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The Spiderwick Chronicles #1
The Field Guide
After finding a mysterious, handmade field guide in the attic of the ramshackle old mansion they’ve just moved into, Jared; his twin brother, Simon; and their older sister, Mallory, discover that there’s a magical and maybe dangerous world existing parallel to our own—the world of faerie. The Grace children want to share their story, but the faeries will do everything possible to stop them...
114 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2003
1126 people are currently reading
53517 people want to read
About the author
Tony DiTerlizzi
130 books2,217 followers#1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi, has been creating children’s books for twenty years. From fanciful picture books like The Broken Ornament and The Spider & The Fly (a Caldecott Honor book), to chapter books like Kenny and The Dragon and The Search for WondLa, DiTerlizzi imbues his stories with rich imagination. With Holly Black, he created the middle-grade series, The Spiderwick Chronicles, which has sold over 20 million copies, been adapted into a feature film, and translated in over thirty countries. He teamed up with Lucasfilm to retell the original Star Wars trilogy as a picture book and his collaboration with celebrated author Mo Willems created the bestseller The Story of Diva & Flea. The Norman Rockwell museum’s retrospective, “Never Abandon Imagination”, featured artwork from the beginning of DiTerlizzi’s career as a contributing artist for Dungeons & Dragons and broke attendance records. He has been featured in Time magazine, USA Today, CNN, PBS, NPR the BBC and The Today Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,743 reviews
August 24, 2015
I'm reading these books for the second time. But it's been years since I picked them up, and it's the first time I'm reading them with my son. And both of those things make a huge difference to my experience.
First, and perhaps most importantly, my little boy likes them. He's about five an a half, which is younger than the target age for these books, but he's into them.
(In the interest of full disclosure, Oot isn't the most critical of readers at this point in his life. He pretty much likes all books.)
I like the books too. I think they do a great job of blending traditional folklore and the modern world. What's more, they borrow from the traditional lore, and expand on it in interesting ways.
What's more I *really* like the illustrations. I'd forgotten the books were illustrated, and that really makes it nicer when reading them to my boy. It adds a lot to the experience. I wish I had thought to look through these books for some pointers before I did Slow Regard of Silent things with Nate Taylor.
All that said, I have some quibbles with these books as a parent. Things that never occurred to me the first time I was reading them. I'll save those comments for the reviews I'll write of the later books in the series, as the issues I'm going to be talking about are more prevalent there...
First, and perhaps most importantly, my little boy likes them. He's about five an a half, which is younger than the target age for these books, but he's into them.
(In the interest of full disclosure, Oot isn't the most critical of readers at this point in his life. He pretty much likes all books.)
I like the books too. I think they do a great job of blending traditional folklore and the modern world. What's more, they borrow from the traditional lore, and expand on it in interesting ways.
What's more I *really* like the illustrations. I'd forgotten the books were illustrated, and that really makes it nicer when reading them to my boy. It adds a lot to the experience. I wish I had thought to look through these books for some pointers before I did Slow Regard of Silent things with Nate Taylor.
All that said, I have some quibbles with these books as a parent. Things that never occurred to me the first time I was reading them. I'll save those comments for the reviews I'll write of the later books in the series, as the issues I'm going to be talking about are more prevalent there...
January 20, 2024
i too want to go live in an old house and find a library with all sorts of secrets
September 3, 2020
A light and pleasant children's book to improve my English and forget life's difficulties. Scribd book + Brazilian youtube audiobook.
Synopsis : "After finding a mysterious, handmade field guide in the attic of the ramshackle old mansion they’ve just moved into, Jared; his twin brother, Simon; and their older sister, Mallory, discover that there’s a magical and maybe dangerous world existing parallel to our own—the world of faerie. The Grace children want to share their story, but the faeries will do everything possible to stop them..."
