Earwig and the Witch Movie Tie-In Edition

by Diana Wynne Jones, Paul O. Zelinsky (Illustrator)

Overview

Read the book that inspired the full-length animated feature produced by the legendary Studio Ghibli and directed by Goro Miyazaki.

Not every orphan would love living at St. Morwald's Home for Children, but Earwig does. She gets whatever she wants, whenever she wants it, and it's been that way since she was dropped on the orphanage’s doorstep as a baby. But all that changes the day Bella Yaga and the Mandrake come to St. Morwald's, disguised as foster parents.

Earwig is whisked off to their mysterious house full of invisible rooms, potions, and spell books, with magic around every corner. Most children would run in terror from a house like that . . . but not Earwig. Using her own cleverness—with a lot of help from a talking cat—she decides to show the witch who's boss.

 A young middle grade novel by World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement–winner Diana Wynne Jones, beautifully and humorously illustrated in black and white by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky.

“I would like to declare Diana Wynne Jones an international treasure," Neil Gaiman, Newbery Medal–winning and best-selling author

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063136526
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/16/2021
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,107,622
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

In a career spanning four decades, award-winning author Diana Wynne Jones (1934‒2011) wrote more than forty books of fantasy for young readers. Characterized by magic, multiple universes, witches and wizards—and a charismatic nine-lived enchanter—her books are filled with unlimited imagination, dazzling plots, and an effervescent sense of humor that earned her legendary status in the world of fantasy.

Paul O. Zelinsky is the illustrator of many acclaimed books for children. He is the illustrator of Kelly Bingham’s Z Is for Moose and Circle, Square, Moose, Jack Prelutsky’s Awful Ogre’s Awful Day, Emily Jenkins’s Toys Go Out, and Anne Isaac’s Dust Devil. He is also the creator of the now-classic interactive book The Wheels on the Bus. His retelling of Rapunzel was awarded the 1998 Caldecott Medal. Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, and Swamp Angel, with different authors, all garnered him a Caldecott Honor. Paul O. Zelinsky lives with his wife in Brooklyn, New York.

Editorial Reviews

This funny story updates fairy tale conventions while highlighting Jones’s subversive wit and her firm belief that children can control their own lives. … A fine introduction to the late author’s more complex YA novels.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“With this enthralling book, Jones proves that she is still at the top of her game.” — Booklist (starred review)

“[A] joyfully chaotic tale.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Earwig is a plucky, bossy heroine, and the story is packed with with and humor. Zelinsky’s illustrations enhance this imaginative tale.” — School Library Journal

“Readers are treated to a nonstop plot, memorable characters, and signature DWJ touches … An accessible page design incorporates Zelinsky’s plentiful line illustrations, the best of which are showstoppers.” — The Horn Book

“A refreshing change of pace for young fantasy fans.” — Booklist

“Jones brings her characteristic witty humor and rich imagination to a whimsical chapter book that would undoubtedly delight as a readaloud. Stubborn and mischievous, Earwig is a likable, albeit irascible, heroine, and her triumph at the witch’s expense will elicit plenty of cheerful howls.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

From the Publisher

With this enthralling book, Jones proves that she is still at the top of her game.

Booklist (starred review)

Readers are treated to a nonstop plot, memorable characters, and signature DWJ touches … An accessible page design incorporates Zelinsky’s plentiful line illustrations, the best of which are showstoppers.

The Horn Book

Jones brings her characteristic witty humor and rich imagination to a whimsical chapter book that would undoubtedly delight as a readaloud. Stubborn and mischievous, Earwig is a likable, albeit irascible, heroine, and her triumph at the witch’s expense will elicit plenty of cheerful howls.

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

A refreshing change of pace for young fantasy fans.

Booklist

Jones brings her characteristic witty humor and rich imagination to a whimsical chapter book that would undoubtedly delight as a readaloud. Stubborn and mischievous, Earwig is a likable, albeit irascible, heroine, and her triumph at the witch’s expense will elicit plenty of cheerful howls.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

A refreshing change of pace for young fantasy fans.

Booklist