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What Members Thought
I keep going back and forth, around and around, what can I possibly think about this book. At first it didn't do much for me. Oh yes, I was in love with DiCamillo's dizzy use of language. I was engulfed in the thick atmosphere that crawled off the page and swirled about my reading chair. But did I connect with the characters? Was I breathless to see where the plot led? I can’t say that those elements were there, at least not at first. As more and more characters showed up, carting their back-sto
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As much as it pains me to give this book one star, I can't bring myself to give it any higher rating. I just did not like the book. I do love so many of Kate DiCamillo's other books that I am surprised to not like this one so much.
This book is pretty dark. I feel it is a little too dark for children. The "happy ending" is not happy enough nor does it last long enough to out weigh the dark sadness that is through the rest of the story.
The best way to sum this book up is that it left me feeling l ...more
This book is pretty dark. I feel it is a little too dark for children. The "happy ending" is not happy enough nor does it last long enough to out weigh the dark sadness that is through the rest of the story.
The best way to sum this book up is that it left me feeling l ...more
Sep 12, 2009
Becky Barrier Nelson
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
2nd-high-readers,
3rd-high-readers
This book did not impact me as powerfully as did Despereauz or Edward Tulane, but DiCammiol's storytelling voice always draws the reader in with its mystery and timelessness. The ending was a happy one all the way around except for poor infirmed Vilna Lutz, but I suppose Adele will look in on him. I loved the what if magic of the book. DiCamillo is always unique and the illustrations...misty and dark, but detailed definitely enhanced the text.
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This was a sweet story about a little boy in search of his missing sister, Adele. I loved the simplicity of the tale and the sincerity of the boy as he tries to do what he thinks is right and honorable. A very quick, uplifting read.
My Emalinne loves anything Kate DiCamillo and will read anything she's written. This is a fun read, along the lines of Tale of Despereaux. I wanted the story to go somewhere more, but it's a fun book and good for kids.
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DiCamillo's latest. Her books are so simple and yet they always leave me thinking. This one was no exception.
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I read this book to my kids while we drove. We all loved it. Such a sweet story of love and magic.
This reminded me of The Little Prince...magical, philosophical...full of memorable characters and a unique story. Not sure it is a J book as much as it is an adult one...
Beautifully strange - I read it in one sitting. I love her work.
Suspend disbelief or you will not like this book. I started reading it with magic on my mind, and I absolutely loved it. But when I continued it later that evening, I was too much in the real world, and I found I couldn't get back into the story in the same way. Even so, Kate DiCamillo's writing is exquisite and vivid - and SLJ got it right, this book does beg to be read aloud. There's no point trying to describe anything else about the book - just read it.
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Hmm, a good one to partner with Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. Both involve themes of love and family. Both involve children believing in magic and pursuing it to the surprise and consternation of the adults, and both children succeed in achieving their dreams through their belief in magic.
IMO, religious allegory has no place in children's lit. It's sneaky and I don't think the kids would even understand it on a non-religious level... nor would they find it interesting.
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Wonderful illustrations by Yoko Tanaka
Slow but nice prose.
Aug 23, 2009
Angela
added it
Sep 08, 2009
Gin
marked it as to-read
Oct 08, 2010
Michelle
marked it as to-read