Synopsis : "After finding a mysterious, handmade field guide in the attic of the ramshackle old mansion they’ve just moved into, Jared; his twin brother, Simon; and their older sister, Mallory, discover that there’s a magical and maybe dangerous world existing parallel to our own—the world of faerie. The Grace children want to share their story, but the faeries will do everything possible to stop them..."
June 21, 2020
1.) The Field Guide ★★★
2.) The Seeing Stone ★★.5
-----------------------------------------------
BOOK #6 READ FOR BELIEVATHON ROUND 2.
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★
This didn't read as a separate book in a series, it read as though it was chapter 1 of the first book! There was no solid beginning, middle and end, instead it seemed like just a beginning? I'm confused as to why this series is split into separate books like this when the stories seem so incomplete on their own.
That being said, I think if I kept reading, I would really enjoy it! It's super spooky and fun!
trigger warnings: parents separating, outdated and potentially harmful language when referring to people with mental illnesses.
2.) The Seeing Stone ★★.5
-----------------------------------------------
BOOK #6 READ FOR BELIEVATHON ROUND 2.
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★
This didn't read as a separate book in a series, it read as though it was chapter 1 of the first book! There was no solid beginning, middle and end, instead it seemed like just a beginning? I'm confused as to why this series is split into separate books like this when the stories seem so incomplete on their own.
That being said, I think if I kept reading, I would really enjoy it! It's super spooky and fun!
trigger warnings: parents separating, outdated and potentially harmful language when referring to people with mental illnesses.
November 13, 2015
Just your typical 'move into an old creepy house, weird stuff starts happening, one of the kids gets blamed, and then they find a book that explains the existence of fairies/faeries/fey which solves their problems... while at the same time causing many more problems'.
Happens every day.
Also, I'm no expert in the sport of fencing, but I'm pretty sure that they don't call the weapon a sword, and someone who is serious about fencing, as Mallory apparently is, would know that.
I think that this book reads a little young, also. Not just for the length, which is REALLY short, but also in the style and feel of the writing. The characters are 9 year old twins and a 13 year old older sister, but if I had to peg an age range for the target audience, I'd go with 6 or 7 year olds.
Still, this is probably a fun and cute story for kids. I'm just less than impressed by it, considering that I'm a crotchety 30-something cat lady.
Happens every day.
Also, I'm no expert in the sport of fencing, but I'm pretty sure that they don't call the weapon a sword, and someone who is serious about fencing, as Mallory apparently is, would know that.
I think that this book reads a little young, also. Not just for the length, which is REALLY short, but also in the style and feel of the writing. The characters are 9 year old twins and a 13 year old older sister, but if I had to peg an age range for the target audience, I'd go with 6 or 7 year olds.
Still, this is probably a fun and cute story for kids. I'm just less than impressed by it, considering that I'm a crotchety 30-something cat lady.
March 25, 2008
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 of Unfortunate Events." Aesthetic similarites aside (and there are many), both series center around the somewhat fantastical adventures of three children, and, more importantly, both series emphasize the importance of children solving their own problems. I'm all for that.
What irks me about the Chronicles is the authors' lack of subtlety and creativity; take this passage, for instance: "Jared watched him go and wondered what he could do. Could he really solve anything by himself?" Ironically, the authors seem to underestimate the problem-solving abilities of the kids that are reading these books. Not to mention the first book ends with hardly an introduction; breaking the series into a five-book set feels like a cheap trick to make a profit, and I think the overall flow of the story suffers because of it.
The Chronicles are not without merit; there is some enjoyable dialogue and the illustrations are terrific. I think the series could be truly engaging if the authors focused more on the story, rather than on spelling out the moral behind it.
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 of Unfortunate Events." Aesthetic similarites aside (and there are many), both series center around the somewhat fantastical adventures of three children, and, more importantly, both series emphasize the importance of children solving their own problems. I'm all for that.
What irks me about the Chronicles is the authors' lack of subtlety and creativity; take this passage, for instance: "Jared watched him go and wondered what he could do. Could he really solve anything by himself?" Ironically, the authors seem to underestimate the problem-solving abilities of the kids that are reading these books. Not to mention the first book ends with hardly an introduction; breaking the series into a five-book set feels like a cheap trick to make a profit, and I think the overall flow of the story suffers because of it.
The Chronicles are not without merit; there is some enjoyable dialogue and the illustrations are terrific. I think the series could be truly engaging if the authors focused more on the story, rather than on spelling out the moral behind it.
September 23, 2020
Wanted to read this series badly when I was a kid, but somehow never got around to it. Now I needed something light and fun, to get myself back into a rhythm of reading every day -and this is exactly that.
The books aren't so much individual stories of their own, but instead more like five parts of one story, but I guess that way they are quick and easy to get through. I like the characters and the setting as well, feels kind of nostalgic in a way.
April 8, 2015
I read the Spiderwick Chronicles back when I was quite young, maybe eight or nine. My sister and I read the crap out these books (we must have read them 15 times, no joke) and I've been wanting to revist this series and the wonderful fantasy world that Holly and Tony created for awhile now but I've finally gotten around to it.
The writing partnership of Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi is remarkable and this series is by far some of the most well written literature that I've ever read.
The three main characters, Jared, Simon, and Mallory, are so relatable and realistic. I can relate to each of them in a different way and I think most readers will feel the same.
Overall, I highly recommend this series to everyone of any age. The Field Guide is such an outstanding start to a series and I can see myself rereading this book a hundred times and still enjoy it just as much as the first time.
February 1, 2025
I remember reading and loving this book when I was 10 or 11years old. So when I saw it in one of my local charity shops I immediately bought it. I definitely don't regret it. I think I loved it just as much as my child self. Maybe because I am such a huge fan of all things paranormal.
I like that there are drawings throughout the book which are absolutely gorgeous by the way. :)
It follows the adventure of two brothers and a sister into the magical world right beside the house they live in. There are descriptions of many magical creatures - like their appearance, habits, etc. I find this simply amazing!
2025 Препрочит:
Тази поредица винаги ще има специално място в сърцето ми ❤️
I like that there are drawings throughout the book which are absolutely gorgeous by the way. :)
It follows the adventure of two brothers and a sister into the magical world right beside the house they live in. There are descriptions of many magical creatures - like their appearance, habits, etc. I find this simply amazing!
2025 Препрочит:
Тази поредица винаги ще има специално място в сърцето ми ❤️
February 23, 2021
When I was small, I stole sleeping faeries from flowers and would show my grandfather the dainty, slumbering little people. I would be careful not to hurt their wings and would always put them back on their flowers at my grandpa’s urging. That being said, my aunt’s collection of illustrated faerie books containing wild, quirky and often wicked little creatures flared my imagination. And so, a few years later when my mother bought me the first two books of the Spiderwick Chronicles, I was sucked into the world of the Grace kids immediately.
In a man’s torso you will find
My secret to all mankind
If false and true can be the same
You will soon know of my fame
Up and up and up again
Good luck dear friend
I decided to pick this series up again, especially now that I’ve been able to track down all five books. Field Guide still manages to enthral me with its lovely illustrations and quirky characters. The story follows Simon, Jared and Mallory Grace as they move into their aunt Lucinda’s old home with their mother. The riddles and strange encounters that the characters experience makes Field Guide a kind of children’s mystery novel – a whodunnit where the characters discover who froze Simon’s tadpoles in ice cubes instead of finding a killer. I enjoyed this book; I love its nostalgic air and compelling atmosphere. I’m not too fond of the binary nature of the twins (Simon: reading + liking animals = “nerdy” with neat hair and Jared: adventurous + temperamental = messy hair and rebellious). However, I love what the authors have done with Mallory. She certainly isn’t a YA trope character and prefers fencing over swooning.
I’m looking forward to continuing with the series.
