Earwig and the Witch is a fantasy novel written by Diana Wynne Jones. It tells the story of a young girl named Earwig who is adopted by a witch named Bella Yaga. The book takes place in a magical world where witches and wizards exist alongside humans. The main character, Earwig, is a strong-willed and clever girl who is used to getting her own way. She is not afraid to stand up to Bella Yaga and uses her intelligence to outsmart the witch. Despite her young age, Earwig is a resourceful and independent protagonist who uses her wit and charm to navigate the magical world she finds herself in.
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Got the other twelve witches all chasing me. I'll be back for her when I've shook them off. It may take years. Her name is Earwig.
Earwig has been at the orphanage ever since she was a baby. That's just how she likes it. She has her best friend, Custard, and everyone always does exactly what Earwig wants. She never wants to leave, so she makes sure no one ever picks her.
Then a very strange couple comes to the orphanage. They try to make themselves look ordinary. But Earwig knows they are not, not in the least. And they choose her, out of all the other children.
Earwig could be in for quite an unpleasant surprise. But so could the very strange couple.
Reading Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones was such a bittersweet experience as it was the last book Jones wrote before she died and so obviously the beginning of what would have been an absolutely delightful series. Reading Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones was such a bittersweet experience as it was the last book Jones wrote before she died and so obviously the beginning of what would have been an absolutely delightful series.
Despite her young age, Earwig is a resourceful and independent protagonist who uses her wit and charm to navigate the magical world she finds herself in. The novel explores themes such as the power of knowledge, the importance of being true to oneself, and the idea that everyone has the ability to change their circumstances. Earwig's journey is filled with adventure, as she learns more about the magical world she has been thrust into and discovers her own hidden talents.
Random Musings of a Bibliophile
Reading Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones was such a bittersweet experience as it was the last book Jones wrote before she died and so obviously the beginning of what would have been an absolutely delightful series.
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Got the other twelve witches all chasing me. I'll be back for her when I've shook them off. It may take years. Her name is Earwig.
Earwig has been at the orphanage ever since she was a baby. That's just how she likes it. She has her best friend, Custard, and everyone always does exactly what Earwig wants. She never wants to leave, so she makes sure no one ever picks her.
Then a very strange couple comes to the orphanage. They try to make themselves look ordinary. But Earwig knows they are not, not in the least. And they choose her, out of all the other children.
Earwig could be in for quite an unpleasant surprise. But so could the very strange couple.
This book is for a younger audience than I usually review books for. It is most definitely an early chapter book. First through third graders rejoice. Those who wish to introduce young readers to the joy that is DWJ's writing early on may also rejoice. Earwig is an irrepressible heroine full of spunk and wits. She, her cat familiar, the mean old witch, and the grumpy mandrake are certain to pull readers into the story. The plot is a fun one full of Earwig trying to get the best of her new foster parents. It is a fun book and it is so sad there will be no more continuation of Earwig's adventures.
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Reading Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones was such a bittersweet experience as it was the last book Jones wrote before she died and so obviously the beginning of what would have been an absolutely delightful series.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the portrayal of witches. While typically portrayed as evil and malevolent, Bella Yaga is actually a complex character who is both intimidating and vulnerable. Earwig's relationship with Bella Yaga evolves throughout the book, and readers are left with a deeper understanding of the witch's motivations and vulnerabilities. Earwig and the Witch is a delightful and imaginative story that will captivate readers of all ages. It is a tale of resilience, independence, and the power of friendship. Despite its fantastical elements, the book also addresses universal themes that readers can relate to. Overall, Earwig and the Witch is a charming and enchanting fantasy novel that showcases Diana Wynne Jones' storytelling prowess..
Reviews for "The Influence of Traditional Fairy Tales on 'Earwig and the Witch"
1. Jane - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Earwig and the Witch." The story lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. I found Earwig to be an unlikable protagonist and couldn't connect with her at all. The animation style was also a letdown, as it felt cheap and lacked the visual appeal of other Studio Ghibli films. Overall, I found the film to be forgettable and would not recommend it to fans of the fantasy genre.
2. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars - "Earwig and the Witch" was a complete waste of time for me. The plot was confusing and poorly developed, jumping from one event to another without any clear direction. The animation was subpar, with stiff character movements and uninspired designs. The characters themselves were also uninspiring and lacked any depth or relatability. I found myself disinterested in their journey and couldn't wait for the movie to end. I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for a quality fantasy experience.
3. Sarah - 2.5 out of 5 stars - As a longtime fan of Studio Ghibli, "Earwig and the Witch" was a disappointment. The story felt rushed and the pacing was off. The characters lacked the charm and complexity that I have come to expect from the studio's films. Additionally, the shift to 3D animation did not work well with the style and tone of the movie, and the overall visual experience felt underwhelming. While the film had its moments, it ultimately fell short of my expectations.