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Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch
Eleven-year-old Maddy loved working in her parents' bookstore... especially when joined by her pet flying toad Ralph. But that was before the mysterious Thimblewitch turned her mom & dad into kangaroo rats!
Now Maddy's on the adventure of a lifetime. To save her parents, she'll need to sneak past an army of spider-goblins, scarecrow warriors, and much more... Fortunately, an assortment of new friends await, including the cloud cartographers Harry and Silvio, a bear and raccoon who explore the world in their moon-balloon. They'll help her along the way, but in the end, the fate of everyone will depend on Maddy's courage, compassion, and creativity.
Now Maddy's on the adventure of a lifetime. To save her parents, she'll need to sneak past an army of spider-goblins, scarecrow warriors, and much more... Fortunately, an assortment of new friends await, including the cloud cartographers Harry and Silvio, a bear and raccoon who explore the world in their moon-balloon. They'll help her along the way, but in the end, the fate of everyone will depend on Maddy's courage, compassion, and creativity.
89 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
December 11, 2019
This is a great little graphic novel for kids who have recently started reading and want to try their own book. It's for the youngest readers. It's a short and creative story about a girl trying to save her parents from goblins.
Some of the ideas in the story are interesting and could have been developed more. The ending did feel like a cliff-hanger and I wondered if there was another volume, but it seems there isn't.
The pace is lightning paced and the story moves quickly, almost too fast. There is no characterization. It's a simple story.
Some of the ideas in the story are interesting and could have been developed more. The ending did feel like a cliff-hanger and I wondered if there was another volume, but it seems there isn't.
The pace is lightning paced and the story moves quickly, almost too fast. There is no characterization. It's a simple story.
January 30, 2017
Maddy’s parents have been turned into mice by the Thimblewitch so she sets off on a magical adventure to find her to turn them back.
Eric Orchard’s Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch is a delightful kid’s book that even a (supposed) grown-up like me enjoyed!
Orchard’s art is immediately eye-catching - it looks appealing with just the right amount of menace to it to grab you. I liked the cross-hatching and the vivid colours, and the drawings look as free-flowing and creative as the story but controlled at the same time, which is a nice balance to strike.
The story barrels along quickly so as not to bore younger readers who might have shorter attention spans, and the writing is suitably simplistic too. It’s definitely a fun read whatever your age though the writing was a bit too simple for an older reader like me - younger readers will definitely love this more.
Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch is a charming and cute family comic that can also entertain adult readers - a great effort from Eric Orchard!
Eric Orchard’s Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch is a delightful kid’s book that even a (supposed) grown-up like me enjoyed!
Orchard’s art is immediately eye-catching - it looks appealing with just the right amount of menace to it to grab you. I liked the cross-hatching and the vivid colours, and the drawings look as free-flowing and creative as the story but controlled at the same time, which is a nice balance to strike.
The story barrels along quickly so as not to bore younger readers who might have shorter attention spans, and the writing is suitably simplistic too. It’s definitely a fun read whatever your age though the writing was a bit too simple for an older reader like me - younger readers will definitely love this more.
Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch is a charming and cute family comic that can also entertain adult readers - a great effort from Eric Orchard!
March 16, 2015
I liked everything but the story.
The idea, the pictures (which are Lane Smith-ish), the fantastical nature of the whole story - all great.
The writing, though, seemed like it came from an eight-year-old in that it's choppy, poorly-structured, and all over the place.
This would make a fantastic introduction to graphic stories for new or reluctant readers and for those who don't need to have a story told step-by-step but can appreciate the overall concept even though there are missing pieces.
My takeaway: I would very much like to have a floating spadefoot toad as my friend.
The idea, the pictures (which are Lane Smith-ish), the fantastical nature of the whole story - all great.
The writing, though, seemed like it came from an eight-year-old in that it's choppy, poorly-structured, and all over the place.
This would make a fantastic introduction to graphic stories for new or reluctant readers and for those who don't need to have a story told step-by-step but can appreciate the overall concept even though there are missing pieces.
