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Bedknobs and Broomsticks #1-2
Bed-Knob and Broomstick
The Magic Bed-Knob and Bonfires and Broomsticks in one volume. These are the exploits of the three Wilson children; Miss Price, the apprentice witch; and the flying bed. A tale of a witch-in-training and trouble of the most unforgettable kind.
229 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1957
227 people are currently reading
5505 people want to read
About the author
Mary Norton
74 books801 followersMary Norton (née Pearson) was an English children's author. She was the daughter of a physician, and was raised in a Georgian house at the end of the High Street in Leighton Buzzard. The house now consists of part of Leighton Middle School, known within the school as The Old House, and was reportedly the setting of her novel The Borrowers. She married Robert C. Norton in 1927 and had four children, 2 boys and 2 girls. Her second husband was Lionel Boncey, who she married in 1970. She began working for the War Office in 1940 before the family moved temporarily to the United States.
She began writing while working for the British Purchasing Commission in New York during the Second World War. Her first book was The Magic Bed Knob; or, How to Become a Witch in Ten Easy Lessons published in 1943, which, together with the sequel Bonfires and Broomsticks, became the basis for the Disney film Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
Mary Norton died of a stroke in Devon, England in 1992.
She began writing while working for the British Purchasing Commission in New York during the Second World War. Her first book was The Magic Bed Knob; or, How to Become a Witch in Ten Easy Lessons published in 1943, which, together with the sequel Bonfires and Broomsticks, became the basis for the Disney film Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
Mary Norton died of a stroke in Devon, England in 1992.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 563 reviews
July 25, 2008
I grew up watching a Beta tape (OMG) version of this movie, starring Angela Lansbury, when I was younger. When I became a little older, and many of the original Disney classics that we ONLY had on beta were lost, I was inconsolable. I didn't get to watch many of those Diney favorites again until I was a teenager; Escape to Witch Mountain, The Parent Trap, Return From Witch Mountain, The Apple Dumpling Gang. I relish these books now, as treasured memories of rainy days, curled up in my grandmother's apartment, watching Disney while she crocheted.
November 13, 2017
tutti gli erripotter del mondo per uno solo di questi pomi d’ottone.
il film non perde un colpo a distanza di decenni (rivisto di recente, garantisco), e quando ho trovato il libro su una bancarella di borghetto flaminio sono stata più felice di miss price davanti alla metà mancante del volume sul mago astoroth.
(emelius browne è un fantastico nome da gatto. lo opziono pubblicamente, che si sappia).
il film non perde un colpo a distanza di decenni (rivisto di recente, garantisco), e quando ho trovato il libro su una bancarella di borghetto flaminio sono stata più felice di miss price davanti alla metà mancante del volume sul mago astoroth.
(emelius browne è un fantastico nome da gatto. lo opziono pubblicamente, che si sappia).
March 9, 2022
Storia un po’ diversa da quella del film che conosciamo, ma altrettanto piacevole.
Carey, Charles e Paul sono tre fratellini che, a causa dei lunghi turni di lavoro della madre, devono trascorrere l’estate in campagna, da una zia. Lì conoscono Miss Price, la donna del cottage accanto, la sera che questa decide di farsi un giro a cavallo della sua scopa (e rischia di rompersi l’osso del collo cadendo dalla stessa).
«Cos’è quello?»
Si fermarono tutti a guardare.
«Si muove» disse Paul. «Andiamo a vedere.»
Carey scattò sulle lunghe gambe.
«È una persona» disse voltandosi, e rallentò il passo. Aspettò che gli altri la raggiungessero.
«È...» disse con voce soffocata per la sorpresa, «è Miss Price!»
Era proprio lei, seduta sotto un cedro sul terreno bagnato. La giacca grigia e i capelli le pendevano a ciocche.
Dall’incidente nasce un compromesso: i bambini terranno la bocca chiusa su di lei e Miss Price, in cambio, donerà loro un oggetto magico in grado di farli viaggiare nello spazio e nel tempo, il quale perderà ogni potere nel caso in cui loro decidessero di parlare. L’oggetto magico in questione è il pomo del letto di Paul.
Il resto è, come c’è da aspettarsi da un classico dell’infanzia simile, pura magia. Charles, Paul e Carey partiranno alla volta di Londra, poi di un atollo inesplorato del Pacifico e, infine, della Londra del tardo ‘600 (un’escursione, questa, che darà vita ad un finale imprevedibile, per chi conosce a memoria la trama del film!) rischiando, letteralmente, la vita.
Alcuni erano armati di stanghe, altri di mazze, uno – evidentemente un macellaio – arrivò con una grande mannaia lucente. E tutti correvano verso il punto dove la scopa era caduta.
Laddove i protagonisti del film Disney, con l’intramontabile Angela Lansbury in testa, finiscono dapprima nella Londra devastata dalle bombe e poi su un’isola popolata di animali parlanti, nel libro le loro avventure sono diverse, ma non meno affascinanti. Si ha l’impressione che l’autrice abbia scritto una storia per i più piccoli, sì, ma senza perdere d’occhio la possibilità che potessero essere i loro genitori a leggergliela. Solo così si può spiegare la piega tetra presa dal libro nell’ultima parte, per poi risollevarsi grazie al tanto atteso lieto fine.
Carey, Charles e Paul sono tre fratellini che, a causa dei lunghi turni di lavoro della madre, devono trascorrere l’estate in campagna, da una zia. Lì conoscono Miss Price, la donna del cottage accanto, la sera che questa decide di farsi un giro a cavallo della sua scopa (e rischia di rompersi l’osso del collo cadendo dalla stessa).
«Cos’è quello?»
Si fermarono tutti a guardare.
«Si muove» disse Paul. «Andiamo a vedere.»
Carey scattò sulle lunghe gambe.
«È una persona» disse voltandosi, e rallentò il passo. Aspettò che gli altri la raggiungessero.
«È...» disse con voce soffocata per la sorpresa, «è Miss Price!»
Era proprio lei, seduta sotto un cedro sul terreno bagnato. La giacca grigia e i capelli le pendevano a ciocche.
Dall’incidente nasce un compromesso: i bambini terranno la bocca chiusa su di lei e Miss Price, in cambio, donerà loro un oggetto magico in grado di farli viaggiare nello spazio e nel tempo, il quale perderà ogni potere nel caso in cui loro decidessero di parlare. L’oggetto magico in questione è il pomo del letto di Paul.
Il resto è, come c’è da aspettarsi da un classico dell’infanzia simile, pura magia. Charles, Paul e Carey partiranno alla volta di Londra, poi di un atollo inesplorato del Pacifico e, infine, della Londra del tardo ‘600 (un’escursione, questa, che darà vita ad un finale imprevedibile, per chi conosce a memoria la trama del film!) rischiando, letteralmente, la vita.
Alcuni erano armati di stanghe, altri di mazze, uno – evidentemente un macellaio – arrivò con una grande mannaia lucente. E tutti correvano verso il punto dove la scopa era caduta.
Laddove i protagonisti del film Disney, con l’intramontabile Angela Lansbury in testa, finiscono dapprima nella Londra devastata dalle bombe e poi su un’isola popolata di animali parlanti, nel libro le loro avventure sono diverse, ma non meno affascinanti. Si ha l’impressione che l’autrice abbia scritto una storia per i più piccoli, sì, ma senza perdere d’occhio la possibilità che potessero essere i loro genitori a leggergliela. Solo così si può spiegare la piega tetra presa dal libro nell’ultima parte, per poi risollevarsi grazie al tanto atteso lieto fine.
November 3, 2019
Me ha encantado reencontrarme con los personajes y descubrir una historia diferente a la de la película, aunque mantiene la diversión y la magia.
Próximamente reseña en https://rincondemarlau.blogspot.com
Próximamente reseña en https://rincondemarlau.blogspot.com
March 31, 2022
I liked this book SO much better than the old Disney movie! It's whimsical and sweet and fun. It's actually two novellas combined, "The Magic Bed-Knob" and "Bonfires and Broomsticks." I liked the latter much better than the former, mostly due to the presence of a wannabe wizard from the Middle Ages who was sweet and hapless.
I really liked that the kids got into trouble when they disobeyed authority figures, but they were also clever and brave and resourceful enough to get through some pretty tense moments on their own. The magic here is all of the obviously pretend variety, like Harry Potter or the fairy godmother in Cinderella, not teaching young readers how to do magic or anything like that. It also is shown to be pretty dangerous stuff that really shouldn't be messed around with.
Overall, this gave me quite a few chuckles, and I wouldn't mind rereading it one day.
I really liked that the kids got into trouble when they disobeyed authority figures, but they were also clever and brave and resourceful enough to get through some pretty tense moments on their own. The magic here is all of the obviously pretend variety, like Harry Potter or the fairy godmother in Cinderella, not teaching young readers how to do magic or anything like that. It also is shown to be pretty dangerous stuff that really shouldn't be messed around with.
Overall, this gave me quite a few chuckles, and I wouldn't mind rereading it one day.
February 19, 2019
Ah, il ricordo dell'infanzia che ti colpisce con un manrovescio e ti prende a calci mentre sei accasciato per terra <3
Che cosa brutta crescere...
Anyway, questa lettura è obbligatoria!
Cresciuta a pane e a vecchi film (grazie al padre cinefilo) che probabilmente nessuno conosce o ricorda, Pomi d'Ottone e Manici di Scopa è stato un MUST della mia infanzia. Principesse Disney, levatevi.
Ma ammetto le mie colpe: non avevo la benché minima idea che il libro si trovasse ancora in libreria. Immaginate il mio shock quando, sistemando il reparto ragazzi (come sempre imploso su se stesso grazie ai clienti incapaci di sistemare un libro), l'occhio mi è caduto su questo titolo. E niente, l'ho dovuto comprare per forza.
Non mi aspettavo un rifacimento al film, sia chiaro. Come sempre, la storia del libro è molto diversa dalla sua trasposizione cinematografica, tanto che le poche cose in comune sono i personaggi e il letto. E, proprio a causa di queste differenze, trovo il film imbattibile sul punto di vista della storia. Cioè, la scena delle armature medioevali che vanno a picchiare i nazisti rimarrà per sempre negli annali, vogliamo mettere?
Nonostante ciò, rimane un'ottima lettura per ragazzi e un ottimo ritorno alla fanciullezza per i più grandi.
Eppure, c'è un dettaglio che non posso perdonare!
DOVE DIAVOLO è BRIVIDO COSMICO???
Che cosa brutta crescere...
Anyway, questa lettura è obbligatoria!
Cresciuta a pane e a vecchi film (grazie al padre cinefilo) che probabilmente nessuno conosce o ricorda, Pomi d'Ottone e Manici di Scopa è stato un MUST della mia infanzia. Principesse Disney, levatevi.
Ma ammetto le mie colpe: non avevo la benché minima idea che il libro si trovasse ancora in libreria. Immaginate il mio shock quando, sistemando il reparto ragazzi (come sempre imploso su se stesso grazie ai clienti incapaci di sistemare un libro), l'occhio mi è caduto su questo titolo. E niente, l'ho dovuto comprare per forza.
Non mi aspettavo un rifacimento al film, sia chiaro. Come sempre, la storia del libro è molto diversa dalla sua trasposizione cinematografica, tanto che le poche cose in comune sono i personaggi e il letto. E, proprio a causa di queste differenze, trovo il film imbattibile sul punto di vista della storia. Cioè, la scena delle armature medioevali che vanno a picchiare i nazisti rimarrà per sempre negli annali, vogliamo mettere?
Nonostante ciò, rimane un'ottima lettura per ragazzi e un ottimo ritorno alla fanciullezza per i più grandi.
Eppure, c'è un dettaglio che non posso perdonare!
DOVE DIAVOLO è BRIVIDO COSMICO???
March 15, 2009
I don't remember this book too well, but I know that between this and the picture-book "Bed Book" I really wanted a flying bed as a child. Life is full of disappointments.
May 15, 2019
'Bedknob and Broomstick' is one of those books that differs completely from the film. And I love the film, so it was more of a disappointment to me than anything.
Three evacuees from London (Carey, Charles and Paul) are left with a strange and fusty old woman named Miss Price. Little do they know, she is learning to be an apprentice witch, and is quite nifty with certain spells. In the film she is portrayed as cooky and quirky by Angela Lansbury, but in the book she is almost at creepy level, and is definitely not as cuddly as the movie.