In a man’s torso you will find
My secret to all mankind
If false and true can be the same
You will soon know of my fame
Up and up and up again
Good luck dear friend
I decided to pick this series up again, especially now that I’ve been able to track down all five books. Field Guide still manages to enthral me with its lovely illustrations and quirky characters. The story follows Simon, Jared and Mallory Grace as they move into their aunt Lucinda’s old home with their mother. The riddles and strange encounters that the characters experience makes Field Guide a kind of children’s mystery novel – a whodunnit where the characters discover who froze Simon’s tadpoles in ice cubes instead of finding a killer. I enjoyed this book; I love its nostalgic air and compelling atmosphere. I’m not too fond of the binary nature of the twins (Simon: reading + liking animals = “nerdy” with neat hair and Jared: adventurous + temperamental = messy hair and rebellious). However, I love what the authors have done with Mallory. She certainly isn’t a YA trope character and prefers fencing over swooning.
I’m looking forward to continuing with the series.
February 26, 2024
Visiting this for the first time after wanting to explore series other people grew up with and loved.
Fantasy is still not something I'm overly comfortable with, even fantasy for younger audiences. But after reading and loving the first book in the Emily Wilde series, I thought I'd further look into light, cozy fantasy involving the fey/fae.
This was cute. Certainly only a mere introduction to this world but cute and whimsical, nonetheless. There's not TOO much to grasp onto but it did an excellent job at planting a seed for the rest of the series, something I will for sure be continuing.
Fantasy is still not something I'm overly comfortable with, even fantasy for younger audiences. But after reading and loving the first book in the Emily Wilde series, I thought I'd further look into light, cozy fantasy involving the fey/fae.
This was cute. Certainly only a mere introduction to this world but cute and whimsical, nonetheless. There's not TOO much to grasp onto but it did an excellent job at planting a seed for the rest of the series, something I will for sure be continuing.
February 23, 2021
I love love love how this series came to fruition!
Very quick audio (about an hour) and sets things up nicely for more adventure.
I adore that Mark Hamill is narrating; totally in for the rest of the series!
Very quick audio (about an hour) and sets things up nicely for more adventure.
I adore that Mark Hamill is narrating; totally in for the rest of the series!
August 15, 2017
Las crónicas de Spiderwik nos cuenta la historia de Simón, Jared y Mallory, tres hermanos que se mudan con su madre a una casa de la época victoriana en medio de un lugar aparato de la ciudad. Pronto, los ruidos de la casa, los mensajes en el polvo y aquel libro lleno de criaturas fantásticas que encontraron los llevará a querer descubrir qué hay detrás de todo eso.
Volver a estos libros después de años me trae un sin fin de recuerdos de aquella primera vez que lo leí. En esta ocasión, vuelvo a ellos con más experiencia lectora y tal vez hasta más exigencia de mi parte.
Los libros están destinados a un público infantil, y cumplen su función: entretener, divertirnos y provocarnos sentimientos que a los primeros lectores entusiasman demasiado.
Los personajes nos causan empatía y la historia nos lleva poco a poco a lo que parece ser un gran misterio. Las ilustraciones son de mis favoritas. Hay tantos detalles muy cuidados y me encanta la forma en la que acompañan a la narración.
En conclusión, pienso que la historia es simpática, sin embargo, quiero descubrir algo mejor con los siguientes libros, a pesar de que ya los leí hace tiempo y no recuerdo a la perfección lo que sucede. Aún así el libro me parece bueno ❤️
Volver a estos libros después de años me trae un sin fin de recuerdos de aquella primera vez que lo leí. En esta ocasión, vuelvo a ellos con más experiencia lectora y tal vez hasta más exigencia de mi parte.
Los libros están destinados a un público infantil, y cumplen su función: entretener, divertirnos y provocarnos sentimientos que a los primeros lectores entusiasman demasiado.
