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_matthewdon_'s review against another edition
4.0
The Scarecrow and His Servant is a charming, mystical adventure for kids that perfectly balances ridiculous ideas with seamless plotting and funny, quirky characters. The illustrations are perfect and it's written for children with utmost respect for their developing minds and their intelligence, humour and imagination. Overall, The Scarecrow and His Servant is an enjoyable tale, with great charm and wit, humour galore...Irresistibly likeable.
literaryk's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
jtjacks20's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
eyreguide's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very entertaining Middle Grade read. I really enjoyed Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" series and "Sally Lockhart" books, so I do like his writing style and his inventive storytelling. The Scarecrow and His Servant is a mix of a fairy tale and an homage to Don Quixote with a sinister streak in the unknown motivations of the powerful Buffaloni family. Although the adventures the Scarecrow takes Jack on are rather sedate and sometimes just silly, Jack and the Scarecrow's schemes are very entertaining and unexpected. The characterizations of the main characters are pretty broad and easy, and while the action in the story moves along at a comfortable pace, it does come together nicely in the climax scenes in the courtroom. And in the final scenes I saw that philosophical edge that Philip Pullman likes to add to his novels and which I always find very interesting. In this case it was the nature of identity.
Although the story seems to focus on the Scarecrow, I found his simple minded sincerity a little tiring after awhile, and thought that earnest and sensible Jack was a great counterpoint, and much more sympathetic. The other standout character was crusty Granny Raven who has some great scenes near the end of the story. This book is a witty, light, easy read - perfect for children or adults who love whimsical reads.
Although the story seems to focus on the Scarecrow, I found his simple minded sincerity a little tiring after awhile, and thought that earnest and sensible Jack was a great counterpoint, and much more sympathetic. The other standout character was crusty Granny Raven who has some great scenes near the end of the story. This book is a witty, light, easy read - perfect for children or adults who love whimsical reads.
lannthacker's review against another edition
4.0
J PULLMAN - humor, fairy tale
A modern fairytale about a scarecrow come to life. He's very trusting and a little absurd. He encounters a boy, who becomes his servant. They have many adventures, with thieves, acting, soldiering, and birds. But ultimately the story is about saving the scarecrow's home valley from the grasp of an evil corporation. 9 - 12
A modern fairytale about a scarecrow come to life. He's very trusting and a little absurd. He encounters a boy, who becomes his servant. They have many adventures, with thieves, acting, soldiering, and birds. But ultimately the story is about saving the scarecrow's home valley from the grasp of an evil corporation. 9 - 12
thomsontv's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
dlberglund's review against another edition
3.0
I talked to teachers who loved this book...I liked it well enough, but didn't adore it. It's a little weird:a turnip-headed (pea-brained) scarecrow who is the "master" of a young orphan boy? Amusing at points, but didn't hold my attention all the time.