My takeaway: I would very much like to have a floating spadefoot toad as my friend.
December 24, 2014
A strange, imaginative fantasy comic. The pace felt a little rushed to me, but that does tend to happen in children's books. Maddy herself is very determined, very brave, and very kind, just as a good children's book hero should be. The art is quite pretty, and it works well with the story. My niece, age 8, insisted on reading right after me and said that it was "a really good book", which made me bump up my rating from three stars to four.
December 19, 2014
Eric Orchard is a national treasure (except for the part where he's from another nation). I don't actually remember where I first ran across his work--maybe his adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer's "The Situation"?--but I've been a fan for a long time, and we've been friends online for years now. As I type this, there's an original ink drawing that Eric did of a myconid hanging on the wall of my office. So to say that I've been eagerly awaiting the advent of his first graphic novel is an understatement, and Maddy Kettle is worth the wait.
The most obvious thing that's great about Eric's work is his art, which is unlike anything else around, in all the best possible ways. But there's more to it than that. While his storytelling here may seem simplistic, and while conflicts often last only a couple of pages, there's something absolutely timeless and classic about the story of Maddy Kettle and the Thimblewitch, something that throws back to classics of children's literature like The Wizard of Oz. Everything here feels right, even as it feels delightfully strange, and there's a wonderful emphasis on friendship and understanding, delivered in ways that are too seldom seen, even in all-ages literature.
I've gotten a glimpse of some of what's coming in the future from Eric, and so I can say with some confidence that Maddy Kettle is the start of something big. So get on board now.
The most obvious thing that's great about Eric's work is his art, which is unlike anything else around, in all the best possible ways. But there's more to it than that. While his storytelling here may seem simplistic, and while conflicts often last only a couple of pages, there's something absolutely timeless and classic about the story of Maddy Kettle and the Thimblewitch, something that throws back to classics of children's literature like The Wizard of Oz. Everything here feels right, even as it feels delightfully strange, and there's a wonderful emphasis on friendship and understanding, delivered in ways that are too seldom seen, even in all-ages literature.
I've gotten a glimpse of some of what's coming in the future from Eric, and so I can say with some confidence that Maddy Kettle is the start of something big. So get on board now.
August 31, 2015
This should be a bigger deal.
Beautiful saturated illustrations depicting a unique world. Orchard combines elements of steampunk, animal adventure, and just a touch of creepy, in a story about a kid trying to save her parents. There are fun/surprising gadgets, quirky landscapes, and lots of frameable panels.
Give it to kids who like Zita the Spacegirl, Hildafolk, and Coraline.
I might take it to elementary schools, but this is a somewhat crowded field.
Beautiful saturated illustrations depicting a unique world. Orchard combines elements of steampunk, animal adventure, and just a touch of creepy, in a story about a kid trying to save her parents. There are fun/surprising gadgets, quirky landscapes, and lots of frameable panels.
Give it to kids who like Zita the Spacegirl, Hildafolk, and Coraline.
I might take it to elementary schools, but this is a somewhat crowded field.
November 17, 2019
Mandy Kettle and her parents were minding their own business selling books when the Thimblewitch and Spider Goblins came and turned her parents into rats. Mandy is eager to find the Thimblewitch and make her change Mr. and Mrs. Kettle back into humans. The Spider Goblins arrive and steal away Mandy's parents and her floating toad Ralph. Mandy is more determined than ever to get her family back. She embarks on a journey, making new friends and surprises along the way.
This is one weird story. I'm a textual reader. I need backstory and world building to explain who the Kettles are, what this strange world is and how the weirdness works. My mom says this was right up the alley of niece 1 (soon to be 11) but the ending was stupid. I think the plot twists were lame in general. The world is a strange, dusty planet with peaks and floating creatures. There are cloud cartographers in the form of a bear and raccoon who fly around in a not hot air balloon, but moon dust balloon; animated scarecrows and other odd things happening in the story. It just isn't my thing.
The illustrations are cartoonish, aimed at younger children. I didn't like the dark color palette of this world. The Spider Goblins are very scary and even the Thimblewitch is a bit scary looking. I would not recommend this book to sensitive young readers.