The 3 children spot Miss Price one evening, sailing over the rooftops on her broomstick, and then crashing in the garden and injuring herself, and when they tell her of this, she is terrified that she will be 'outed' as a witch. Because of this, she decides to gift them a travelling spell to buy their silence, one that can take them to any place they wish to go in the past or present. All they need to do is turn the knob on their bed and they will be transported.
Initially it's a fun idea, with the children appearing first at their mother's house in London on the street in bed, but when we get back into the 17th Century with a necromancer named Emelius Jones who is wanted to burn at the stake, the book seems to take a darker turn. In fact, I am genuinely surprised that children under ten wouldn't be scared of this. I didn't so much enjoy this, but thought it would be interesting to see the similarities between both book and film. I now wish I had just stayed with the film alone.
Three evacuees from London (Carey, Charles and Paul) are left with a strange and fusty old woman named Miss Price. Little do they know, she is learning to be an apprentice witch, and is quite nifty with certain spells. In the film she is portrayed as cooky and quirky by Angela Lansbury, but in the book she is almost at creepy level, and is definitely not as cuddly as the movie.
The 3 children spot Miss Price one evening, sailing over the rooftops on her broomstick, and then crashing in the garden and injuring herself, and when they tell her of this, she is terrified that she will be 'outed' as a witch. Because of this, she decides to gift them a travelling spell to buy their silence, one that can take them to any place they wish to go in the past or present. All they need to do is turn the knob on their bed and they will be transported.
Initially it's a fun idea, with the children appearing first at their mother's house in London on the street in bed, but when we get back into the 17th Century with a necromancer named Emelius Jones who is wanted to burn at the stake, the book seems to take a darker turn. In fact, I am genuinely surprised that children under ten wouldn't be scared of this. I didn't so much enjoy this, but thought it would be interesting to see the similarities between both book and film. I now wish I had just stayed with the film alone.
September 22, 2014
Ho visto mille votle il film con Angela Lansbury (e ho la canzone di Portobello sul lettore mp3.. :D) ma in tutta onestà non sapevo fosse tratto da un libro!! Quando ho visto che la Salani lo avrebbe ripubblicato (santa Salani!) ho contato i giorni che mancavano.. Il giorno che è uscito sono andata in libreria con poche speranze (MEH. Se non si parla dei super best-seller alcuni libri vengono totalmente ignorati), invece ce ne erano tantissime copie perché l'addetta al reparto bambini ci capisce (e mi ha dato una pacca ammirata sulla spalla per averlo comprato il primo giorno di uscita :DD)!
Se vi è piaciuto il film (e a parte quelli che non lo conoscono perché di un'altra generazione.. COme si fa a non amare quel film??) e se pensate che i libri di infanzia non siano solo per bambini.. Questo libro vi incanterà!
Sia per la storia (che però non è uguale al film.. Anzi, parecchio diversa!) sia per lo stile dell'autrice che mi ha davvero sorpreso in positivo!
Mi è piaciuta la parte (seppur breve) ambientata nella Londra del 1666 raccontata in modo del tutto non scontato.. :))
Consigliatissimo! E leggetelo/fatelo leggere ai vostri bambini, mi raccomando!!
Se vi è piaciuto il film (e a parte quelli che non lo conoscono perché di un'altra generazione.. COme si fa a non amare quel film??) e se pensate che i libri di infanzia non siano solo per bambini.. Questo libro vi incanterà!
Sia per la storia (che però non è uguale al film.. Anzi, parecchio diversa!) sia per lo stile dell'autrice che mi ha davvero sorpreso in positivo!
Mi è piaciuta la parte (seppur breve) ambientata nella Londra del 1666 raccontata in modo del tutto non scontato.. :))
Consigliatissimo! E leggetelo/fatelo leggere ai vostri bambini, mi raccomando!!
May 27, 2024
Reto lector 2024 PopSugar Reading Challenge 26. Un libro que luego hicieron musical
¡Qué potitooo!. Una historia para niños más bien pequeños, con ese encanto particular que tienen estas historias cuando pueden ser leídas por un adulto, que suele quedar, en ese caso, embobado y limpio de alguna cosa que ni siquiera sabía que se había quedado polvorienta. Historia cortita que se lee con una sonrisina de principio a fín. Bastante diferente a la película a partir de cierto momento. Y con viajes en el tiempo y todo. El final, aunque enteramente feliz (que esto es para niños) me dejó un poco tristona. Especiales en GL Bis y Reto 2024
¡Qué potitooo!. Una historia para niños más bien pequeños, con ese encanto particular que tienen estas historias cuando pueden ser leídas por un adulto, que suele quedar, en ese caso, embobado y limpio de alguna cosa que ni siquiera sabía que se había quedado polvorienta. Historia cortita que se lee con una sonrisina de principio a fín. Bastante diferente a la película a partir de cierto momento. Y con viajes en el tiempo y todo. El final, aunque enteramente feliz (que esto es para niños) me dejó un poco tristona. Especiales en GL Bis y Reto 2024
June 4, 2016
"Once upon a time there were three children, and their names were Carey, Charles, and Paul. Carey was about your age, Charles a little younger, and Paul was only six." Marvelous adventure, still enjoyable decades after publication.
There's a troubling chapter about South Sea cannibals, but the book is clearly fantasy, and so a young reader is not going to imagine that there really are 'natives' as depicted... it's not even as bad as the bit from Babar the Elephant.
The themes are a bit like those of the little witch stories of Ruth Chew, but this is a larger, richer, deeper book. I loved the Borrower books when I was a child and still enjoy them, want to reread them, but I did not have access to this then; wish I had. I've no idea about the movie of this book, but the book itself I highly recommend to interested readers.
There's a troubling chapter about South Sea cannibals, but the book is clearly fantasy, and so a young reader is not going to imagine that there really are 'natives' as depicted... it's not even as bad as the bit from Babar the Elephant.
The themes are a bit like those of the little witch stories of Ruth Chew, but this is a larger, richer, deeper book. I loved the Borrower books when I was a child and still enjoy them, want to reread them, but I did not have access to this then; wish I had. I've no idea about the movie of this book, but the book itself I highly recommend to interested readers.
April 16, 2022
Romanzo per bambini, certo, ma super super carino anche letto da grande. Se la prima parte mi aveva fatta un po' preoccupare perchè temevo che il libro si limitasse ad una raccolta di episodi di "spostamenti via letto", la seconda parte sviluppa bene la trama e i personaggi con un incredibile e delicato viaggio nel tempo.
Miss Price strega, ma solo fino ad un certo punto, cattiva, ma solo per un momento è decisamente il mio personaggio preferito.
Miss Price strega, ma solo fino ad un certo punto, cattiva, ma solo per un momento è decisamente il mio personaggio preferito.
July 29, 2019
4 ⭐
Enjoyable, fast, fun read! This book is very different from the movie, but nostalgic and fun in its own way. It is reminiscent of Narnia, filled with magic, whimsy, and other worlds.
Enjoyable, fast, fun read! This book is very different from the movie, but nostalgic and fun in its own way. It is reminiscent of Narnia, filled with magic, whimsy, and other worlds.
July 22, 2025
Magico. Umoristico. Scorrevole.
August 5, 2022
Pomi d'ottone e manici di scopa è stato uno dei miei film Disney preferiti di quando ero bambina. E purtroppo non posso dire altrettanto del libro. Sicuramente ero partita con aspettative altissime per questa opera, ma leggendo una storia completamente diversa sono rimasta abbastanza delusa.
Man mano che leggevo mi rendevo conto che le uniche affinità con il film sono stati i personaggi (anche se Emelius ha una parte completamente diversa) e l'idea originaria del letto che può viaggiare nello spazio-tempo.
Ne è risultata una lettura noiosa e mancante di appeal.
Peccato.
Man mano che leggevo mi rendevo conto che le uniche affinità con il film sono stati i personaggi (anche se Emelius ha una parte completamente diversa) e l'idea originaria del letto che può viaggiare nello spazio-tempo.
Ne è risultata una lettura noiosa e mancante di appeal.
Peccato.
October 28, 2020
L'incontro di tre bambini con un'apprendista strega dà il via a una serie di avventure in sella al mitico letto volante. Ne risulta un libro simpatico, una lettura scorrevole e piacevole. Il film della Disney con Angela Lansbury prende solo spunto dall'idea iniziale del libro per virare in una storia totalmente diversa.
November 3, 2015
I can't help comparing this book to the excellent 1971 Disney movie version(one of my favorite movies!), and while it's a pretty good book on its own, it didn't hold up to the expectations I had for it based on the film. A lot of things were changed and added for the movie, which doesn't really bother me since I think these changes gave the movie a stronger direction and more character development than the book had.
The story in general is creative and cute, and the writing style is easily readable without feeling too "young". I liked the characters of Miss Price and Emelius and found them entertaining, but the three children weren't really memorable. As an interesting side note, Emelius' shy, nervous personality in the book is almost the exact opposite of his personality in the film. I think the only thing that really bothered me about this book is that overall, the storyline and characters felt very underdeveloped. Everything was fleshed out better in the movie. This was generally a cute, lighthearted story, but I felt that it definitely lacked something.
The story in general is creative and cute, and the writing style is easily readable without feeling too "young". I liked the characters of Miss Price and Emelius and found them entertaining, but the three children weren't really memorable. As an interesting side note, Emelius' shy, nervous personality in the book is almost the exact opposite of his personality in the film. I think the only thing that really bothered me about this book is that overall, the storyline and characters felt very underdeveloped. Everything was fleshed out better in the movie. This was generally a cute, lighthearted story, but I felt that it definitely lacked something.
March 25, 2022
I loved it! I am not much a fan of the Disney movie so I was a little suspicious about the book. But, per usual, the book is better and I'm reminded that one should always read the book before watching the movie! This is a charming story with Magic in Moderation. Mary Norton was an excellent storyteller and I was charmed from the first page to the last. Highly recommended if you like Nesbit or Blyton in particular.
June 21, 2023
The best fiction – as it’s occasionally noted – often comes out of personal experiences, however much or little they are disguised or adapted on the page.
Reading Mary Norton’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks for the first time reminds me that the author – who went on to write the series beginning The Borrowers – will have certainly drawn on what she’d experienced as a child herself, and then during the second world war as a working mother with four children.
So when, in the first part of this novel published in 1943, a trio of young children are initially sent from London to the Bedfordshire countryside by their mother and get themselves into all kinds of scrapes, we may suspect that it’s informed by events in her own life. Well, maybe not quite in the way that its subtitle – how to become a witch in ten easy lessons – suggests.
Carey is ten – ‘about your age’ – Charles nine, Paul six, and all three are sent one summer in the early 1940s to stay with their humourless aunt in Much Frensham, Bedfordshire. Much like the Pevensie children they’re largely left to their own devices, provided they stick to the required etiquette for meals and bed times. ‘One day slipped into another and all the days were alike,’ we’re told, ‘until Miss Price hurt her ankle. And that’s where the story begins.’
For the youngest, Paul, has seen Miss Price at night, in the sky, on what looks like a besom broomstick, and now they find her near their aunt’s, clearly hurt and shaken from a fall – from a broomstick. The children, concerned but also excited, help her to her cottage and make her reluctantly promise to work some magic for them in return for not revealing her secret.
And here’s where the finial from Paul’s metal-framed bedstead comes in. He carries in his pocket the bedknob unscrewed from his bedframe; after Miss Price bespells it, the bedknob takes the bed wherever in the world Paul wishes if he twists it one way; when turned the other way the bed can travel into the past. In The Magic Bedknob part of the compendium one excursion in particular ends in near disaster, meaning that the children risk never returning to Bedfordshire again. Yet two years later in Bonfires and Broomsticks circumstances take them back to Much Frensham, with the possibility of at least one further trip, travelling back a few centuries.
To reveal much more of the plot would be to spoil the enjoyment of reading the initial instalment and its sequel for the very first time, so I’ll restrict myself to general comments. I must begin by saying how much I enjoyed this. Unlike some fiction from this period the language hardly feels dated and, despite obvious indications that the story isn’t set in recent decades, is extremely readable. Norton’s skill is in speaking to a dual audience: like Edith Nesbit she knows, without being condescending, what appeals to young readers; but the adult reader can also appreciate the perceptive humour in the writing and experience the shock of the familiar as she lays bare how cunning children can be and how unpredictable some grown-ups may prove.
It won’t surprise anybody then that amongst much high jinks is also depicted genuine distress and jeopardy, with the threat of banishment, incarceration, execution, and loss. The children are well delineated – Carey is clever and caring but also wheedling, Charles is more sensible and thoughtful, Paul innocent and frequently literal- minded but also observant – yet let’s not forget Eglantine Price who while appearing a sharp old maid is nevertheless resourceful, becomes surprisingly fond of the trio, and is in many ways as childish as her young friends.
And while we don’t actually learn how to become a witch in ten easy lessons, what we do come to know and understand – loyalty, courage, acceptance, love – will offer rewards that are greater and longer-lasting.
Reading Mary Norton’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks for the first time reminds me that the author – who went on to write the series beginning The Borrowers – will have certainly drawn on what she’d experienced as a child herself, and then during the second world war as a working mother with four children.
So when, in the first part of this novel published in 1943, a trio of young children are initially sent from London to the Bedfordshire countryside by their mother and get themselves into all kinds of scrapes, we may suspect that it’s informed by events in her own life. Well, maybe not quite in the way that its subtitle – how to become a witch in ten easy lessons – suggests.
Carey is ten – ‘about your age’ – Charles nine, Paul six, and all three are sent one summer in the early 1940s to stay with their humourless aunt in Much Frensham, Bedfordshire. Much like the Pevensie children they’re largely left to their own devices, provided they stick to the required etiquette for meals and bed times. ‘One day slipped into another and all the days were alike,’ we’re told, ‘until Miss Price hurt her ankle. And that’s where the story begins.’
For the youngest, Paul, has seen Miss Price at night, in the sky, on what looks like a besom broomstick, and now they find her near their aunt’s, clearly hurt and shaken from a fall – from a broomstick. The children, concerned but also excited, help her to her cottage and make her reluctantly promise to work some magic for them in return for not revealing her secret.
And here’s where the finial from Paul’s metal-framed bedstead comes in. He carries in his pocket the bedknob unscrewed from his bedframe; after Miss Price bespells it, the bedknob takes the bed wherever in the world Paul wishes if he twists it one way; when turned the other way the bed can travel into the past. In The Magic Bedknob part of the compendium one excursion in particular ends in near disaster, meaning that the children risk never returning to Bedfordshire again. Yet two years later in Bonfires and Broomsticks circumstances take them back to Much Frensham, with the possibility of at least one further trip, travelling back a few centuries.
To reveal much more of the plot would be to spoil the enjoyment of reading the initial instalment and its sequel for the very first time, so I’ll restrict myself to general comments. I must begin by saying how much I enjoyed this. Unlike some fiction from this period the language hardly feels dated and, despite obvious indications that the story isn’t set in recent decades, is extremely readable. Norton’s skill is in speaking to a dual audience: like Edith Nesbit she knows, without being condescending, what appeals to young readers; but the adult reader can also appreciate the perceptive humour in the writing and experience the shock of the familiar as she lays bare how cunning children can be and how unpredictable some grown-ups may prove.
It won’t surprise anybody then that amongst much high jinks is also depicted genuine distress and jeopardy, with the threat of banishment, incarceration, execution, and loss. The children are well delineated – Carey is clever and caring but also wheedling, Charles is more sensible and thoughtful, Paul innocent and frequently literal- minded but also observant – yet let’s not forget Eglantine Price who while appearing a sharp old maid is nevertheless resourceful, becomes surprisingly fond of the trio, and is in many ways as childish as her young friends.
And while we don’t actually learn how to become a witch in ten easy lessons, what we do come to know and understand – loyalty, courage, acceptance, love – will offer rewards that are greater and longer-lasting.
August 8, 2024
Disney lied to me, the movie is totally different from the book.
To be honest I didn't even know there was a book, Ms Norton's novels have been translated into in my language but she isn't famous.
Back to the story: I like the first one more than the second one. The wannabe witch is quite a character and the brief vacation in the tropical island, when she confront the local wizard, is quite funny.
The second one is good, but more... adult-ish? Traveling through time is fascinating, but the consequences are darker and we almost end up with a public execution.
I liked the finale and its twist.
To be honest I didn't even know there was a book, Ms Norton's novels have been translated into in my language but she isn't famous.
Back to the story: I like the first one more than the second one. The wannabe witch is quite a character and the brief vacation in the tropical island, when she confront the local wizard, is quite funny.
The second one is good, but more... adult-ish? Traveling through time is fascinating, but the consequences are darker and we almost end up with a public execution.
I liked the finale and its twist.
March 6, 2022
I’m finding a pattern in the books we’ve been reading for the Disney Origins Bookclub - many of the books are a far cry from the movies they inspired. This one was a fun tale of a magic BedKnob but that was about as far as the links go. Other than an outdated incident with “savage cannibals” the story stands the test of time well and is worth the read.
December 15, 2014
This is two books combined into one, which became the basis for the movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I apparently read the second one, because I have really vivid memories of several things happening, including the children visiting the 1700's and the final scene. It was probably back in the late 1980's, during the height of my Borrowers mania. I had no idea that Mary Norton had written the book that Bedknobs and Broomsticks was based on . . . although it's very loosely based. The children aren't evacuees, there's no Island of Naboomboo, and Emelius Jones isn't selling fake magic lessons on Portobello road. If, however, you aren't looking for a play-by-play of the film, you might enjoy this. It's fun, light, and magical. I don't think it's as strong as her Borrowers books, but the kids enjoyed having it read aloud to them.
March 26, 2022
I quite enjoyed the book. Yes, it’s problematic in parts, but it was still entertaining. Just keep in mind the time in which it was written (1940s).
I read this as part of the Disney Origins Book Club. As expected, the book and the adaptation are very different. I liked the adventures in the book, but I love the WWII battle scene in the movie much better.
I read this as part of the Disney Origins Book Club. As expected, the book and the adaptation are very different. I liked the adventures in the book, but I love the WWII battle scene in the movie much better.
