Earwig and the Witch is a children's fantasy novel written by Diana Wynne Jones. It tells the story of a young girl named Earwig who is orphaned and ends up in an unusual situation. **The main idea of the book is Earwig learning to navigate her way through a magical world while outsmarting her new guardians.** Earwig is a clever and resourceful girl who has spent her entire life in an orphanage. She has learned to fend for herself and has always found a way to get what she wants. However, her life changes when she is adopted by a strange couple, Bella Yaga and Mandrake.
"Earwig is a plucky, bossy heroine, and the story is packed with with and humor. Zelinsky's illustrations enhance this imaginative tale." -- School Library Journal
This funny story updates fairy tale conventions while highlighting Jones s subversive wit and her firm belief that children can control their own lives. Neil Gaiman When a fearless young orphan finds herself in a house of dark magic, she does whatever she can to adapt especially if it means that she ll learn a little magic herself.
However, her life changes when she is adopted by a strange couple, Bella Yaga and Mandrake. They turn out to be a witch and a demon respectively. Earwig initially sees this as an opportunity and plans to manipulate her new guardians to cater to her every whim.
Earwig and the Witch Movie Tie-In Edition - by Diana Wynne Jones (Paperback)
Not every orphan would love living at St. Morwald's Home for Children, but Earwig does. She gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants it, and it's been that way since she was dropped on the orphanage's doorstep as a baby. But all that changes the day Bella Yaga and the Mandrake come to St. Morwald's, disguised as foster parents.
Earwig is whisked off to their mysterious house full of invisible rooms, potions, and spell books, with magic around every corner. Most children would run in terror from a house like that . . . but not Earwig. Using her own cleverness--with a lot of help from a talking cat--she decides to show the witch who's boss.
A young middle grade novel by World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement-winner Diana Wynne Jones, beautifully and humorously illustrated in black and white by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky.
"I would like to declare Diana Wynne Jones an international treasure, Neil Gaiman, Newbery Medal-winning and best-selling author
Review Quotes
"[A] joyfully chaotic tale."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "A refreshing change of pace for young fantasy fans."--Booklist "Earwig is a plucky, bossy heroine, and the story is packed with with and humor. Zelinsky's illustrations enhance this imaginative tale."--School Library Journal "Jones brings her characteristic witty humor and rich imagination to a whimsical chapter book that would undoubtedly delight as a readaloud. Stubborn and mischievous, Earwig is a likable, albeit irascible, heroine, and her triumph at the witch's expense will elicit plenty of cheerful howls."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Readers are treated to a nonstop plot, memorable characters, and signature DWJ touches . An accessible page design incorporates Zelinsky's plentiful line illustrations, the best of which are showstoppers."--The Horn Book "This funny story updates fairy tale conventions while highlighting Jones's subversive wit and her firm belief that children can control their own lives. . A fine introduction to the late author's more complex YA novels."--Publishers Weekly (starred review) "With this enthralling book, Jones proves that she is still at the top of her game."--Booklist (starred review)
Earwig is whisked off to their mysterious house full of invisible rooms, potions, and spell books, with magic around every corner. Most children would run in terror from a house like that . . . but not Earwig. Using her own cleverness--with a lot of help from a talking cat--she decides to show the witch who's boss.
However, she soon discovers that Bella Yaga and Mandrake are not easily fooled. They have their own agenda and expect Earwig to serve them instead. As the story unfolds, Earwig uses her wits and intelligence to navigate this magical world and outsmart her guardians. She befriends a talking cat named Thomas who becomes her ally and mentor in helping her make sense of her situation. Throughout the book, there are various magical elements and creatures that Earwig encounters. From broomsticks that fly by themselves to potions that have strange effects, Earwig finds herself in a world where anything is possible. **The main theme of the book is empowerment and the importance of using one's intelligence and resourcefulness to overcome challenges.** Earwig's character is an example of a young girl who is not intimidated by difficult circumstances and uses her wit and cunning to take control of her own destiny. She challenges the traditional role of a witch's apprentice and refuses to be a pawn in her guardian's plans. The book also explores the idea that family is not just about blood relation, but about finding people who care for you and accept you for who you are. Earwig forms unexpected friendships and finds support in unlikely places. Earwig and the Witch is a delightful and charming fantasy novel that will engage young readers with its imaginative world and strong protagonist. It showcases the brilliance of Diana Wynne Jones's storytelling and leaves readers with the powerful message that anyone can overcome adversity with the right mindset..
Reviews for "The Enduring Appeal of 'Earwig and the Witch"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Earwig and the Witch" by Diana Wynne Jones. Having loved her previous works like "Howl's Moving Castle," I had high expectations for this book. Unfortunately, the story fell flat for me. It lacked the charm and enchantment that I have come to associate with Jones' writing style. The characters felt one-dimensional, and the plot was predictable. Overall, I found "Earwig and the Witch" to be underwhelming and not up to the author's usual standard.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - "Earwig and the Witch" was a complete letdown for me. The story felt disjointed and lacked cohesiveness. The protagonist, Earwig, was not captivating or likable, making it difficult for me to invest in her journey. The magical elements felt forced, and the world-building was minimal. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this book and ended up skimming through the pages just to finish it. I would not recommend "Earwig and the Witch" to anyone expecting a captivating and well-crafted story.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Earwig and the Witch" due to its intriguing premise, but unfortunately, the execution fell short. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked depth. The characters, including the titular Earwig, were uninteresting and lacked development. I didn't feel invested in their fates or the outcome of the story. The writing style also felt simplistic, which made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the narrative. Overall, "Earwig and the Witch" failed to capture my attention or leave a lasting impression.