Ages 8-10 read alone
Ages 6-7 read aloud if not scared of creepy illustrations
This is one weird story. I'm a textual reader. I need backstory and world building to explain who the Kettles are, what this strange world is and how the weirdness works. My mom says this was right up the alley of niece 1 (soon to be 11) but the ending was stupid. I think the plot twists were lame in general. The world is a strange, dusty planet with peaks and floating creatures. There are cloud cartographers in the form of a bear and raccoon who fly around in a not hot air balloon, but moon dust balloon; animated scarecrows and other odd things happening in the story. It just isn't my thing.
The illustrations are cartoonish, aimed at younger children. I didn't like the dark color palette of this world. The Spider Goblins are very scary and even the Thimblewitch is a bit scary looking. I would not recommend this book to sensitive young readers.
Ages 8-10 read alone
Ages 6-7 read aloud if not scared of creepy illustrations
February 4, 2015
Maddy is eleven years old, her parents were turned into kangaroo rats by the Thimblewitch, and she has a floating frog as a pet. When Maddy's parents are kidnapped by spider goblins, she sets out to find the Thimblewitch, to insist the witch set things right. I personally did not particularly enjoy this graphic novel. The drawings are whimsical and fun, but the storyline is so stilted and silly that I'm fairly certain one of my sixth graders could do a better job with the text. That being said, younger children will probably enjoy the graphic novel, be very forgiving of the stilted and ridiculous dialog and plot line, and fall in love with the characters. With such great drawings, I just wish there was MORE to this story. This is cartoonist Eric Orchard's first attempt at a graphic novel, so perhaps he will refine his skills or perhaps team up with a stronger writer and create a quality collaboration. The potential is there, it just needs some refinement. Elementary children, particularly lower grades, would probably enjoy this most, but I predict my middle school students will also check it out because of the art work and simple text.
August 8, 2014
I was able to read this right away from NetGalley on my computer and it was soooo beautiful and amazing.
This is a graphic novel for children. The illustrations are 200 times more perfect than anything I can think of. I don't know what Eric Orchard's style of drawing is called but its like when you scratch paint off of a canvas and that paint left over ends up being the picture. So so so beautiful. I can't stop gushing.
Maddy is a little girl who lives with her mother and father. Her parents run a bookstore in the town she lives in. One day the Thimblewitch comes and turns her parents into Kangaroo rats. This is a very cute adventure story. Maddy must go on a quest to find the Thimblewitch to save her parents. Along the way she meets some very cute characters and they all find out there was a bit of a misunderstanding.
Oh I can't wait to read the next volume in this "series" I hope it continues for many many books.
This is a graphic novel for children. The illustrations are 200 times more perfect than anything I can think of. I don't know what Eric Orchard's style of drawing is called but its like when you scratch paint off of a canvas and that paint left over ends up being the picture. So so so beautiful. I can't stop gushing.
Maddy is a little girl who lives with her mother and father. Her parents run a bookstore in the town she lives in. One day the Thimblewitch comes and turns her parents into Kangaroo rats. This is a very cute adventure story. Maddy must go on a quest to find the Thimblewitch to save her parents. Along the way she meets some very cute characters and they all find out there was a bit of a misunderstanding.
Oh I can't wait to read the next volume in this "series" I hope it continues for many many books.
March 4, 2017
Disappointing! The illustrations were so darling and I always love a magical, girl-led adventure, but the pacing of this story was too strange. It seemed like Orchard was trying to cram too long of an adventure into this short book, and it just ended up feeling rushed and half-baked. There was no time for character development, or much world-building, which is too bad because the details he did include were so imaginative! Overall, although this book had real imaginative potential, it failed to deliver an engaging story or characters.
August 20, 2014
Maddy Kettle Book 1: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch
By Lisa King | Wednesday, August 20
The hero's journey is a timeless tale. Whether Luke Skywalker is helping to defeat the Galactic Empire, or Jason is questing for the Golden Fleece, it is ingrained into our very spirit to adventure, and face our biggest fears. Maddy Kettle is a tough-as-nails young girl, who loves to work in her parents' bookshop. Things are peaceful, safe, and normal there in Kettle Books and Maps. In the tradition of all great heroic epics, an unforeseen crisis occurs, which sets our warrior off to battle in foreign lands. In this graphic novel debut by Canadian author/artist Eric Orchard, Maddy is called to a harrowing undertaking by the sudden transformation of her parents into kangaroo rats, by the frightening Thimblewitch.
Maddy is not alone in her task. Initiates always encounter teachers and allies on the path. She acquires help in the form of unique animal sidekicks, who bravely assist her expedition to find the Thimblewitch and save her family. Things are not always as they seem, and as our heroine confronts her darkest and scariest dread, the reward for her difficult and compassionate effort is enlightenment, and of course a few new friends.
The Adventure of the Thimblewitch is a gem to look at. Its pen and ink drawings evoke Edward Gorey and Tim Burton, but with an original style that is all Orchard's own. Imaginative steampunk airships and wind-up machines, cloud whales and goblins all live between the pages of this superbly illustrated publication by Top Shelf Productions. Whether Maddy is sailing in a Moon-balloon, or harnessing the power of floating frogs, we are behind this little leading lady all the way.
Series: Maddy Kettle
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions (September 30, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 160309072X
ISBN-13: 978-1603090728
January 20, 2015
Beautiful and whimsical in terms of both the story and the illustration, this is a truly charming little book. It could be the start of a series. I really hope it is at any rate.
Maddy Kettle is the perfect book for the younger child who is imaginative and good at the technical side of reading, but not equal to the more complex plots and emotions in books aimed at older children. I think there's a real hole in the market here, and we need more books like Maddy Kettle that offer something more interesting for the younger reader.
Although it's a graphic novel, I think it would work well as a book for adults to sit down and share with children. The relationship between text and images is such that there won't be any technical issues - from a reading outloud perspective, it handles no differently to a highly illustrated text.
This is a 'mild peril' narrative where nothing is quite what it seems, and a determined young lady saves the day repeatedly by unravelling problems. Parents will have much to enjoy in the lovely art, and the gloriously imaginative setting. This is a world you'll keep coming back to, because the details suggest so much and offer so much for an imaginative child to wonder about.
Maddy Kettle is the perfect book for the younger child who is imaginative and good at the technical side of reading, but not equal to the more complex plots and emotions in books aimed at older children. I think there's a real hole in the market here, and we need more books like Maddy Kettle that offer something more interesting for the younger reader.
Although it's a graphic novel, I think it would work well as a book for adults to sit down and share with children. The relationship between text and images is such that there won't be any technical issues - from a reading outloud perspective, it handles no differently to a highly illustrated text.
This is a 'mild peril' narrative where nothing is quite what it seems, and a determined young lady saves the day repeatedly by unravelling problems. Parents will have much to enjoy in the lovely art, and the gloriously imaginative setting. This is a world you'll keep coming back to, because the details suggest so much and offer so much for an imaginative child to wonder about.
October 23, 2014
Maddy Kettle: The Adventure of the Thimblewitch is the first book in an exciting new graphic novel series by Eric Orchard. [return][return]When her parents are turned into kangaroo rats and kidnapped by evil spider goblins, Maddy goes in search of the Thimblewitch to rescue them. A one-of-a-kind floating spadefoot toad named Ralph is just one of the many unique creatures Maddy encounters on her quest. This fantasy adventure has just the right balance of exciting and creepy segments to maintain the attention of young readers without causing nightmares. Even the scariest characters turn out to simply be misunderstood.[return][return]The beautiful illustrations will be a hit with readers of all ages. Orchard’s use of vivid colors, interesting characters, and engaging, imaginary settings bring the story to life. The illustrations reflect the fast-paced plot and ongoing action.[return][return]This quirky new series is guaranteed to become a popular choice of young readers along with works by Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman.[return][return]To learn more about Eric Orchard and his books, go to http://www.ericorchard.com/.