Los personajes nos causan empatía y la historia nos lleva poco a poco a lo que parece ser un gran misterio. Las ilustraciones son de mis favoritas. Hay tantos detalles muy cuidados y me encanta la forma en la que acompañan a la narración.
En conclusión, pienso que la historia es simpática, sin embargo, quiero descubrir algo mejor con los siguientes libros, a pesar de que ya los leí hace tiempo y no recuerdo a la perfección lo que sucede. Aún así el libro me parece bueno ❤️
July 18, 2009
Very cute! I can see why kids like them. I'm sure I'll end up buying the complete set for mine!
March 21, 2017
ممتعة لأقصى حد انتهيت منها بأقل من ساعتين
المراجعة ستكون عند انتهائي من الجزء الخامس والأخير منها
المراجعة ستكون عند انتهائي من الجزء الخامس والأخير منها
December 25, 2022
This first volume introduces readers to the world of the Spiderwick Chronicles. The writing is very atmospheric and creepy. Also, there was a real sense of danger as well since the children are attacked by the creature in this story. For some reason, I enjoy children's literature that has a bit of darkness to it.
January 5, 2018
About a year and a half ago I found this entire five book series at a thrift store and decided to buy them. I didn't know much about the series, other than that there was a movie made, but for five bucks I decided to take a chance. And now, over a year later, I have finally started reading them. And I'm really glad I have.
This first book is about the Grace children: Mallory, Jared, and Simon. Their lives have changed quite drastically in a short amount of time and they find themselves in a new home. Things get interesting when they hear things in the walls and Jared discovers a field guide to faeries.
The plot is simple because this is focused toward children, but well detailed and clever. The writing is also really excellent and engaging. Although targeted at a younger audience, this can easily be enjoyed by adults. My sister and I read this first book together and plan to continue reading the series in the coming days/weeks. I hope that the remainder of the series holds the same charm as this first installment.
We're excited to share these books with our six and seven year old niece and nephew, who we think will really enjoy the story and humor.
The illustrations are also really great and should work well when trying to engage younger children in the story. I highly recommend this first book.
This first book is about the Grace children: Mallory, Jared, and Simon. Their lives have changed quite drastically in a short amount of time and they find themselves in a new home. Things get interesting when they hear things in the walls and Jared discovers a field guide to faeries.
The plot is simple because this is focused toward children, but well detailed and clever. The writing is also really excellent and engaging. Although targeted at a younger audience, this can easily be enjoyed by adults. My sister and I read this first book together and plan to continue reading the series in the coming days/weeks. I hope that the remainder of the series holds the same charm as this first installment.
We're excited to share these books with our six and seven year old niece and nephew, who we think will really enjoy the story and humor.
The illustrations are also really great and should work well when trying to engage younger children in the story. I highly recommend this first book.
December 5, 2019
I mean it wasn't bad. I finished it pretty quickly. I've read many middle grade books this year, and this one wasn't really anything special. I think it was more of an introductory book than anything. I hope the following books will be more fun.
December 25, 2019
دلم واسه این فانتزی بازیای دوره نوجوونیم تنگ شده بود.
December 3, 2016
I like this book for kids (8-11). It's spooky at times as you follow two twin boys and their sister in a creepy, old house.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
June 21, 2018
Reto #30 PopSugar 2018: Un libro con personajes que son gemelos.
October 2, 2023
if a series of unfortunate events was about faeries!!
