Clover Twig and the Perilous Path

Clover Twig #2

by Kaye Umansky

Clever, neat and responsible, Clover Twig is still in the employ of Mrs Eckles, a chaotic and cantankerous witch. One day Granny Dismal, a witch from the neighbouring village, warns them that the Perilous Path has been seen in the woods. As its name indicates, it leads nowhere good - and also has a habit of sneaking up on you!

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Fiction, Humor

230 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sanja_Sanjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a captivating read, I think I even liked it better than the first book. It was a bit darker, which suited me more, but I would imagine that kids wouldn't enjoy it as much because it had some more adult topics and themes under all that silliness. Love the new characters as well. A really fun read.

[Tamara Geraeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story about Clover Twig and her friends. Filled with magic, excitement and fun. I'm sad that this is the last Twig adventure. I could read a lot more of these. Not a dull moment in them!
Really entertaining! Please give me more!!

[Jannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny stuff for kids

[Tessa McMillan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mrs. Eckles warns Clover Twig that the Perilous Path has returned to the forest. The Perilous Path leads unsuspected travelers through dangers tailored to their fears. When Mrs. Eckles believes she sees Herby, Clover Twig’s baby brother, go on the Path, Clover and Wilf decide to traverse the magical trail to save Herby. Meanwhile, Mesmeranza has been plotting revenge against Clover by kidnapping Herby. By the time Mesmeranza puts her plans into action, Herby had disappeared and Clover was on the Path. Mesmeranza follows Clover onto the Path to take Herby, but everyone discovers they were following a creature wearing Herby’s clothes—Herby was safely home by this point. Mrs. Eckles flies in her cottage to rescue Clover, Wilf, and two other traveling companions, leaving Memeranza trapped on the Path.

This story was, unfortunately, a big disappointment in regards to the first book, Clover Twig and the Magical Cottage. There was similar wit and humor like the first book, but the ending fizzled out when readers discover that the main characters’ trip on the Perilous Path was, basically, useless. Also, the illustrations were too primitive at times and even distracting to the story. In several cases, the illustrations didn’t even properly illustrate a location or a character being described. As a whole, the entire story seemed useless or a waste of time reading. This is definitely not the best work from Umansky. Readers are better off only reading the first book of the Clover Twig series.

(Found on the Children's Book and Play Review)

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Umansky’s writing has been compared to Eva Ibbotson and Roald Dahl, as it combines humor and elements of magic in fantasies that showcase clever wordplay. “Clover Twig and the Perilous Path” is the sequel to “Clover Twig and the Magical Cottage.” Where the first tale was light, witty, and humorous, the second installment does not maintain Umansky’s original momentum. While this is still an entertaining story, fans of the first book may be disappointed with volume two.

Clover works at a witch’s house as a housekeeper who borders on fanaticism when it comes to cleanliness, in order to earn wages that she turns over to her family. On one visit home, Clover’s younger brother, Herby, goes missing during a game of hide and seek. Clover sets off to find/rescue Herby, and revisits many of the quirky characters from the first book. The plot is fast-paced and the narration is chatty.

This works well as a read-aloud for children in third through fifth grades. Readers need not have read the first book to make sense of the second.

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was immensely thrilled when I learned Kaye Umansky was writing a sequel to my beloved "Clover Twig and the Magical Cottage." The first book was witty, snarky, and fun and left me wanting more Clover Twig.
Sadly, Umansky's second installment however falls very flat. The story is a whirlwind of characters rushing from one scene to the next. The funny dialogue, the quirky plot twists are all missing. The entire book felt half-hearted, as if the author just threw some words on a page and said, "Well, this will have to do."
My biggest disappointment was in Clover Twig, herself. Rather than using her obsessive need for cleanliness and order for good, she merely comes across as if there really was a twig shoved somewhere on her person. Nothing endearing there. As for my favorite evil villainess, we don't see much of Mesmeranza, and what little we do is disappointing.
My advice is buy the first book in the serious, read it hundreds of times, and skip this second book.

[Maeleah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second one in the series. Clover works at a witches house to earn wages she brings home to her family. On her visit back home, her youngest brother goes off to hide for a game of hide and seek except he doesn't come back. Filled with silly, over the top magical happenings and incidences, this would be appropriate for advanced third grade reader to 5th graders.

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. Dry humor, witty, and rather sophisticated for someone in the lower grades. I think the back of the book has it right when it says young readers drawn to this will go to Terry Pratchett and Diana Wynne Jones next. Wish the Perilous Path made a bit more sense and had some more defined rules to it, but everything was delightful just the same.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than Clover Twig and the Magical Cottage. The adventures seemed more purposeful and entertaining and the resolution was more satisfying. Both books are a fun read aloud and my kids enjoyed them.

[Clover White · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title was the best part of this book. While the writer had some good lines and the characters could have been interesting, the plot was pretty dull. I didn't realize it was a sequel until I started reading it, I see other reviewers liked the first book better.

[Nitza Campos · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Grades 3-5) The ending truly disappointed me. I was enjoying the book with all its silly characters and the adventures they encountered on the perilous path, but the ending made it seem it was all for naught. Book would have gotten more stars if it wasn't for the ending.

[_scripted_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The famous and utmost fascinating protagonist, Clover Twig, once again ventures out on a bother adventure that could change her life. Will she succeed?
The book is gripping with a few laughs and puns on the way to entertain the reader and keep them engrossed in the numerous pages of adventure.

[Samira · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read about a loyal girl and her friends. The ending was a tad abrupt, but it was still a good book. The illustrations were adorable.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably really 3.5 stars. My 6yo and I liked the first book a bit better than this one, but it was still entertaining and fun.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as entertaining as the first book but a nice adventure with plenty of chuckles.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is Miss Fly, and she is a cat lover. You can tell by the state of her shapeless cardigan."

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as the first in the series.

[Carterkempgmail.Com · Rating 3 out of 5]

This odd little humor-fantasy about a girl apprenticed to a kindly witch is pleasant enough.