September 15, 2017
UPDATE: I was finally able to read Maddy Kettle from beginning to end IN ORDER! It's even better when you're able to understand what's going on sequentially. It seems like it may leave room at the end for a second volume, and if so, I will eagerly read it.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy of this graphic novel from NetGalley to review. The copy I received was out of order and I haven't found a way to fix it yet. I will update the review if needed when I am able to read it in its entirety.
Younger Me is sad that she never got to read this book, as it is an amazing world-building adventure with strong characters. Maddy Kettle is kind of like if Lord of the Rings and the May Bird series had a graphic, steampunk lovechild. I especially liked the theme of grey area - all of the characters are not really what they seem, which is a very strong lesson. The art is very kitschy and dreamy and it is (or would be if my copy was in the right order) a quick read at under 100 pages. I predict this will become a well-loved series by children who seek out quirky reads.
NOTE: I received a free digital copy of this graphic novel from NetGalley to review. The copy I received was out of order and I haven't found a way to fix it yet. I will update the review if needed when I am able to read it in its entirety.
Younger Me is sad that she never got to read this book, as it is an amazing world-building adventure with strong characters. Maddy Kettle is kind of like if Lord of the Rings and the May Bird series had a graphic, steampunk lovechild. I especially liked the theme of grey area - all of the characters are not really what they seem, which is a very strong lesson. The art is very kitschy and dreamy and it is (or would be if my copy was in the right order) a quick read at under 100 pages. I predict this will become a well-loved series by children who seek out quirky reads.
August 12, 2014
I received a copy of this book by the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great fun, it has some lovely cartoons which really add to the story. Orchard has created a great world for his characters and some fabulously imaginative characters they are too! Some of my favourite characters were the Cloud Whales and Silvio. It has a great storyline and a lovely protagonist which made it an enjoyable read. The characters in such wonderful illustrations just makes this a fun read with mystery, adventure and intrigue in each twist and turn of the story.
I enjoyed reading this book and I that that it's a book which children are sure to enjoy too! A fun, different almost steampunk style read which is sure to entertain.
EDIT! - After reading the amended version of the book it was much better and I've thoroughly enjoyed it! I've also edited my star rating to five stars rather than four. Throughly enjoyed it, thank you for sorting the page orders in the book out!
This book was great fun, it has some lovely cartoons which really add to the story. Orchard has created a great world for his characters and some fabulously imaginative characters they are too! Some of my favourite characters were the Cloud Whales and Silvio. It has a great storyline and a lovely protagonist which made it an enjoyable read. The characters in such wonderful illustrations just makes this a fun read with mystery, adventure and intrigue in each twist and turn of the story.
I enjoyed reading this book and I that that it's a book which children are sure to enjoy too! A fun, different almost steampunk style read which is sure to entertain.
EDIT! - After reading the amended version of the book it was much better and I've thoroughly enjoyed it! I've also edited my star rating to five stars rather than four. Throughly enjoyed it, thank you for sorting the page orders in the book out!
August 12, 2014
A delightful comic style adventure story telling how the heroine, Maddy Kettle, together with her pet, a flying toad called Ralph, set off to rescue her parents, who have been turned into rats by the Thimblewitch! The range of characters she meets en route include ones you are unlikely to have met before, some will be helpful friends whilst others aren't quite so nice! It also shows that the motivation of characters is not always what you assume, so lots to talk about in this book, too. The art work in this book is stunning and children and the young at heart will love this superb book.
This would also be a great stimulus for work on imaginary worlds and characters for any child and could prove very useful for teachers trying to encourage children to explore these but, most of all, it is a great comic story and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to access this book in exchange for this honest review.
This would also be a great stimulus for work on imaginary worlds and characters for any child and could prove very useful for teachers trying to encourage children to explore these but, most of all, it is a great comic story and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to access this book in exchange for this honest review.
August 30, 2014
Beautiful, whimsical, enchanting, playful.
Maddy is an Arizona girl (holla!) who needs to turn her parents, currently an adorable pair of kangaroo rats, back into humans. Her adventures lead her to fantastical creatures, magical machinery, and delightful surprises.