May 18, 2020
It's similar to the movie. It's a good story but I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. But finally I'm happy I could finish it as it was on my shelf for a long time now.
February 11, 2025
In this 1957 “Bedknobs And Broomsticks” duology, I am reviewing the 1947 sequel with three stars: “Bonfires And Broomsticks”. The plotting matured, with a poignantly engaging story. Less a series of vignettes, this volume was a cohesive novel with a goal. I marvelled at the creativity of the scenes. I could imagine hearing my favourite one like a film, with great humour! Charles convinced a 1666 visitor to bathe. The idea to overhear a mumbled, persistent debate off-screen, successfully got a laugh out of me!
Mary Norton returned Charles, Carey, and Paul to her birthplace, Bedfordshire, to summer with Eglantine Price. Two years after imbuing a bedknob, her witch training had stopped. This foursome was keen to fly again.
With Eglantine along, stupidity was reduced. My complaint remained, that Mary scarcely comprehended magic. Naturally, she did not grow up pouring over “Back To The Future” like I did. Nonetheless, an authoress who devises magic of such unlimited breadth, ought to be inventive enough to dig into it!
I think sometimes Mary strove for a visual effect or action, without verifying that its purpose was retained. For example, someone needed to be saved from death. She sent a broom in clothes that resembled a flying person. Perhaps the goal was to disperse soldiers and onlookers with this scary appearance. However, who was going to free the victim from the titular fire? Eglantine had told the children to stay by their vehicle: a large plot mistake!
When Eglantine moved, Mary wrote that the bed was overloaded: a one-way trip. I am bursting with solutions! Eglantine could revise her spell to use the knob; not only Paul. Paul could make multiple trips to move her belongings. Paul could join the last trip and return with the bed, so that future visiting were possible.
Mary Norton returned Charles, Carey, and Paul to her birthplace, Bedfordshire, to summer with Eglantine Price. Two years after imbuing a bedknob, her witch training had stopped. This foursome was keen to fly again.
With Eglantine along, stupidity was reduced. My complaint remained, that Mary scarcely comprehended magic. Naturally, she did not grow up pouring over “Back To The Future” like I did. Nonetheless, an authoress who devises magic of such unlimited breadth, ought to be inventive enough to dig into it!
I think sometimes Mary strove for a visual effect or action, without verifying that its purpose was retained. For example, someone needed to be saved from death. She sent a broom in clothes that resembled a flying person. Perhaps the goal was to disperse soldiers and onlookers with this scary appearance. However, who was going to free the victim from the titular fire? Eglantine had told the children to stay by their vehicle: a large plot mistake!
When Eglantine moved, Mary wrote that the bed was overloaded: a one-way trip. I am bursting with solutions! Eglantine could revise her spell to use the knob; not only Paul. Paul could make multiple trips to move her belongings. Paul could join the last trip and return with the bed, so that future visiting were possible.
May 18, 2014
My edition of Bed-Knob and Broomstick is the 1957 version which combines both of Mary Norton's works (The Magic Bed-Knob or How to Become a Witch in Ten Easy Lessons AND Broomsticks and Bonfires) in a single volume. The first section of the book (equivalent to The Magic Bed-Knob) reveals how Carey, Charles and Paul Wilson came to know Miss Eglantine Price and the adventures they had as a result. The children are sent to the country to stay with their Aunt in Bedfordshire. One morning when they go out early in the morning to hunt mushrooms they find Miss Price in crumpled and torn clothes and with an injured ankle. She is pretty evasive when they try to find out what happened to her, but Paul (the youngest) calmly supposes that she must have fallen from her broomstick.
So, Miss Price confides to the children (I'm guessing she's been longing to share her secret with someone) that she's been studying to be a witch, but she's not so very good at it yet. It takes an enormous amount of concentration and uninterrupted time--especially if one wants to be a proper wicked witch. She no sooner reveals her secret when she immediately regrets her indiscretion and (in good wicked witch form) starts thinking of some way of shutting the children up. Carey suggests an alternative--what if Miss Price gives them something magical and puts a spell on it so if the children reveal her secret then the magic will no longer work?
The bargain is made and Miss Price enchants a bed-knob that Paul has unscrewed from his bed. If he screws it on half-way and makes a wish, the bed will take them anywhere they'd like to go--past or present. The children take it on a test run back to London--because Paul is missing his mother and get into all kinds of trouble with the police in the war-time black-out. They decide that their next adventure may need a little more (magical) insurance and invite Miss Price to join them on a visit to a South Seas Island. Their goal is to investigate the coral, but they wind up back in trouble...this time with cannibals. By the time Miss Price can get them out of harm's way and safely back to Paul's bedroom, they have no time left to clean up the sand and salty water before their aunt discovers the mess. She naturally doesn't believe their explanation of how it happened and packs them up and ships them back to their mother. End of part one.
The second section (equivalent to Broomsticks and Bonfires) takes place two years later. Carey and Charles have systematically worked to convince Paul (and themselves) that their adventures with Miss Price were just dreams--all in an effort to prevent Paul from blurting out something strange at an inconvenient moment. Just when they've almost done the job, an advertisement from Miss Price appears in the newspaper saying that she would gladly take in children for the summer for a small fee. The children manage to persuade their mother that a summer in the country with their friend Miss Price is just what they need and off they go--ready for more adventures. (They are well-prepared because Paul left his aunt's house with the magic bed-knob in his pocket.)
But when they arrive at Miss Price's they find that she has given up her studies. No more magic. Ever. She has bought the bed from the children's aunt--but they won't be allowed to travel on it. In fact, she unpacks their things for them and the bed-knob disappears. But then one morning, the bed, Miss Price, and Paul are gone and Carey and Charles are put out that Miss Price and their brother went traveling without them. After they reappear, Carey convinces Miss Price that it isn't fair that she and Charles didn't get one more chance and if Miss Price will let them travel into the past "just once" (because, after all, they didn't get to try that part out yet), then they could all be done with magic for ever. So, the children travel back to the 1600s, meet a "real" necromancer, bring him back to the 20th Century, and that's when a new set of problems arise....
Previous to finding this book in a stack of books to be thrown out in the hallway at work (don't even get me started on that particular horrifying moment), my only exposure to the story of Miss Price, the apprentice witch, and the Wilson children (renamed Rawlings by Disney & co.), Carey, Charles, and Paul, was the Disney film starring Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson. I thoroughly enjoyed Disney's animated/live-action treat but it was very interesting to read the original stories and see how much had been changed--as Disney always did. One thing I do like about the Disney film is that it brings the themes of World War II very much to the center of the story.
The book(s) by Norton touches upon the war--with references to the black-out and the children wondering if it would be fair to use magic in war-time. What if all the soldiers were turned into white mice? But, unlike the movie, Miss Price is not studying magic to aid the war effort--she simply wants to become a witch. And apparently a wicked one at that--though her actions belie any real wickedness in her nature. I enjoyed this venture into the book behind the Disney film more than Mary Poppins (for my take on that pleas see my review)--there wasn't quite the difference between the book and the movie in the character of Miss Price as there was with Mary.
This was a fun read. One that I know I would have enjoyed even more had I read it when I was a child.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
So, Miss Price confides to the children (I'm guessing she's been longing to share her secret with someone) that she's been studying to be a witch, but she's not so very good at it yet. It takes an enormous amount of concentration and uninterrupted time--especially if one wants to be a proper wicked witch. She no sooner reveals her secret when she immediately regrets her indiscretion and (in good wicked witch form) starts thinking of some way of shutting the children up. Carey suggests an alternative--what if Miss Price gives them something magical and puts a spell on it so if the children reveal her secret then the magic will no longer work?
The bargain is made and Miss Price enchants a bed-knob that Paul has unscrewed from his bed. If he screws it on half-way and makes a wish, the bed will take them anywhere they'd like to go--past or present. The children take it on a test run back to London--because Paul is missing his mother and get into all kinds of trouble with the police in the war-time black-out. They decide that their next adventure may need a little more (magical) insurance and invite Miss Price to join them on a visit to a South Seas Island. Their goal is to investigate the coral, but they wind up back in trouble...this time with cannibals. By the time Miss Price can get them out of harm's way and safely back to Paul's bedroom, they have no time left to clean up the sand and salty water before their aunt discovers the mess. She naturally doesn't believe their explanation of how it happened and packs them up and ships them back to their mother. End of part one.
The second section (equivalent to Broomsticks and Bonfires) takes place two years later. Carey and Charles have systematically worked to convince Paul (and themselves) that their adventures with Miss Price were just dreams--all in an effort to prevent Paul from blurting out something strange at an inconvenient moment. Just when they've almost done the job, an advertisement from Miss Price appears in the newspaper saying that she would gladly take in children for the summer for a small fee. The children manage to persuade their mother that a summer in the country with their friend Miss Price is just what they need and off they go--ready for more adventures. (They are well-prepared because Paul left his aunt's house with the magic bed-knob in his pocket.)
But when they arrive at Miss Price's they find that she has given up her studies. No more magic. Ever. She has bought the bed from the children's aunt--but they won't be allowed to travel on it. In fact, she unpacks their things for them and the bed-knob disappears. But then one morning, the bed, Miss Price, and Paul are gone and Carey and Charles are put out that Miss Price and their brother went traveling without them. After they reappear, Carey convinces Miss Price that it isn't fair that she and Charles didn't get one more chance and if Miss Price will let them travel into the past "just once" (because, after all, they didn't get to try that part out yet), then they could all be done with magic for ever. So, the children travel back to the 1600s, meet a "real" necromancer, bring him back to the 20th Century, and that's when a new set of problems arise....
Previous to finding this book in a stack of books to be thrown out in the hallway at work (don't even get me started on that particular horrifying moment), my only exposure to the story of Miss Price, the apprentice witch, and the Wilson children (renamed Rawlings by Disney & co.), Carey, Charles, and Paul, was the Disney film starring Angela Lansbury and David Tomlinson. I thoroughly enjoyed Disney's animated/live-action treat but it was very interesting to read the original stories and see how much had been changed--as Disney always did. One thing I do like about the Disney film is that it brings the themes of World War II very much to the center of the story.
The book(s) by Norton touches upon the war--with references to the black-out and the children wondering if it would be fair to use magic in war-time. What if all the soldiers were turned into white mice? But, unlike the movie, Miss Price is not studying magic to aid the war effort--she simply wants to become a witch. And apparently a wicked one at that--though her actions belie any real wickedness in her nature. I enjoyed this venture into the book behind the Disney film more than Mary Poppins (for my take on that pleas see my review)--there wasn't quite the difference between the book and the movie in the character of Miss Price as there was with Mary.
This was a fun read. One that I know I would have enjoyed even more had I read it when I was a child.
First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting. Thanks.
February 1, 2019
Gillade första boken mest, men andra var också mysig :)
March 26, 2022
You know how you have a favorite from childhood, and then you find it as an adult, and oh my gosh is that what it really is about? Yeah.
I LOVED this movie as a kid. I don't remember a thing about the story. But here it is! I got this from an online store that specializes in vintage books. She warned that it was rife with racism and parents should be cautious. This it not your father's world, after all.
But I also didn't know that this was the same author as the books called The Borrowers (which I sold this season at the bookstore!). So now I need to go find them again as well.
Reread 2022:
Okay, what? I have no memory of reading this in 2017! It was all new to me. Hello, depression brain! Ah well. I was just going through this, trying to find any thread of the story I loved in the movie as a kid, and hahaha nope. It's a totally different story. But that's okay! It is kind of more than I would expect from a chapter book, in terms of the danger the kids get into (burning at the stake?!?) and some other things, but in terms of the story overall, I thought it came together really well at the end. I liked little obstinate Paul, and I liked Carey (and especially that even though she was the oldest, and a girl, she wasn't BOSSY!), and I even liked quiet Charles. I thought Miss Price was an interesting character, though yes, more interesting as a witch than later on. But Eumelius? Or however you spell that - he had all the personality of a wet noodle. Ah well. There's no accounting for tastes, I guess.
I do not think that this would be one that I would be reading to my children (or grandchildren, as the case now is) before bedtime. It just had too many unanswerable questions, and too many things that would need explaining. I did like the time travel aspect, in the case where they could go to the place where the house had been in the present day, and it wasn't a huge giant condo building! (okay, I'm getting tired of condos in cornfields, can you tell?)
