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The Borrowers

(1952, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Mary Norton, Illustrated by Beth and Joe Krush)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Classic tale a bit slow but retains its appeal.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Arrietty disobeys her parents.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Fear of capture makes the borrowing expeditions tense.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Borrowers

Parents need to know that this classic tale retains its appeal, but some children may find it slow. Fear of capture makes the borrowing expeditions tense. The occasional black-and-white line art helps to make the tiny Borrowers more real for the young reader. Detailed descriptions of how the Borrowers use everyday objects bring the reader's imagination to life.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the how the Borrowers make what we view as everyday objects seem unique and wondrous. What are some of the objects that fascinate them? How do they use the objects differently than we do?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Reem
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 0.0

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 3.0

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