I adore the Tiffany Aching books. They are fantasy, yes, but they demnostrate real and valuable life lessons. Things like doing what needs to be done, not letting down the people who count on you, understanding that life is unfair sometimes, but you still need to do your work. My daughters didn't love these books - I think they were a little too young when we first read them. But now that they are a little older, I want these books in my library. Things don't resolve neatly, things can be unfair, and hard, and that is just the way it is. And still, there is a reasonably happy ending. I just love these books for adolescent girls.
Wintersmith (Tiffany Aching Adventures, Book 3)
(2006, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Terry Pratchett)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Fantasy's sensible witch entices Winter.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Wintersmith (Tiffany Aching Adventures, Book 3) was written by Matt Berman
Parents need to know that, as fantasies go, this one is pretty mild. It contains minimal violence and displays solid values of hard work and responsibility.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the concept of witchcraft presented here. Why do the characters use so little actual magic? What are their primary qualities? Also, why does Tiffany help Annagramma?
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More on Wintersmith (Tiffany Aching Adventures, Book 3)
Book Summary
When taken by her mentor witch to see the Dance of the Seasons, Tiffany accidentally attracts the attention of the Wintersmith, the elemental spirit of Winter, who develops a crush on her. To win her love he makes all the snowflakes (as well as some icebergs) look like her, writes her name in window frost, and creates a garden of ice-roses for her. But most of all he tries to make himself human by following the directions in a nursery rhyme.
Meanwhile the spirit of Summer is none too thrilled, and Tiffany also has to deal with the smothering protectiveness of the Feegles; Roland, who may or may not be her boyfriend; the death of her current mentor; and helping the snippy Annagramma in spite of herself.
Is It Any Good?
Sensible witch-in-training Tiffany and the crotchety witches she learns from certainly are appealing characters in this third installment of the Tiffany Aching Adventures. But the book really comes to life when the Feegles are onstage -- which is too seldom. The red-haired, blue-tattooed, drinking, stealing, and fighting Wee Free Men with the thick brogues are the main source of fun and humor.
Author Terry Pratchett continues to have plenty to say on a variety of subjects, including marriage, old age, the nature of myths and stories, and growing up, and he does so with a dry, twisty wit that often makes readers stop and think -- after they finish laughing. The plot is often secondary to Pratchett's pungent observations, and he subtly goes several layers deeper than you'd expect.
Publisher’s Details
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books, Publication date: 11/20/2006
Number of pages: 323, Price: $16.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 11, Read Alone: 12
Number of pages: 323, Price: $16.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 11, Read Alone: 12
Our Members Say
See all 5 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
I love these books!!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
This is so hilariusly awesome!
Tiffany aching shows amazing independance and wit as she deals with the love-sick spirit of winter and deals with annagramma. she showed that you should always help other people even when you don't like them help when she helps Annagramma. in the book, this is the meaning of witchcraft: taking responsibility for those who can't help themselves. Tiffany also shows that if you make a maistake, you have to fix it when she accidently made the wintersmith fall in love with her. I loved the way the book showed that people fooled themselves with stories. one example of this is miss treason who used frightening stories she told to villagers and products from Boffo, a joke shop that sell fake "witch" things (like fake warts), to make people respect and fear her. "Wintersmith" is also hilarious. Pratchett uses his wit and charactors to make the book this funny. the funnies charactors are the Nac Mac Feegles who are six inch tall, blue, Scottish worries. they are afraid of nothing and love drinking, stealling, fighting and singing row, row, row your boat (not very well). Wintersmith a must read!!!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
I r eviewed this for my job!
This was a great book with a very funny, likable main character. The Feegle's speech was a bit confusing, but overall it was great! 8-13 year olds.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
pratchett is great but this one is fantastic
i loved this book. i have one favorite athour but when i got this for christmas i couldn't put it down(figurtively) i think terry's books are great for 11 and up!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
An imaginative and entertaining tale for kids and adults alike
I haven't read a bad Terry Pratchett novel yet and as a huge fan of the Discworld series I wondered whether his books aimed at a younger would still entertain me. I'm happy to say that the same energetic and lighthearted storytelling is present in this book. The book tells the adventure of Tiffany Aching, a witch in training who accidentally gains the affection of none other than The Wintersmith himself and whilst fighting off the demi-God's ill attempts at romance must also cope with the local community who rely on witches to solve their everyday troubles. Full of colourful characters (some of which Discworld fans may find familiar) and absorbing dialogue,this book should prove very entertaining for tweens and any fan of fantasy.
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