The Curious Adventures of Jimmy Mcgee

Amy and Clarissa #2

by Eleanor Estes, John O'Brien (Illustrator)

A tiny plumber becomes a hero by rescuing a doll and returning it to its grateful owner.

Genres: Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1987

About the author

Eleanor Ruth Rosenfeld (Estes)was an American children's author. She was born in West Haven, Connecticut as Eleanor Ruth Rosenfield. Originally a librarian, Estes' writing career began following a case of tuberculosis. Bedridden while recovering, Estes began writing down some of her childhood memories, which would later turn into full-length children's books.

Estes's book Ginger Pye (1951) won the Newbery Medal, and three of her other books (The Middle Moffat, Rufus M., and The Hundred Dresses) were chosen as Newbery Honor books. She also received the Certificate of Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Literature and was nominated for the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award. By the time of her death at age 82, Estes had written 19 children's books and one novel for adults.

Reviews

[Dominika · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a weird one that the four year old found completely enchanting and held us hostage to on a road trip.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Witch Family back when I was young, so when I came about this second book about Amy and Clarissa I was very happy! Unfortunately the two girls take back stage to the magical Jimmy McGee, a sort of leprechaun/brownie person, who I found rather tedious.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this 4 stars because Zephyr *Really* loved it, but I was totally confused. We listened to this on tape and I was lost from the beginning, but he can't stop talking about how good this book was.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love Eleanor Estes, but I found this one hard to follow and enjoy.

[Debbie Channell · Rating 2 out of 5]

My kids and I have enjoyed several other books by this author, but this one was disappointing to us.

[Sylvie Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another somewhat odd fantasy offering from Eleanor Estes, featuring the same little girls, Amy & Clarissa, that were such important characters in "The Witch Family." Their role seems less important in this book, and it seems clear (to me, at least) that the magic of Jimmy McGee is real and independent of either Amy or Clarissa. (In "The Witch Family," Amy & Clarissa seemed largely in charge of what happened with the witches, and it was unclear to me whether everything that happened with them was simply a product of their imaginations or if they really happened but were greatly influenced by Amy & Clarissa's imaginings, drawings, and actions.) In this book, much of the story occurs without Amy or Clarissa's knowledge, and they are not as important to this story, although Little Lydia, one of the main characters, is Amy's doll, and that is an important plot point. Amy somehow knows about the magical Jimmy McGee, even though most people do not, and she even knows things about him (that he is a hero) that he does not know himself, but her consciousness of him seems to have no effect on his existence or what he does.

[Anne Whiting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Elenore Estes. I didn't find it especially exciting; it would be better for, say, early elementary age, who might enjoy the adventures more than some of us who - rightly or wrongly - expect a cohesive plot. There are several references to magic, and since the book is based on it, you might want to move on if that's not your thing. Overall, I'm glad I read it, but likely won't read it again.

Read-aloud rating: 5/5

[Cassie Troja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: this rating is from my kids. I did not agree but the book isn’t for an adult audience (it was kind of annoying in audio format…).

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Odd. I had to make myself finish this one.

[Alexandra]

Kids read in 2025

[Hope Alden · Rating 1 out of 5]

I understand children’s books can take a bit more creative liberty, but there’s no way the author wrote this sober 🤣 very strange, not really enjoyable

[Shauna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the Witch Family. Can't wait to read it!

[Ana Gabriel]

I like it