Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
27 global ratings
5 star
55%
4 star
28%
3 star
3%
2 star
14%
1 star 0% (0%)
0%
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Heidi Grange
4.0 out of 5 stars A thought-provoking fairy tale
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2011
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I found this book rather intriguing for several reasons. First, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. I especially appreciate Rocco's use of color as well as the addition of silhouettes. The illustrations in my opinion are the best part of the book. That does not mean, however, that the writing wasn't good. The writing reminded me greatly of Kate DiCamillo's The Magician's Elephant. In other words, the writing was very lyrical and a delight to read. The book's design is superb, with just enough text and illustrations to make reading it a pleasure.

The second thing I found intriguing about this book was the story itself. This is not a fairy tale that I have heard before so I was interested to see how the story played out. The story itself kind of meanders. It is not really compelling so much as thought-provoking. Like most fairy tales, there is definitely a message here about leadership and wisdom versus greed and hunger for power. I think the book would be enjoyable for the right kind of reader, a more thoughtful reader. Quite a few kids might pick it up because of the gorgeous cover, but I wonder how many would actually finish it. On the other hand, the book would make for some very interesting discussions as a read-a-loud.
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Finizio
2.0 out of 5 stars Book is great! Product is damaged.
Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2021
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Disappointed with how it was delivered to me. I know it wasn’t the delivery people because this book was placed between two others. It’s like a book was damaged at the store and given to me like this. I bought this for my class library and was hoping to having for a while... but now it may not last.
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A. Kermath
4.0 out of 5 stars Not a young children's book
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2013
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This story is long and rambling, but it does have a lot of interesting parts. The illustrations are wonderful, but the references are strictly adult and some of the slang would be difficult for a teenager to understand, let alone someone younger. There is also a lot of violence. So, I recommend this for children, but only as a "read to".
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sjb likes amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2018
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very happy
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Donna Lance
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Fantasy Novel
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2019
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A perfect fantasy novel for 5th grade boys!
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TH
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2015
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Super quick delivery. Exactly as advertised. Would do again.
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James Schumacher
5.0 out of 5 stars My niece loved this book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2012
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and she is a pretty good book reviewer! So, indirectly, I will give this book 5 stars. Thanks for a great gift!
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Cee Bee
2.0 out of 5 stars really boring
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2013
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This book was slow to take off. couldn't hold my interest. Stop reading early on. Don't waste your time with this one.
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Laura Ratti
4.0 out of 5 stars Romanzo per ragazzi dal sapore classico
Reviewed in Italy on September 25, 2020
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All’alba dei tempi fu creato un amuleto di selce con il potere di indurire i cuori. Chiunque lo indossi avrà prestigio e potere. Il pericoloso manufatto rimane sepolto fino a che non viene ritrovato da un pacifico contadino si giorni nostri, con gli effetti che possiamo immaginare. I figli del fattore ( nonché il cane) si organizzano per trovare una soluzione. Verranno loro in aiuto il piccolo popolo e a una bottiglia dell’acqua calda di fabbricazione germanica. Ma i tentativi di liberarsi del cuore di selce provocano una serie di conseguenze inaspettate.. un bel libro per chi ha amato le Cronache di Narnia, dal ritmo veloce e divertente.
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Atharva
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful illustrations and fairy tale of wisdom
Reviewed in India on July 8, 2017
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The best part of the book is gorgeous illustrations by John Rocco. That itself makes the book a treasure.
The design of the book is also very superb : with glossy paper, large font size with large margins. Width of the book is also comparatively large than the conventional size.
And there is a nice fairy tale teaching wisdom, avoiding greed and living in harmony. This is an adaptation of the book by Eden Phillpotts. I haven't read the original but after reading this book, didnt feel need of going for the unabridged version. Some parts of the book might be difficult for kids to understand so parental intervention might be needed to understand the humor.
Recommended for ages 10+.
This review is for Walker Book's hardcover edition (ISBN :978-0763647124).
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