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A Finder's Magic (by Philippa Pearce)

common sense media says

Magical mystery about a boy, his dog, and an odd little man.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a fairy tale with enchantment, magic, and the mention of witches. It's also a book with riddles, precise vocabulary, and talking animals.

Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on A Finder's Magic

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the odd little man. What is a "finder"? Do you think there really could be such a person? How does he talk to the animals? How did Mudman help with the communication? As the story evolves, families can try to solve the mystery of the dog's disappearance as the finder and the boy uncover clues. They will especially enjoy trying to work out the riddle passed on by the brindled cat.

What's the story?

What's the story?

When Til's dog Bess disappears mysteriously and he begins his search, he's joined by Finder, a strange little man whose magical connection with the animal world helps solve the case. Also involved in unraveling the mystery are two old ladies, their brindled cat, a heron, a mole, and one of Bess's toys named Mudman.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This is an entertaining story with the quaint crispness one might expect in a story of Peter Rabbit, or one of the English mysteries of a time past. The language is fresh and sprinkled with a vocabulary that enhances the telling, and reading it aloud is a must. The words sound as if they are falling from the lips of a loving English grandmother, which truly they were.

The story of how and why the story was written is almost as good as the story itself. Dedicating it to her grandsons, Philippa Pearce (who could well have been Miss Grammer, one of the old ladies) wrote the mystery. Helen Craig, the boys' other grandmother, illustrated it. She most likely is Miss Mousy, the second old lady who also paints and sketches. And, after Miss Grammer says to Miss Mousy in the final chapter, "It would make such a good story," they embark together on the telling of the tale, even settling on the same first line as the one used in the book. Clever, and fun, their collaboration has created a world of magical enchantment that feels like grandma's house.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Philippa Pearce
Illustrator: Helen Craig
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: March 10, 2009
Number of pages: 128
Hardcover price: $15.99
Read Aloud: 7
Read Alone: 9

This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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ashley ngu
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