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School Library Journal
Reviewed on August 1, 2011
Gr 3–5—In post-World War II Britain, as their lands have been taken over by modern industry, hags, trolls, wizards, and other magical beings have been forced to move to the cities and find menial jobs. The one bright spot in an otherwise drab existence is the annual Summer Meeting of Unusual Creatures. The Hag of the Dribble, who runs a boardinghouse in the middle of London, is beside herself when her familiar, a tired old toad, won't go. Her young neighbor Ivo has an idea—he will serve as her familiar so she ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Horn Book Magazine
Reviewed on July 1, 2011
Ibbotson's playful humor, pungent turns of phrase, and sturdy friendliness toward her child heroes suffuse this novel (her second-to-last book), a fantasy that has its share of dramatic conflict but at heart celebrates the value of a peaceful home in which "people…[do] not want to be changed but…[are] content to be themselves." A displaced Hag and troll, a hapless wizard, and Ivo, an orphan whose look is "so atte...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
Horn Book Guide
Reviewed on January 1, 2011
A hag, troll, wizard, and orphan are told to slay an ogre who holds a princess captive. Turns out the princess ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More
