more reluctant readers won't be overwhelmed with these chronicles. This book was just over 100 pages, with a lot of illus
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(1 person liked it)
Oct 03, 2007
Lisa
rated it:
These books are pretty popular at the library and I have always found the cover intersting, so last night I decided to check out the first three and read them.
Well, they were a fast read-I had it done in 30 minutes. It was a really cute story and just really fun to read. The author did a good job a starting with an intriguing story and leaves off in a way that you just have to start reading the next one.
What I really like about this book is that despite how busy you More...
Well, they were a fast read-I had it done in 30 minutes. It was a really cute story and just really fun to read. The author did a good job a starting with an intriguing story and leaves off in a way that you just have to start reading the next one.
What I really like about this book is that despite how busy you More...
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(1 person liked it)
Apr 01, 2008
Lori
rated it:
I read the first couple of these when they were originally published, and decided to read the whole batch at the urging of my daughter. They're fun and well done, but just not as dense and canon-filled as similar series for this age (which, depending on your POV, can be a good thing or a bad thing).
We saw the movie recently (before I started the books again), and I was surprised it covered the entire series, leaving no room for a sequel. And though I get that publishing the books in More...
We saw the movie recently (before I started the books again), and I was surprised it covered the entire series, leaving no room for a sequel. And though I get that publishing the books in More...
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(1 person liked it)
Feb 01, 2012
Lydia
rated it:
Perfect for the reluctant reader! This short chapter book is chock full of interesting characters, detailed and clever illustrations (mostly pen and ink, but some in full color), maps, clues, and fantasy suspense. The size of the book alone will be comforting to a tween who may be afraid of larger volumes, and the fact that it has been made into a major motion picture will give it some familiarity.
I was surprised at how enthralling this book was from the very start. Book one of five, t More...
I was surprised at how enthralling this book was from the very start. Book one of five, t More...
Feb 01, 2012
Stefan
rated it:
I wasn't too sure what I was getting into when I started this book and I must say that I was much more than pleasantly surprised. The story centers on a mother and her three children, a set of twins and their older sister, who have just moved into the old dilapidated house that has been in the family for years. Very soon after moving in, strange occurrences begin to happen and the children dedicate themselves to solving the mystery.
This is a well written introduction to the series and More...
This is a well written introduction to the series and More...
Dec 30, 2011
Barky
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Dec 10, 2011
Harold
rated it: 
Another young adult book from the library I read recently; this one was much more obviously written as a part of a series than most others, as practically nothing happens in the book. In screenwriting terms, this book contains the setup and possibly plot point one, though I contend that the inciting incident occurs before the book begins. For those who don't write screenplays, this means that the book establishes the main protagonist characters - antisocial and distant Jared, his twin brother Si
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Aug 31, 2011
Hikari
rated it:
Teil 1 der Reihe der Spiderwick-Geheimnisse ist angenehm zu lesen und interessant. Das Buch ist gespickt mit verschiedensten, schönen Zeichnungen der Protagonisten, Gestalten und Situationen.
Die Geschichte beginnt mit einem Umzug er Familie Grace. Das sind die Zwillinge Jared und Simon, deren große Schwester Mallory und deren Mutter Helen. Der Mann und Vater hat die Familie verlassen, sodass sie also in das Haus ihrer Tante Lucinda einziehen. Ein altes, vermodertes, kaputtes Haus. Das More...
Die Geschichte beginnt mit einem Umzug er Familie Grace. Das sind die Zwillinge Jared und Simon, deren große Schwester Mallory und deren Mutter Helen. Der Mann und Vater hat die Familie verlassen, sodass sie also in das Haus ihrer Tante Lucinda einziehen. Ein altes, vermodertes, kaputtes Haus. Das More...
Jul 29, 2011
Brina
rated it:
Die eineigigen Zwillinge Jared und Simon ziehen zusammen mit ihrer älteren Schwester und deren Mutter in ein altes Haus, was ihrer Tante gehört, um von allem Abstand zu gewinnen. Zuvor haben sie in einer Wohnung in New York gelebt, doch seit der Scheidung der Eltern ist alles anders.
Doch den Geschwistern ist das Haus von Anfang an unheimlich, denn es ist stark renovierungsbedürftig und sie hören mehrfach Schritte und ein Kratzen in den Wänden.
Da sie glauben, dass es sich hier More...
Doch den Geschwistern ist das Haus von Anfang an unheimlich, denn es ist stark renovierungsbedürftig und sie hören mehrfach Schritte und ein Kratzen in den Wänden.
Da sie glauben, dass es sich hier More...
Jul 13, 2011
Alexis
rated it:
An excellent little book. The audiobook is particularly good (Mark Hamill is a surprisingly capable reader, and his voice has matured enough that I was only occasionally reminded of Star Wars), Given the eerie nature of the story, I couldn't help wishing Neil Gaiman had provided the narration, but that's hardly an indictment of Hamill; I wish Gaiman narrated everything, including my life.
Black has created a wonderful world of fantasy creatures, and I look forward to reading more of he More...
Black has created a wonderful world of fantasy creatures, and I look forward to reading more of he More...
Jun 04, 2011
Nic
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
May 05, 2011
Donna
rated it:
I watched the movie adaptation of this book a little while back, and truly enjoyed it. I found the original book to be just as entertaining and exciting.
This book is the first in a series of five about the Grace siblings, twins Simon and Jared, and older sister Mallory. Many fairy tales and books love using the trope of three siblings, but Black and DiTerlizzi do well in playing with the old cliches. All three have distinct personalities, but the authors are good enough writers to show More...
This book is the first in a series of five about the Grace siblings, twins Simon and Jared, and older sister Mallory. Many fairy tales and books love using the trope of three siblings, but Black and DiTerlizzi do well in playing with the old cliches. All three have distinct personalities, but the authors are good enough writers to show More...
Apr 24, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
The Spiderwick Chronicles:
$29.61 for boxed set
573 pages
1.5 hours of reading (at average reading speed of 400 pages an hour)
= 5 cents per page; 32 cents per minute
Harry Potter:
$50.85 for boxed set
3,407 pages
34 hours of reading (at average reading speed of 100 pages an hour)
= 1.5 cents per page; .6 cents per minute
This math makes makes me uncomfortable. I don't really blame the authors, who have created a pretty well-done & fun story. B More...
$29.61 for boxed set
573 pages
1.5 hours of reading (at average reading speed of 400 pages an hour)
= 5 cents per page; 32 cents per minute
Harry Potter:
$50.85 for boxed set
3,407 pages
34 hours of reading (at average reading speed of 100 pages an hour)
= 1.5 cents per page; .6 cents per minute
This math makes makes me uncomfortable. I don't really blame the authors, who have created a pretty well-done & fun story. B More...
Mar 23, 2011
Jeremy
rated it:
My oldest son, who is in 1st grade, is now reading more and more books with fewer pictures. I wanted to introduce him to a book with few pictures and a lot of words, just to see if his imagination can catch the descriptions. My choice was the Spiderwick Chronicles: Book 1.
Each night, we would discuss what had happened so far and then read the next chapter. He would catch things that I wouldn't, and vice versa. Every night I wasn't feeling up to reading the book outloud, he would More...
Each night, we would discuss what had happened so far and then read the next chapter. He would catch things that I wouldn't, and vice versa. Every night I wasn't feeling up to reading the book outloud, he would More...
Feb 14, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
Ha ha. Don't hate me for liking this "tween book". I admit, I had seen the movie, and I normal refuse to watch the movie before I've read the book, or read the book after I've accidentally seen the movie first (I had a bad experience with Ella Enchanted) but each book in this series has such a delightfully interesting cover, I had to read it. I don't know if this would count as a graphic novel (is that just a novel with pictures? Or does it have to look like an anime cartoon in boo
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Jan 14, 2011
Morgane G
rated it:
The Graces are a relatively average family. Jared and Simon, the youngest kids, are twins, and their older sister Mallory is a champion fencer. Their mom supports them, and they’re a typical one parent family. However, when they’re uprooted from their New York apartment and thrown into a countryside estate, things begin to go a bit haywire. Although Jared, the main character of the book, is not familiar with the sounds of the countryside, he knows that the scuttling he hears in the walls
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Jul 14, 2010
Amanda
rated it:
This book is FANTASTIC! Once I saw the movie, I could not wait to get my hands on the series. The first time I saw the books, I felt disapointed. I thought it was going to be short and boring, not much detail and more like a kid book. So I had nothing better to do and I borrowed it from the library. Once I read it, I realized how wrong I was! This series is so engaging and it makes you wish you had the chance to go on this adventure with them! I got so into it that I even borrowed the fie
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Jun 09, 2010
Drebbles
rated it:
After their parents divorce, Jared Grace, his twin brother Simon, their older sister Mallory, and their mother move into their great-aunt Lucinda's run down house. People think Aunt Lucinda is crazy because she insists that little men bring her food. But soon the Grace children are discovering mysterious things in the house including nests built into the wall, a secret room, and a puzzling letter. When pranks are pulled everyone think it's Jared acting out and he tries to convince his family tha
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Mar 03, 2010
Amanda
rated it:
Ok, I read this series mainly so I could judge for myself if my nieces, nephews and eventually my own chilren would like them and if they are appropriate. Something, I'm sure I will have to do more of in the future. I gave it a 3 star because it's in the middle. 5 star for kids, 2 star for adults.
I believe children will LOVE this series. The first book is a great introduction to the series and each character is introduced perfectly.... by the end of this book you know each of the More...
I believe children will LOVE this series. The first book is a great introduction to the series and each character is introduced perfectly.... by the end of this book you know each of the More...
Nov 12, 2009
Chris
rated it:
I loved this series! The pace was perfect, the tone appropriate, the characters absolutely believable and realistic (a trait which I feel is critical in enabling a younger reader to relate to the story), and the language was lively and age-appropriate. The interactions between the mother and the children were as realistic as if they were sitting in the room next to you. The story, while not as creative as Fablehaven, included well known mythical characters (goblins, fairies, unicorns, trolls
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Nov 07, 2009
Dawn
rated it:
I just loved the first 4 books and will certainly love the abundance of other ones. I chose to listen to them on CD and they were very engaging. Mark Hammil (Original Luke Skywalker)reads them. In addition to great reading there is also an introduction on each book by the authors, music to open and close each book and a "voice" that matches the plot of the book that tells a teaser in rhyme to end the book. I then checked the hardbound books out themselves at the library to see
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Mar 03, 2011
Alexis
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