The art is gorgeous, the story is entertaining, and I cannot covet this book enough.
Full review upcoming on Papercuttts.
(note: I received this ARC ebook for free, but that didn't change my honest opinion.)
Maddy is an Arizona girl (holla!) who needs to turn her parents, currently an adorable pair of kangaroo rats, back into humans. Her adventures lead her to fantastical creatures, magical machinery, and delightful surprises.
The art is gorgeous, the story is entertaining, and I cannot covet this book enough.
Full review upcoming on Papercuttts.
(note: I received this ARC ebook for free, but that didn't change my honest opinion.)
August 24, 2014
I received a copy from Netgalley.
I loved this book. Girls will like the female hero and boys will like the comics format and all the weird creatures. Parents and teachers will love that violence is not the first and only option. Maddy discovers that each situation began with someone in trouble who couldn't get help. She puts things right and leaves at the end to continue that journey. Just shows that nice people don't have to be sappy!
I loved this book. Girls will like the female hero and boys will like the comics format and all the weird creatures. Parents and teachers will love that violence is not the first and only option. Maddy discovers that each situation began with someone in trouble who couldn't get help. She puts things right and leaves at the end to continue that journey. Just shows that nice people don't have to be sappy!
October 12, 2014
3.5 stars - Maddy Kettle: The Adventures of the Thimblewitch is a beautifully illustrated book, filled with weird images and creatures of wonder, but while this quest story has some good things going for it - especially a fearless protagonist - a lot of situations seem to get resolved rather easily. Still, this is an adventure aimed primarily at young readers and is a great reluctant reader book. I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 9, 2014
My daughter was completely amused while reading this book! Very imaginative!
December 28, 2014
A trope-y story (girl goes on magical quest to save parents), but the gorgeous art makes up for the lack of originality. Plus, female protagonists in comics should not be missed. Recommended.
June 11, 2015
this one was a little weird for me...the drawings were awkward and the story skipped a lot and didnt flow well but the graphic was enjoyable and quick so I gave it 2 stars.
June 28, 2015
reminds me of Pearson's Hilda :)
July 9, 2015
This is another case of an artist (who frankly isn't even that good) thinking that they are a writer too. At best, this was a meh graphic novel.
February 14, 2016
Received this book from Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*EDIT*
I received a new copy from the publisher, because of the jumbled format of the copy I got from Netgalley.
So did the story make sense this time? Did it seem better?
Yes, yes it did. I finally understood what was happening, why the parents where turned like that, and what happened before they ended up on a train in the middle of nowhere. I really like the story, and because I finally can follow the story I will up my rating to 4 stars. However, I will stick to my point that the book could have been even better had it been longer. I feel like it was all a bit rushed. Yes we got explanations, but I think the journey, the trip, the before story could have been more fleshed out.
And also the same thing I said before goes for the ending, even with the story now intact, the ending was a bit weird. Everything is solved, yet there is still a problem and they are off again? So does that mean we get a book 2? Is this a series?
*END OF EDIT*
I also at times rate based on the format and how that looked, so hereby: this book gets -1 star. The ascm I received from Netgalley is all jumbled and mixed up. You start at page 8, then until ~40 it is ok, but after that you get random first pages (pages 1 to 8 are randomly found through the book), there are also some empty pages, and I am not sure if it was supposed to end like the way it did. I checked my ascm twice, even downloading it again, but sadly it was all jumbled and strange.
This sadly also caused me to lose track of the story even more than I already did. It seems like a nice story, but with all the jumbleness I am not even sure how everything started or how everything ended. Maybe it would have been better when everything was in order, but I think even then I would have been confused. The book is only 90 pages and you got quite a lot of story to stuff into it. The whole mom-dad changing into mice story, the magical toad, the witch and her problem, the goblins and their stuff. I think it would have been better if the book was longer.
I did like the main character, she was really interesting, though again, thanks to the jumbled pages I had no clue how she got into this mess. :) Still she is super brave and will do anything for her parents, but also for someone like the witch.
