Earwig and the Witch
Comical tale of a spunky girl adopted by a witch and devil.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this book written by Diana Wynne Jones just before her death includes an imaginative world that is reminiscent of Howl's Moving Castle, as it's set in a magician's house that changes its geography. This fantasy world is easier to grasp than some of Jones' other, more complex worlds and features a grouchy witch and a powerful devil-like figure with a penchant for comfort food. The slightly scary parts are quickly over and tempered with humor and a brave heroine.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Earwig loves the orphanage in which she was born and raised, where she can always get everyone to do what she wants and appreciates the people who take care of her. But after an odd-looking woman and a 9-foot tall man take her home to live with them, for the first time in her life, Earwig has to do something she doesn't want to. Rather than get discouraged when the unpleasant woman tells Earwig she must help her prepare witch spells, the girl sees it as her biggest challenge. With Thomas the talking cat serving as her familiar and friend, Earwig patiently waits for opportunities to turn the tide her way.
Is It Any Good?
Though it's delightful to have one last book from Jones after her death, and it starts out promising with all the trademarks of her writing, it feels unfinished and not quite fully developed. For example, a note left on Earwig when she was a baby implies that Earwig herself is a witch, but it is never followed up on, and the last, very brief chapter of the book begins, "A year went by," and has an ending that seems tacked on. Still, Earwig is likable and readers will enjoy her comical adventures as she tries to outsmart the witch. Early readers will especially appreciate Paul O. Zelinsky's cartoony drawings, which break up the text with spot illustrations and occasional full-page spreads.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Earwig is used to getting everyone to do what she wants. For Earwig, is that a good quality, or a bad one?
What do you think the note that was pinned to Earwig's shawl when she was left on the doorstep of the orphanage meant?
What spells from the witch's book would you find useful?
Book Details
- Author: Diana Wynne Jones
- Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Greenwillow Books
- Publication date: January 31, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 128
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
-
Howl's Moving Castle
Young girl turned old lives with a wizard.
-
Not Just a Witch
Magic and humor mix with dark details for strange brew.
-
The Witch's Boy
Rumplestiltskin revealed! Why he did what he did.
-
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
1600s America springs to life for today's kids.
For kids who love magic and fantasy
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate