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Review
It is remarkable skill to make simplicity and even silliness embrace such complexity yet offer children so much wisdom. Somehow, it's not surprising that Pullman can do it. - The Sunday Times. The story ends as confidently as it begins, written for children with utmost respect for and delight in their intelligence, humour and imagination... Genius demands a continual purification and renewal of talent. Pullman has realised that and it's why he is great. - The Times. Pullman is probably incapable of writing a bad book. His touch is so sure, his plotting so flawless that you know a new Pullman means a rare treat.... Ultimately, this book works because, like all the best stories, it somehow reconnects the reader with a sense of humanity. - The Glasgow Herald. The book is a perfectly made gem, full of fun, fireworks and wit. We continue to be lucky to have Pullman writing for us. - The Guardian. Pullman has conjured up something entirely his own: a tale of great charm and wit, told in an easy style which reads as though it all came right in the first draft. It's aimed at a lower age-level than the "Dark Materials" trilogy; a fluent reader of eight would enjoy it and it would be great fun to read aloud to a younger child; but the quality of the ideas and the jokes, and the irresistibly likeable character of the Scarecrow, mean that older children would find themselves enjoying it too. - The Independent on Sunday. Written to be enjoyed at many different levels, this book will appeal to a wide age range. - The Bookseller.
Book Description
A brilliantly funny and moving tale of friendship from the multi-award winning, highly acclaimed Philip Pullman.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This delightful book tells the story of a scarecrow brought to life when it is struck by lightning. He is a pompous, blustering fellow, yet likeably in his naivety. Wanting adventures and to see the world, he employs a young boy, Jack, to be his servant. The story is told in lots of short chapters, each a mini adventure, in which one of the scarecrow's body parts is either lost, broken or stolen ... and then replaced. This raises an interesting question (and plot-twist) when, by the end of the book, everything about him is different: is he still the same scarecrow or not?
As with all Philip Pullman's books, the writing is a delight. Not a wasted word. The subject matter is probably best suited to younger readers 7 - 10, or as a series of bedtime stories for 5 - 7 year-olds. Charmingly illustrated by Peter Bailey.
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read this to my two sons age 10 and 8 as a change from their own reading. We all loved it. Everyone reviewing him defaults to Pullman's merits as "a storyteller"- but you just cant avoid admiring the beautiful characterisations, imaginative locations (that dreamlike otherworldliness in just about all his work), and perfect pace. Reading this aloud was a treat- the dialogue is light and flows (in stark contrast to JKR!) and the pace is well judged throughout. The storyline (a scarecrow who comes to life and deems to take on a rootless boy through a series of risky confrontations) places this book firmly for kids who love a good yarn, (and adults who love a good childrens book).
117 of 120 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Philip Pullman carries the torch for children's writing; he's the first writer of children's books to win the Whitbread award for doing so. "The Scarecrow and his Servant" is evidence aplenty of just why he deserved the award. He writes a great story, and he doesn't patronise his readership. In fact, he writes for a readership, not for children, and delivers an exciting, absorbing narrative direct to his reader, not to a child. He establishes one major fact which all writers should learn - whatever the average age of your readership, they want to be entertained, they want to be challenged, they want to know what happens on the next page.
In "The Scarecrow and his Servant", we are in some distant, over-the-next-horizon fantasy land, where a scarecrow can be brought to life by a lightning strike. It's not just Frankenstein's creation that can benefit from electrical charges. He teams up with young Jack, who is about as bright as the "Wizard of Oz's" tin man, and sets off on a variety of adventures, pursued all the way by an evil lawyer. It's a well-paced adventure, with horror, and comedy, and drama, and a host of allusions to other literary favourites.
"The Scarecrow and his Servant" is the latest offering from a major writer. It will engross, it will entertain, it will keep you turning the pages, whatever your age.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Great Read for Parents and Children Together
A memorable little fairy tale which playfully mocks a variety of institutions with its inventive use of language. Read more
Published 14 months ago by M. Keel
Excellent fun.
My nine year old boy was given this as a present. I thought it might be a bit un-sophisticated but having looked at it i found the language very enriching. Read more
Published on 13 Mar 2010 by Sean Higgins
Great read
Philip Pullman is another one of these authors that will always write a great book on any subject. This book is a very good and close to perfect and is worth reading.
Published on 7 Aug 2007 by Darkmaster
Near perfect.
Philip Pullman is quickly becoming the most important children's writer of not only this time, but of all time. Read more
Published on 25 Jan 2006 by A. Willmer
rubbish
I have read this book as part of a carneigy shadowers group and it is rubbish. the only curcumstances under which i would get it is if i wanted a three year olds bed time story but... Read more
Published on 4 July 2005
Don't dismiss it before reading
Although many people would probably only read this book if they were aged 10 or under, it really could be enjoyed by anyone of any age. Read more
Published on 29 May 2005 by Laura T
Just wonderful!
I purchased this book for our daughter last Christmas and somehow we all ended up having a couple of chapters read outloud each night for the whole family to enjoy. Read more
Published on 6 Jan 2005
A visually beautiful book
I agree that Phillip Pullman has done it again with The Scarecrow and His Servant - it's a wonderfully told fairytale for all age-groups, and a story which warms and stays with you... Read more
Published on 11 Dec 2004
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