This did have the quirky imagination that you would expect from the movie, and the writer of the The Borrowers. I still haven't gotten my hands on those, and I need to do that.
I guess I would recommend this for older kids, as a chapter book, or for read alouds where you have lots of time. lol
I LOVED this movie as a kid. I don't remember a thing about the story. But here it is! I got this from an online store that specializes in vintage books. She warned that it was rife with racism and parents should be cautious. This it not your father's world, after all.
But I also didn't know that this was the same author as the books called The Borrowers (which I sold this season at the bookstore!). So now I need to go find them again as well.
Reread 2022:
Okay, what? I have no memory of reading this in 2017! It was all new to me. Hello, depression brain! Ah well. I was just going through this, trying to find any thread of the story I loved in the movie as a kid, and hahaha nope. It's a totally different story. But that's okay! It is kind of more than I would expect from a chapter book, in terms of the danger the kids get into (burning at the stake?!?) and some other things, but in terms of the story overall, I thought it came together really well at the end. I liked little obstinate Paul, and I liked Carey (and especially that even though she was the oldest, and a girl, she wasn't BOSSY!), and I even liked quiet Charles. I thought Miss Price was an interesting character, though yes, more interesting as a witch than later on. But Eumelius? Or however you spell that - he had all the personality of a wet noodle. Ah well. There's no accounting for tastes, I guess.
I do not think that this would be one that I would be reading to my children (or grandchildren, as the case now is) before bedtime. It just had too many unanswerable questions, and too many things that would need explaining. I did like the time travel aspect, in the case where they could go to the place where the house had been in the present day, and it wasn't a huge giant condo building! (okay, I'm getting tired of condos in cornfields, can you tell?)
This did have the quirky imagination that you would expect from the movie, and the writer of the The Borrowers. I still haven't gotten my hands on those, and I need to do that.
I guess I would recommend this for older kids, as a chapter book, or for read alouds where you have lots of time. lol
March 26, 2023
Carey, Charles, and Paul are visiting their aunt for the summer when they meet the neighbor, Miss Price. Miss Price is secretly a witch, and the children see her riding on her broomstick in the night. When she crashes her broomstick, the children help her and in return Miss Price gives them an enchanted bedknob that will magically take them anywhere they wish. The children get into some troublesome adventures and discover that magic is not as simple as it appears.
This book is lots of fun! The plot is imaginative and hilarious, and I love the characters. It's very different from the Disney movie, but a couple of things are the same. I enjoyed the pretty illustrations in this edition. This is actually two books that have been combined into one. The first book is "The Magic Bedknob", and the second book "Bonfires and Broomsticks" takes place two years later.
I love Paul's little comments and his funnily calm demeanor. He is the littlest of the family, and is a bit confused about what is actually going on. Carey takes care of him though, and has a motherly soul. But she is imaginative and prone to flights of fancy. She thinks in extremes, and the others have to hold her back sometimes. Charles has a more steady personality, and he is skeptical of magic in the beginning. Together these siblings make a great team as they navigate the difficulties of traveling on a magic bed.
Miss Price is a complex character with contradictions in her personality. She is very prim and proper, but she secretly longs for adventure. She is polite and precise with her words and actions, but she also has a wild heart that sparks from her eyes at times. The children know that she is someone to take seriously, as though she could be very dangerous if she chose. I adore Miss Price!
This book is lots of fun! The plot is imaginative and hilarious, and I love the characters. It's very different from the Disney movie, but a couple of things are the same. I enjoyed the pretty illustrations in this edition. This is actually two books that have been combined into one. The first book is "The Magic Bedknob", and the second book "Bonfires and Broomsticks" takes place two years later.
I love Paul's little comments and his funnily calm demeanor. He is the littlest of the family, and is a bit confused about what is actually going on. Carey takes care of him though, and has a motherly soul. But she is imaginative and prone to flights of fancy. She thinks in extremes, and the others have to hold her back sometimes. Charles has a more steady personality, and he is skeptical of magic in the beginning. Together these siblings make a great team as they navigate the difficulties of traveling on a magic bed.
Miss Price is a complex character with contradictions in her personality. She is very prim and proper, but she secretly longs for adventure. She is polite and precise with her words and actions, but she also has a wild heart that sparks from her eyes at times. The children know that she is someone to take seriously, as though she could be very dangerous if she chose. I adore Miss Price!
June 22, 2019
Escapism, first and foremost. Deliberately so: using the power for good is quickly dismissed with the image of dragons and entire armies being turned to white mice at once. We are never told why the children were sent out to the country, or their father. Their mother works long hours in an office is all we're ever told. The kids are staying with an aunt in Bedfordshire in a small village, they meet a witch, they have adventures which don't go as expected. Unlike the many works of fantasy fiction that have enjoyed a popular revival in film, I can't see this one coming back: one of the only two adventures in The Magic Bedknob is a trip to a South Pacific uninhabited tropical isle that turns out to be populated by a cartoonish stereotype of a tribe of cannibals. They don't have anything that isn't fashioned by hand except an enormous pot to cook in. There is a witch doctor. It's almost too absurd to be insulting.
In Bonfires and Broomsticks the kids are reunited with their friendly witch in the country and they travel back to 1666 London. There is a chap going to be burned for witchcraft, for causing the Great Fire actually, he's a professional necromancer but it's all humbug. Not like Miss Price at all. He holds tremendous respect for her abilities.
It's nice that Miss Price has witchcraft, since she hasn't much else. Her's is a genteel poverty which leaves her plenty of time to do Red Cross work, unspecified. It saddens me to observe that her use of magic makes her a suitable partner for the charlatan, who has a small farm and some gold saved.
Library copy
In Bonfires and Broomsticks the kids are reunited with their friendly witch in the country and they travel back to 1666 London. There is a chap going to be burned for witchcraft, for causing the Great Fire actually, he's a professional necromancer but it's all humbug. Not like Miss Price at all. He holds tremendous respect for her abilities.
It's nice that Miss Price has witchcraft, since she hasn't much else. Her's is a genteel poverty which leaves her plenty of time to do Red Cross work, unspecified. It saddens me to observe that her use of magic makes her a suitable partner for the charlatan, who has a small farm and some gold saved.
Library copy
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