A tattered scarecrow stands in the middle of a muddy field, taking no notice of the violent thunderstorm around him. But when a bolt of lightning strikes him, fizzing its way through his turnip head and down his broomstick, the Scarecrow blinks with surprise–and comes to life. So begins the story of the Scarecrow, a courteous but pea-brained fellow with grand ideas. He meets a boy, Jack, who becomes his faithful servant. Leaving behind his bird-scaring duties, the Scarecrow sets out for Spring Valley, with Jack at his side. As the valiant Scarecrow plunges them into terrifying dangers–battles, brigands, broken hearts, and treasure islands–he never realizes he’s being followed by the one family who desperately wishes he’d never sprung to life. Will the Scarecrow discover the secret to his past before the crooked Buffalonis close in on him?
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"This is a delightful little story, for children and adults alike. A scarecrow is struck by lightning, and comes to life; he recruits a young lad named Jack as his personal servant, and having nothing better to do the two embark on a grand adventure, complete with an army episode, entrangement on a solitary isle, and even a love affair. All complete with fun illustrations, bringing the story to life and pointing out its dramatic and hilarious moments just on time. Obviously inspired by Cervantes, this short tale should satisfy people of all ages, irregardless if they've just learned to read, or have been reading all their lives. Please do yourself a favor, sit in your favorite chair, take a cup of tea with you and enjoy this little gem."
— Maciek (4 out of 5 stars)
“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.”
— School Library Journal“Pullman seems equally at home whether creating high fantasy, Victorian mysteries, or old-fashioned stories in the fairy-tale fashion. Here he excels in the latter mode, creating unique characters to charm young readers.”
— Booklist" THis is the only book from the YRCA (young readers choice award) that i haven't read. "
— ♥rAcHeL♥, 2/18/2014" I really felt for the Scarecrow's boy. I really liked this book, much more than I thought, again, probably more apt for a 12 year old, but I've never let that stop me. "
— Jill, 2/10/2014" Perhaps a little long, but quite charming. Good for kids who like humor and fantasy, and a good recommendation for kids who have liked books like "The Whipping Boy" or even "The BFG." Would make a good 4th grade read aloud. "
— H, 1/19/2014" Very simple story from the genius of Pullman. Good read for my seven-year-old daughter. "
— Aaron, 1/17/2014" this is a really cute book. i read it in 5th grade and i loved it! "
— Hana, 1/6/2014" I might appreciate the story more if I read the book or if I was 8. I stopped listening to the CD because it was too slow. "
— Mylksnake, 1/3/2014" Really cute story! "
— Malinda, 12/27/2013" I liked it because the scarecrow didn't know much, he had a very small brain and it fell out! "
— Myles, 10/27/2013" This book is alot like "Worzel Gummidge" but the scarcrow is considerebly more charming, READ IT! "
— Flowersuccess, 10/20/2013" Cute but silly and definitely not up to his other works. "
— Pam, 10/3/2013" reinvention of don quixote in a delightful manner..wonderful cute story..loved the adventures.. "
— Nid, 3/14/2013Philip Pullman is the Whitbread Award–winning author of the bestselling His Dark Materials series—The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass—as well as the Sally Lockhart trio of Victorian mysteries and other books for young readers. Among his other awards, he has won the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in honor of the body of his work.
Graeme Malcolm was an actor and winning audiobook narrator who earned twelve AudioFile Earphones Awards. He has performed on Broadway as Pharaoh in Aida and as Sir Edward Ramsay in The King and I. His television appearances include Law & Order, Follow the River, and Mr. Halpern and Mr. Johnson (with Laurence Olivier). His film credits include A Further Gesture, The Adventures of Sebastian Cole, and Reunion.