so cute so fun
will def read to my future kids if i ever have any
loved the sibling dynamics & the discussions about mental health
so cute so fun
will def read to my future kids if i ever have any
loved the sibling dynamics & the discussions about mental health
October 23, 2021
رواية قصيرة جدًا كما سنعتاد مع سلسلة سبايدرويك و ممكن الحقيقة تخلص كل واحده فيهم في قعدة او تخلص الخمسة في قعدة زي ما تحب يعني
الرواية سلسة جدًا و مش مملة و مفيهاش وصف ممل علي الإطلاق
بتقدم فانتازيا الرواية بغموض لذيذ و الرواية تعتبر أدب أطفال بس ده ميمنعنيش اني استمتع بيها طبعًا
من الواضح ان موضوع الرواية هيبقي عن الجنيات بس مش جنيات من بتوع تنكربل لا جنيات بشعة الأشكال و بيعملوا افعال فظيعة لو دستلهم علي طرف
ابطال الرواية جارد و سايمون و مالوري جريس اخين و بنت بينتقلوا لمنزل جديد بيسمعوا فيه اصوات غريبة و بيبداوا البحث و يلاقوا عش غريب بيبوظوه
فبيبدء انتقام الجني منهم لحد ما بيراضوه بهدية
مش هطول الريفيو مش حابب احرق الرواية كلها تتحكي في عشر سطور اصلًا
الرواية سلسة جدًا و مش مملة و مفيهاش وصف ممل علي الإطلاق
بتقدم فانتازيا الرواية بغموض لذيذ و الرواية تعتبر أدب أطفال بس ده ميمنعنيش اني استمتع بيها طبعًا
من الواضح ان موضوع الرواية هيبقي عن الجنيات بس مش جنيات من بتوع تنكربل لا جنيات بشعة الأشكال و بيعملوا افعال فظيعة لو دستلهم علي طرف
ابطال الرواية جارد و سايمون و مالوري جريس اخين و بنت بينتقلوا لمنزل جديد بيسمعوا فيه اصوات غريبة و بيبداوا البحث و يلاقوا عش غريب بيبوظوه
فبيبدء انتقام الجني منهم لحد ما بيراضوه بهدية
مش هطول الريفيو مش حابب احرق الرواية كلها تتحكي في عشر سطور اصلًا
July 1, 2016
A fun and quick read.
October 1, 2024
series of unfortunate events vibes meets inkheart. It was mostly introductory info so I will definitely read the rest of the series!
July 4, 2018
3 / 5 stars
The Spiderwick Chronicles movie had been a family favourite in my household for years, my sister and I watched the movie a ridiculous amount of times and yet, I never read the series. I was curious when I picked this up, to see how much of the story I remembered and how accurate the film had been.
This story follows the Grace family, who were forced to move into the house of a crazy Great Aunt when they couldn't afford to live in New York after the divorce. The three siblings; Jared and Simon, nine year old twins and their older sister Malory, thirteen, were perfect. They were the typical bickering siblings who drove each other crazy but also supported and trusted each other.
The main character in this book was Jared, who was treated as the black sheep of the family, suspected by their mother to have anger issues after getting into a fight at his last school. He was so cute and misunderstood, blamed for the mischief and mayhem an angry Brownie created in their new home.
I was surprised by just how short this book was, I finished it in one very short sitting, so I'm sure it will be easy enough to get through the series. It was fast-paced and exciting, covering what ended up being the very beginning of the movie. I'm intrigued to see more of the fantastical creatures and the way the family situation progresses. I remember Aunt Lucinda was always a favourite of mine, so I can't wait until she appears!
The Spiderwick Chronicles movie had been a family favourite in my household for years, my sister and I watched the movie a ridiculous amount of times and yet, I never read the series. I was curious when I picked this up, to see how much of the story I remembered and how accurate the film had been.
This story follows the Grace family, who were forced to move into the house of a crazy Great Aunt when they couldn't afford to live in New York after the divorce. The three siblings; Jared and Simon, nine year old twins and their older sister Malory, thirteen, were perfect. They were the typical bickering siblings who drove each other crazy but also supported and trusted each other.
The main character in this book was Jared, who was treated as the black sheep of the family, suspected by their mother to have anger issues after getting into a fight at his last school. He was so cute and misunderstood, blamed for the mischief and mayhem an angry Brownie created in their new home.
I was surprised by just how short this book was, I finished it in one very short sitting, so I'm sure it will be easy enough to get through the series. It was fast-paced and exciting, covering what ended up being the very beginning of the movie. I'm intrigued to see more of the fantastical creatures and the way the family situation progresses. I remember Aunt Lucinda was always a favourite of mine, so I can't wait until she appears!
August 8, 2015
เดี๋ยวนี้กลายเป็นคนชอบอ่านหนังสือเด็กที่มีภาพประกอบไปแล้ว สำหรับสไปเดอร์วิกนี่เคยดูหนังเมื่อหลายปีก่อน ชอบนะ พอมาอ่านแล้วรู้สึกว่าหนังสือนี่เล่าเรื่องแบบกระชับมาก ไม่ยืดเยื้อ ภาพประกอบก็สวย ให้อารมณ์ลึกลับน่าติดตาม ติดแค่ตรงเนื้อเรื่องเล่มแรกสั้นมาก เป็นการปูพื้นไปเล่มต่อๆไป แต่อ่านแล้วติดใจจนต้องหยิบเล่มต่อขึ้นมาอ่านทันที
March 29, 2011
Fairies are DANGEROUS. And they don't want you to know about them. I love that this book takes the question of fairies and brownies and pixies seriously, it gives this story its power. I love the setting: the rambling old house out in the country, the secret room, the shadowy feeling that something is watching...
And I love the format of this series, with the uneven edges to the pages, the small size of the books. They just feel cool.
This is the first book of the series, and it starts off strong. Subsequent books in the series were less interesting to me, I think this is a series you need to read all of in one fell swoop.
And I love the format of this series, with the uneven edges to the pages, the small size of the books. They just feel cool.
This is the first book of the series, and it starts off strong. Subsequent books in the series were less interesting to me, I think this is a series you need to read all of in one fell swoop.
August 5, 2015
This had everything a children's book should have: imagination. This was really great!
February 5, 2013
As I said in an earlier comment, I love the size and feel of this small book. That may sound an odd comment, but I am a book lover of the real deal books, not electronic ones. I love books you can hold in your hands, feel and smell the paper, books you can caress. It's just such a lovely size; I could hold it in one hand whilst I read. Even the fonts captured me. This is the sort of book that I would have cherished as a young girl, collecting all of the series and placing them in a special spot on my bookshelf. I found this copy, in near perfect condition, at a thrift store for 50 cents. Initially I picked it up thinking it would be a good base for an altered book but it's a keeper. It is going on one of my (grownup) bookshelves.
The story would also have captivated me as a young girl: three children and their newly-divorced mom move, out of necessity, into an older relative's practically abandoned Victorian home, where weird things happen and a mystery unfolds. I realized reading it as an adult that there is powerful marketing going on here; The Field Guide is just a tasty morsel to whet young readers' appetites so they'll want to buy the next in the series. That's cool. I once owned over 60 hardback Nancy Drews and loved every one of them. (I can't believe my mom let me sell them to a used bookstore when I was 14 and thought I had outgrown them. I weep still.)
Lovely illustrations, fun mysterious story, beautiful presentation. I read it in an hour or two and enjoyed it very much. Made me remember how very much I loved to read as a child, especially tales like this that opened secret doors onto magic and mystery.
The story would also have captivated me as a young girl: three children and their newly-divorced mom move, out of necessity, into an older relative's practically abandoned Victorian home, where weird things happen and a mystery unfolds. I realized reading it as an adult that there is powerful marketing going on here; The Field Guide is just a tasty morsel to whet young readers' appetites so they'll want to buy the next in the series. That's cool. I once owned over 60 hardback Nancy Drews and loved every one of them. (I can't believe my mom let me sell them to a used bookstore when I was 14 and thought I had outgrown them. I weep still.)
Lovely illustrations, fun mysterious story, beautiful presentation. I read it in an hour or two and enjoyed it very much. Made me remember how very much I loved to read as a child, especially tales like this that opened secret doors onto magic and mystery.
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