amberfinnegan's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
vivicusxi's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alexj_f's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
pagesofpins's review against another edition
3.0
I think kids would still love this story (now over 20 years old) about a kid who struggles with the idea of his housekeeper leaving, only to find the toy castle she has given him is magic. The prose is nothing special and some of the resolution is laughably cliche, but the struggles of the main character and the appeal of a magical castle and real knights with real weapons are here to stay.
The one thing that bothers me: we defeat the evil wizard and the land changes back to green, the dragon turns back into a cat, the statues turn back into people. The knight's girlfriend who is now an old crone? She just stays an old crone. Maybe because she just grew old and no magic was involved? But she's going to look really funny at the movies next to her twenty year old knight boyfriend.
The one thing that bothers me: we defeat the evil wizard and the land changes back to green, the dragon turns back into a cat, the statues turn back into people. The knight's girlfriend who is now an old crone? She just stays an old crone. Maybe because she just grew old and no magic was involved? But she's going to look really funny at the movies next to her twenty year old knight boyfriend.
mychaelann's review against another edition
3.0
My boys really loved this one. I thought it was cute - sort of an indian in the cupboard with a moral.
librovert's review against another edition
I definitely remember reading this when I was a kid, but I don't remember much about it.
xeni's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to the group What's the Name of that Book?!? for helping me find this book again!
If I ever find a used copy to buy, I will buy this book, no matter that it's a children's book, and I, as a rule, tend to dislike them. This novel has a ton of incredible things about it: vivid characters, a great fantasy realm, and a plot that actually goes forward and makes sense.
The only thing that I find sad about the book is that is a children's book! I'd much prefer it being a full length novel (which it could be with embellishments) but no worries. I'll read this book to my children one day and hope that their imaginations will also take them into a true fantasy world!
If I ever find a used copy to buy, I will buy this book, no matter that it's a children's book, and I, as a rule, tend to dislike them. This novel has a ton of incredible things about it: vivid characters, a great fantasy realm, and a plot that actually goes forward and makes sense.
The only thing that I find sad about the book is that is a children's book! I'd much prefer it being a full length novel (which it could be with embellishments) but no worries. I'll read this book to my children one day and hope that their imaginations will also take them into a true fantasy world!
eralon's review against another edition
4.0
Read this because it was assigned to Miranda this week. Fun ride, and talks about respecting other people's autonomy, listening to good advice, and growing increasingly self-reliant.