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Book Synopsis
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
Review Quotes
"[A] joyfully chaotic tale."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "A refreshing change of pace for young fantasy fans."--Booklist "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 "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 "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 "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)