And the winner of Isabel's Skin courtesy of Alma Books is .......
Lindsay of THE LITTLE READER LIBRARY.
Lindsay of THE LITTLE READER LIBRARY.
THE WITCH'S TEARS by JENNY NIMMO.
SOURCE: Ex-library stock.
"Witches' tears turn to crystal as soon as they fall. Only thing is, witches don't cry, or hardly ever."In freezing hail and howling wind, a stranger is given shelter at Theo's house - a stranger whose name is Mrs Scarum. Theo is convinced she's a witch and wishes his father would return home from his travels. But the blizzard continue and the night is long - there may tears before morning.
...... Outer back cover.
FIRST SENTENCE (Chapter 1): It was an icy day.
MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 73): The voice began to hum a lullaby, and its gentle rhythm seemed to replace the constant beat of the clocks, the pulse that kept the house alive.
MY THOUGHTS: Having read some time ago to a class of seven year olds (the book is marketed at those aged seven to nine) who were totally captivated by the story I re-read it thinking it a perfect Halloween read for younger readers.
The story of what happens the stormy night Mrs Scarum turns up, the clocks in the Blossom household lose their rhythm and Mr Blossom fails to telephone home. This isn't your usual take on the whole witch myth in that Mrs Scarum is hardly your average witch if indeed she is a witch at all. And its this not knowing whether she is or isn't that is part of the books overall charm.
A refreshing take on an old genre. As an adult I enjoyed the story which I thought had a wide scope for children to use their imaginations, for them to make up their own minds. What I wasn't so keen on was the illustrations which was a shame given how appealing I found the front cover.
In addition I would also urge that if you are reading this on any other page you contact the original blog owner/reviewer.
11 comments:
This sounds like a fun little book and I absolutely love the cover!
This does sound like a cute one. Too bad about the illustrations. I like the cover.
Aww! This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the review!
I also love the idea that a witch's tears turn to crystal. How neat!
Hi Tracy,
Many congratulations to Lindsay, on winning the draw for 'Isabel's Skin'. I hope that you enjoy the book Lindsay, I know that I shall definitely be on the lookout for a copy, for myself.
I think that one of the most important aspects of a book aimed at children in this relatively young age group, are the illustrations, so it is a real shame that the inside illustrations of 'The Witch's Tears', don't match the excellence of the cover art.
I have come across some excellent illustrators and artists during the course of my blogging time and can only gaze on some of their work with unadulterated envy.
My art, like most of my other non academic skills, are almost non existent. I do enjoy embroidery, knitting and crocheting, however these are all done on a very modest scale, using the most basic of techniques ... I do so wish it were different!!!
Sounds like a nice 'chill out' read though, in preparation for your next 'grown up' adventure. LOL
Yvonne
Congrats to Lindsay! The Witch's Tears sounds enchanting, Tracy.
Sounds cute!! I'm glad you enjoyed it, but that's a bummer the pictures aren't as cute as the cover.
What a cute sounding book! You had me at captivated 7 year olds. Oh I'm going to have to recommend this book. :)
This sounds like a fun story! It's a bit too old for my daughter just yet, but definitely one she might like a in a few more years. I would probably like it regardless. :-)
Sounds good but BOO on the illustration dilemma. Too bad too since I too thought the cover appealing.
The front cover is adorable, so I am sorry the rest of the illustrations aren't as good. It does sound like a great story- especially for this time of year. :) Love the memorable moment!
Thanks ever so much Tracy, for the giveaway, it's lovely to win a book! x
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