The illustrations are pretty gorgeous and remind me of another illustrators work. There are some page wide illustrations, which are absolutely lovely (like the one of the mountain, or of the witch her house).
The ending (maybe because of the jumbled stuff, though again, it was mostly the beginning part and some parts missing), was strange, weird and I am not even sure what happened. I know this is book one, but to end the book like that? No.
All in all, I wouldn't recommend the book. It was nice and fun, but the whole jumbled stuff, too much story in one small thing and the ending make me say that people might not enjoy it.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
*EDIT*
I received a new copy from the publisher, because of the jumbled format of the copy I got from Netgalley.
So did the story make sense this time? Did it seem better?
Yes, yes it did. I finally understood what was happening, why the parents where turned like that, and what happened before they ended up on a train in the middle of nowhere. I really like the story, and because I finally can follow the story I will up my rating to 4 stars. However, I will stick to my point that the book could have been even better had it been longer. I feel like it was all a bit rushed. Yes we got explanations, but I think the journey, the trip, the before story could have been more fleshed out.
And also the same thing I said before goes for the ending, even with the story now intact, the ending was a bit weird. Everything is solved, yet there is still a problem and they are off again? So does that mean we get a book 2? Is this a series?
*END OF EDIT*
I also at times rate based on the format and how that looked, so hereby: this book gets -1 star. The ascm I received from Netgalley is all jumbled and mixed up. You start at page 8, then until ~40 it is ok, but after that you get random first pages (pages 1 to 8 are randomly found through the book), there are also some empty pages, and I am not sure if it was supposed to end like the way it did. I checked my ascm twice, even downloading it again, but sadly it was all jumbled and strange.
This sadly also caused me to lose track of the story even more than I already did. It seems like a nice story, but with all the jumbleness I am not even sure how everything started or how everything ended. Maybe it would have been better when everything was in order, but I think even then I would have been confused. The book is only 90 pages and you got quite a lot of story to stuff into it. The whole mom-dad changing into mice story, the magical toad, the witch and her problem, the goblins and their stuff. I think it would have been better if the book was longer.
I did like the main character, she was really interesting, though again, thanks to the jumbled pages I had no clue how she got into this mess. :) Still she is super brave and will do anything for her parents, but also for someone like the witch.
The illustrations are pretty gorgeous and remind me of another illustrators work. There are some page wide illustrations, which are absolutely lovely (like the one of the mountain, or of the witch her house).
The ending (maybe because of the jumbled stuff, though again, it was mostly the beginning part and some parts missing), was strange, weird and I am not even sure what happened. I know this is book one, but to end the book like that? No.
All in all, I wouldn't recommend the book. It was nice and fun, but the whole jumbled stuff, too much story in one small thing and the ending make me say that people might not enjoy it.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 22, 2017
Title: Maaddie Kettle - The Adventure of the Thimblewitch
Author: Eric Orchard
Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors
Published: 9-30-2014
Pages: 97
Genre: Children's Fictions
Sub-Genre: Comics & Graphics Novels, Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense, Kindle Short Reads
ISBN: 9781603090728
ASIN: B019NCX854
Reviewed For NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4 Stars
With her parents turned into Kangaroo Rats Maddie is off the save them by finding a cure for the spell. Making her way past scarecrows, Spider Goblins. As she scours for the cure she maskes many new friends.
Eric Orchard, a talented cartoonist, has written and drawn a colorful, eye drawing graphic novel that will draw readers into this delightful story.
My rating of "Maaddie Kettle - The Adventure of the Thimblewitch" is 4 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019NCX854/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/madd...
Books-A-Million Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/madd...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Kobo Link: Not Available
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Eric Orchard
Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors
Published: 9-30-2014
Pages: 97
Genre: Children's Fictions
Sub-Genre: Comics & Graphics Novels, Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense, Kindle Short Reads
ISBN: 9781603090728
ASIN: B019NCX854
Reviewed For NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4 Stars
With her parents turned into Kangaroo Rats Maddie is off the save them by finding a cure for the spell. Making her way past scarecrows, Spider Goblins. As she scours for the cure she maskes many new friends.
