Gr 4-6-Old Mr. Pandolfo, feeling that life is getting too difficult-what with troublesome weather, troublesome soldiers, and very troublesome cousins-decides the time has come to create a scarecrow. At least a scarecrow would take care of the birds. Mr. Pandolfo creates a fine scarecrow, indeed, with a large turnip for a head, a broomstick for a backbone, dressed in a tweed suit stuffed with straw. Hidden within it, carefully wrapped in oilskin, is a mysterious letter. But how can this extraordinary creature-who comes to life when struck by a bolt of lightning-fulfill his destiny if he's stuck out in the middle of a field? Enter Jack, an enterprising, intelligent, and practical young orphan fleeing the soldiers who robbed him of home and family. Jack's motto, "It could be worse," comes in handy as he agrees to become the servant of the rather egocentric scarecrow, setting off to find "excitement and glory." Scarecrow's excellent opinion of himself sets the stage for a variety of silly, yet dangerous, adventures. Run-ins with government officials, soldiers, and unscrupulous business people provide plenty of opportunities for moralizing on the evils of society. In another setting, this story line might seem over-the-top, but Pullman's clever employment of fairy-tale conventions, his superb use of language, and his engaging dialogue make it a wholly satisfying yarn of ridiculous proportions, and Bailey's line drawings provide just the right feeling of long ago that every good fairy tale deserves.-Sharon Grover, Arlington County Department of Libraries, VA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
A pair of valiant adventurers outwits a lawyer and his corporate masters in this comic fairy tale. The Scarecrow has been stolen so often that, by the time it comes to life, it's nowhere near its home in Spring Valley. Together with clever orphan Jack, whom he hires as a servant, the Scarecrow quests for his home. Along the way, he becomes an actor, a lover and a soldier. Each time, the Scarecrow's foolishness is nearly their undoing until resourceful Jack saves the day. But unbeknownst to Jack and the Scarecrow, they're being followed by a lawyer for the wicked Buffaloni family, which wants to turn the Scarecrow's beautiful Spring Valley into a rat poison factory. Luckily, Jack's cleverness and the Scarecrow's kindness (for, though he exists to scare birds, he can't bear to scare a baby bird or its parents) help them defeat the Buffalonis in a thoroughly amusing conclusion. Lightweight for Pullman, but witty, affectionate and fun. (Fantasy. 8-12)
The book is a perfectly made gem, full of fun, fireworks, and wit. We continue to be lucky to have Philip Pullman writing for us.”–The Guardian (U.K.)
“Philip Pullman, now acknowledged as one of the greatest children’s authors of our time, is also one of the funniest and most accessible.”–The Times (U.K.)
“[Pullman’s] touch is so sure, his plotting so flawless, that you know a new Pullman means a rare treat. The Scarecrow and His Servant does not disappoint.”–The Herald (U.K.)
The fairy tale quality of Philip Pullman's latest is enhanced by Graeme Malcolm's gentle, almost singsong, narration. A scarecrow, brought to life by a freak lightning strike, and an orphan boy, Jack, embark on a quest to reclaim Spring Valley from the corrupt Buffaloni family. They drift from disaster to disaster, dogged by an oily lawyer working for the Buffalonis, but the overall tone remains silly enough that none of it ever feels truly threatening. Malcolm has plenty of opportunities to exercise a variety of accents (although why people with Italian surnames all sound British is an unresolved mystery). The fantastic Grand Congress of Birds allows Malcolm the chance for more vocal acrobatics. Younger listeners will be intrigued by the talking birds and the subtle central conflict of industry versus conservation. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine
