Magical Hillside Upchurch Have you ever heard of the **magical hillside** in Upchurch? Well, it is a fascinating place with a range of enchanting features that captivate visitors from all around the world. Located in the tranquil countryside of Kent, England, the magical hillside is a natural wonder that seems straight out of a fairytale. The hill is adorned with a lush green carpet of grass, dotted with vibrant wildflowers, and the air is filled with the sweet aroma of nature. But what truly sets this hillside apart is its mystical properties. Many believe that the hillside is a hotbed of magical energy, with the ability to heal ailments, bring good luck, and even grant wishes. Visitors often leave offerings and make small rituals in the hopes of receiving these magical blessings.
There are five different types of magic, according to your natural abilities. Some kids, like Nory’s older brother, are Flares and can create fire. Others, like her sister, are Fuzzies, and have talents for attracting and working with animals. There are also Flickers and Flyers and Fluxers, like Nory. Fluxers can turn into different kinds of animals. The problem is that Nory doesn’t turn into regular animals; she turns into her own creative combinations, like the beaver kitten that chewed her father’s office up while she was practicing for her test.
The other feature of the series I enjoy is one that I never would have noticed as a child, and that is that the students in this series get the support they need and deserve. Luckily for Nory, her father is the headmaster of the best magic school around Sage Academy and her older brother and sister always ace their magic classes.
Visitors often leave offerings and make small rituals in the hopes of receiving these magical blessings. One of the most famous stories associated with the magical hillside revolves around a young girl who was suffering from an incurable illness. Her family, desperate for a cure, brought her to the hillside, where they performed a special ritual and left an offering.
Book Review: “Upside Down Magic” by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, & Emily Jenkins
In the world of Upside Down Magic, all children begin their magical training in the fifth grade. Luckily for Nory, her father is the headmaster of the best magic school around – Sage Academy – and her older brother and sister always ace their magic classes. Unluckily for Nory, her out-of-control magic means that she flunks the entrance exam for Sage Academy, and instead has to attend a special class at public school for students whose magic is a little…wonky.
But they prefer the term “upside down” – “wonky” is a little rude. Soon Nory finds herself in a classroom full of students whose magic doesn’t work quite the way it’s supposed to. Andres is supposed to be able to fly…but he isn’t able to come down. Pepper is supposed to be able to charm animals…but they’re all terrified of her. Elliot is supposed to be able to set things on fire…but he can also cause them to freeze. Nory can change into different animals, but instead of transforming into normal ones, like a kitten, she always ends up as something odd – like a dragon-kitten-beaver. Can Nory and the other students accept that “different” doesn’t mean bad?
This Early Reader/Middle Grade novel takes the typical format of a school days series (like Ramona or Diary of a Wimpy Kid) and gives it a fun little twist with the often amusing magic that Nory and her friends can work. For young readers who are fantasy enthusiasts, eagerly reading J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan, Upside Down Magic is likely going to be disappointing, as the story focuses more on Nory’s self-acceptance and classroom experiences (making friends, being bullied, etc) than actual magic.
However, that just might make this the perfect read for kids who aren’t interested in exploring fantastical worlds, but prefer to stay a little closer to home. The magic in this book has the benefit of being kind of absurd, sure to get laughs out of its readers, and I appreciated the diverse cast of characters in the Upside Down Magic (UDM) classroom – although it’s a shame that Nory, who’s of mixed heritage, only appears in kitten-dragon form on the cover of the book.
Two moments in this book really stood out to me. The first is when Nory is first introduced to Elliot, a neighbor and fellow UDM student and, in the honest way of children, he asks her why she’s black if her aunt is white. Though this experience is a well-worn one for most mixed kids, it’s not an issue that appears in too many children’s books. I appreciated this moment of realness, present as part of Nory’s experience but not the main focus of the book.
The next moment comes a little later on, in a speech from Principal Gonzalez: “I will not tolerate bigotry. I will not tolerate unkindness about race, gender, orientation, family background, religion, weight, magical abilities, favorite candy, or anything else that distinguishes one person from another. Not here at Dunwiddle Magic School.” Okay, yes, this is a bit didactic for more seasoned readers, as blatantly put as a Berenstain Bears book about why stealing is wrong. But it’s a message that kids need to hear, one that should be as frequent and tired a message in children’s books as learning to share. That list of attributes – and that big word for young kids, “bigotry” – are ones that children should be familiar and comfortable with so that we can start training a generation to be more loving and accepting than our own.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
It’s common for the magic in fiction to be transparently metaphorical. (Buffy, anyone? Magic is drugs! Or sex! Or both!) The good news is that all tropes are new tropes to your average 8-12 year old. And what makes this work so well here, and why I endorse it, is specifically the fact that the character’s upside-down abilities closely mimic so many disabilities kids experience. Nory’s inability to focus on one form long enough to keep it parallels many a child’s experience with ADHD. Her friend Sebastian’s ability to see sounds leads to sensory overwhelm and, at times, complete meltdowns.
To everyone's amazement, the young girl made a miraculous recovery, and her story quickly spread, further cementing the hillside's reputation as a place of magic. Apart from its healing properties, the hillside also offers a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. From its summit, visitors can marvel at the rolling hills, picturesque villages, and winding rivers that stretch out as far as the eye can see. The view is particularly breathtaking during sunset, when the sky turns into a canvas of vibrant hues, painting a mesmerizing picture. Needless to say, the magical hillside has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. People flock to this enchanting place, eager to experience its mystical ambiance and witness the wonders it holds. Many claim to have felt a profound sense of tranquility and harmony while on the hillside, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you believe in magic or not, a visit to the magical hillside in Upchurch is sure to leave you spellbound. It is a place where nature and mysticism intertwine, creating an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. So, why not venture to this bewitching hillside and let yourself be transported to a world of wonder?.
Reviews for "Uncovering the Beauty of Upchurch's Magical Hillside"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to visiting Magical Hillside Upchurch, but was ultimately disappointed. The attractions were run-down and poorly maintained, and the staff seemed indifferent to the guests' experience. The food options were limited and overpriced, and the gift shop was filled with cheap trinkets. Overall, it felt like a money-making venture rather than a genuine attempt at providing an enjoyable experience for visitors. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for a memorable day out.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I had heard great things about Magical Hillside Upchurch, so my expectations were high. Unfortunately, it fell short in every aspect. The rides and attractions were outdated and lacked any excitement, the lines were long and disorganized, and the staff appeared disinterested in their job. The cleanliness of the park was also below par, with garbage bins overflowing and unclean restrooms. I regret spending my money on this disappointing experience and would advise others to look elsewhere for entertainment.
3. Lisa - 2 stars - Magical Hillside Upchurch was a major letdown for me. The prices for admission, food, and souvenirs were sky-high, while the quality was subpar. The park itself seemed tired and in need of renovation, and there was a distinct lack of shade on hot summer days. The rides were limited and most suitable for young children, leaving little to do for older visitors. Overall, I was unimpressed with the value for money and would not return or recommend it to others.
4. Ryan - 1 star - My visit to Magical Hillside Upchurch was nothing short of a disaster. The attractions were outdated and barely functioning, making the wait times seem even more absurd. The staff members were unhelpful and seemed disengaged, which only added to the frustration. It was clear that this park had seen better days and was now simply riding on its reputation. Save your money and time by avoiding this place completely.