Every year, Gardner Village in Utah hosts a witch celebration unlike any other. The village becomes a hub of activity as thousands of visitors come to experience the magical atmosphere. The highlight of the celebration is the display of over 300 witches throughout the village. These whimsical and creative witches come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Some are funny, some are spooky, and some are downright beautiful. Each witch is unique, with its individual style and character.
ISBN: 978-1-4169-2745-7
According to the author s epigraph, only the young, the old, the brave, the honest, the joyful understand the magic, and gradually more family members are revealed as able to join in on the conversations. Though Roz is different from the creatures she lives with or encounters including her son, Brightbill the goose, and his new mate, Glimmerwing she makes connections through her versatile communication abilities and her desire to understand and help others.
Each witch is unique, with its individual style and character. Visitors are encouraged to explore the village, trying to spot all the witches hidden in different shops and corners. It becomes a fun scavenger hunt as people wander through the streets, taking pictures with their favorite witches.
WAITING FOR THE MAGIC
Pet lovers know that their nonhuman friends are magical beings imbued with preternatural wisdom, and anyone who’s experienced the special bond between humans and animals firsthand is fortunate indeed.
Mama promptly adopts four dogs and a cat when Papa leaves her and their children, 10-year-old Will and 4-year-old Elinor, who’s a natural at magic from the get-go. Readers soon discover that the animals regularly speak to each other and to some of the humans, telepathically. Greek-chorus style, they also comment sagely and often comically on the family’s travails. According to the author's epigraph, only “the young, the old, the brave, the honest, the joyful” understand the magic, and gradually more family members are revealed as able to join in on the “conversations.” The real magic is not only that animals can speak but that they can effect real change in a family—and ultimately save it. MacLachlan shows how this family grows and heals in touching and charming ways, yet she doesn’t shy away from some of the honest emotions surrounding parental separation. She balances some tough issues with sweetness and humor, and there’s a happy, satisfying and cathartic ending, proving that magic is closer than one thinks and is worth the wait.
An endearing testimonial to interspecies family relationships. (Fantasy. 8-12)
Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4169-2745-7
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Atheneum
Review Posted Online: July 5, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2011
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There is always an element of surprise, as new witches are added each year to keep the celebration fresh and exciting. In addition to the display of witches, Gardner Village also offers various activities and events to make the celebration even more enjoyable. There are witch-themed shops where you can find everything from potion ingredients to magical trinkets. Children can participate in a witch-themed scavenger hunt or enjoy face painting. There are also live performances, which include magic shows and storytelling. The witch celebration at Gardner Village is not just about the witches themselves but also about the overall atmosphere. The village is transformed into a magical wonderland with vibrant decorations, colorful displays, and an enchanting ambiance. It is a place where visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the spirit of Halloween and enjoy a day filled with fun and excitement. Overall, the witch celebration at Gardner Village is a unique and memorable event. It offers a one-of-a-kind experience where witches come to life and visitors can escape into a world of enchantment. Whether you believe in magic or not, this celebration is sure to leave you spellbound..
Reviews for "Celebrate the Witchy Way: Gardner Village's Annual Event"
- John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Witch Celebration in Gardner Village. The whole event felt disorganized and chaotic. There were long lines for everything, from parking to getting into the actual event. The activities were lackluster and didn't live up to the hype. Overall, it was a waste of time and money.
- Sarah - 1 star - I had such high hopes for the Witch Celebration in Gardner Village, but it was a complete letdown. The decorations were subpar and didn't create the spooky atmosphere I was expecting. The entertainment was mediocre at best, and the vendors weren't anything special either. I wouldn't recommend attending this event. There are much better Halloween celebrations out there.
- Emily - 2 stars - I attended the Witch Celebration in Gardner Village with my family and we were all underwhelmed. The event seemed overcrowded and it was hard to enjoy any of the activities without constantly bumping into other people. The prices for food and drinks were also exorbitant, which was disappointing. I wouldn't go back next year.