Eric Orchard, a talented cartoonist, has written and drawn a colorful, eye drawing graphic novel that will draw readers into this delightful story.
My rating of "Maaddie Kettle - The Adventure of the Thimblewitch" is 4 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019NCX854/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/madd...
Books-A-Million Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/madd...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Kobo Link: Not Available
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
July 15, 2020
I'd initially wanted to give 2 stars, but after reading others' reviews and agreeing that the heroine is kind and brave (just as a child's protagonist should be) and reminded that this *is* for the youngest of readers, I've given the half-start and thus rounded up to 3 for ratings.
What I liked: as noted, our heroine is 11 year old Maddy, and she's kind to others (those she knows and strangers) and brave (she travels to unknown places, confronts danger) and believes in herself and her capabilities.
What I didn't like: the story drops you into a fantastical land in the middle of the action so suddenly that at first I mistakenly thought I must be reading the 2nd or 3rd book of a series, and that could be especially confusing to the very-young reader types for whom this book is meant. Also I don't like introducing fake science (or pretend science-like things) into children's books unless it's incredibly clear that it has nothing to do with our real world; that the balloon boat floats by using "moon gas" to me at worst could lead children to misunderstand what's on the real moon and at best it was a missed opportunity to weave in some true physics. And then finally I didn't especially care for the artwork (to me the faces are too creepy, the panels too dark).
What I liked: as noted, our heroine is 11 year old Maddy, and she's kind to others (those she knows and strangers) and brave (she travels to unknown places, confronts danger) and believes in herself and her capabilities.
What I didn't like: the story drops you into a fantastical land in the middle of the action so suddenly that at first I mistakenly thought I must be reading the 2nd or 3rd book of a series, and that could be especially confusing to the very-young reader types for whom this book is meant. Also I don't like introducing fake science (or pretend science-like things) into children's books unless it's incredibly clear that it has nothing to do with our real world; that the balloon boat floats by using "moon gas" to me at worst could lead children to misunderstand what's on the real moon and at best it was a missed opportunity to weave in some true physics. And then finally I didn't especially care for the artwork (to me the faces are too creepy, the panels too dark).
November 17, 2017
I checked this book out to a patron and found the cover intriguing enough that I felt a need to track it down and read it. And the art seemed vaguely familiar, which I guess is because I had read this author's Bera the One-Headed Troll.
Overall, the art is nice and I like the world of the story, with its sort of skewed fairy tail feel. But there isn't a lot of substance to the story. Things just kind of happen, and there is no real weight to any of it; characters presented initially as dangerous enemies just kind of give up when confronted, and everything wraps up too neatly. Though at the same time, it feels like it was intended to be the first volume in a series, though that evidently never took off; or maybe it was just a style choice, leaving the story open-ended?
Anyway, not a bad story, but nothing particularly special either.
Overall, the art is nice and I like the world of the story, with its sort of skewed fairy tail feel. But there isn't a lot of substance to the story. Things just kind of happen, and there is no real weight to any of it; characters presented initially as dangerous enemies just kind of give up when confronted, and everything wraps up too neatly. Though at the same time, it feels like it was intended to be the first volume in a series, though that evidently never took off; or maybe it was just a style choice, leaving the story open-ended?
Anyway, not a bad story, but nothing particularly special either.
August 31, 2014
Maddy works with her parent in their bookstore. On her birthday, she gets a surprising gift from her father--a floating frog called Ralph. Suddenly there are spider goblins breaking, taking her parents who have turned into rats and her floating frog. She decides she must find thimblewitch to get her parents back and her frog. On the way, she finds enemies and friends as she searches for the thimblewitch. Will Maddy find her? Will she get her parents back and frog?
This is an action packed story that is suspenseful and mysterious. The illustrations are great. The writing of this adventurous tale is great. It is a fun read.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This is an action packed story that is suspenseful and mysterious. The illustrations are great. The writing of this adventurous tale is great. It is a fun read.
Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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