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Library | Call Number | Status |
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Searching... Woodburn Public Library | Vernon | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Monmouth Public Library | J Fic Vernon, U. 2015 | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
From the creator of Dragonbreath comes a tale of witches, minions, and one fantastic castle, just right for fans of Roald Dahl and Tom Angleberger.
When Molly shows up on Castle Hangnail's doorstep to fill the vacancy for a wicked witch, the castle's minions are understandably dubious. After all, she is twelve years old, barely five feet tall, and quite polite. (The minions are used to tall, demanding evil sorceresses with razor-sharp cheekbones.) But the castle desperately needs a master or else the Board of Magic will decommission it, leaving all the minions without the home they love. So when Molly assures them she is quite wicked indeed (So wicked! REALLY wicked!) and begins completing the tasks required by the Board of Magic for approval, everyone feels hopeful. Unfortunately, it turns out that Molly has quite a few secrets, including the biggest one of all- that she isn't who she says she is.
This quirky, richly illustrated novelis filled with humor, magic, and an unforgettable all-star cast of castle characters.
Author Notes
Ursula Vernon is a freelance writer, artist and illustrator. She received an undergraduate degree in anthropology at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She took several art classes in college. Her first children's book, Nurk: The Strange Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew, was published in 2008. Her other works include Black Dogs: The House of Diamond and the Dragonbreath series. She also writes and illustrates the webcomic Digger and the creator of The Biting Pear of Salamanca.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Dilapidated Castle Hangnail is in desperate need of a new master. When 12-year-old Molly arrives claiming to be a wicked witch, the castle guardian isn't convinced she is up to the job. Determined to prove herself, Molly works on completing the list of tasks required by the Board of Magic. She defends the castle (from weeds), commits an act of blighting (carpet mushrooms), and wins the hearts and minds of the townsfolk (figuratively). Even the castle minions-Majordomo, Edward, Cook, Angus, Serenissima, and Pins-are growing fond of Molly. None of them are prepared for the arrival of a sorceress who claims that she is the rightful mistress of Castle Hangnail. Soon, the castle is turned upside down by Eudaimonia and her ruthless demands. Molly must find a way to reclaim possession of the castle and save her minion friends. Tara Sands skillfully differentiates among the characters and adds a humorous touch to the voicing of some of Molly's animal friends. Although Molly calls herself a wicked witch, her behavior is more charming than frightful. VERDICT Recommended for those who enjoy fantasy with a touch of wickedness.-Amanda Spino, Ocean County Library, Lakewood, NJ © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Castle Hangnail desperately needs a master, but when 12-year-old Molly, a charming but not-so-wicked witch, arrives for the job, she has an uphill battle persuading the castle's servants that she has what it takes to save their beloved home from decommission. Can Molly defend the property, manage the minions, and assure the Board of Magic that she's the real deal? Molly must first win the hearts of her bizarre slate of servants, including a minotaur for a cook, a woman made entirely of steam, a walking suit of armor, and a stern and skeptical guardian with body parts that "looked to have been dead for quite some time." Molly entertainingly checks off the tasks required, but she still has to face her largest enemy and realize her own power before she can save the castle. In both the narration and occasional b&w illustrations, Vernon (the Dragonbreath series) deftly weaves silly, suspenseful, and only slightly scary elements throughout this engaging coming-of-age story, which will easily appeal to fans of spells and sorcery. Ages 8-12. Agent: Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
Molly--a twelve-year-old not-so-wicked witch--and an evil sorceress both vie for the approval of the apprehensive minions of the magical Castle Hangnail. This is an overall amusing read, with wannabe evil minions running a would-be gloomy castle--which is surrounded by sunny dandelions. Molly is a likable, just-witchy-enough protagonist. (c) Copyright 2015. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Castle Hangnail is in desperate need of a new Master; 12-year-old budding Wicked Witch Molly might be just the person to fill the position.The crumbling castle is in real danger of being decommissioned, and the resident minions fear the loss of their longtime home. It's fairly easy to overlook the fact that the short, rather kindly girl in the witchy boots seems a somewhat unusual candidate for the job. That might just be because she stole the invitation to apply from a nasty young sorceress and is, therefore, something of a fraud. In a droll, ironic style that fans of Terry Pratchett will appreciate, Vernon (Dragonbreath, 2012, etc.) creativelyeven joyfullyexplores the well-worn trope of young teen witchcraft. Molly, fiercely defensive of her new home and loyal followers, is just beginning to understand the nature of her power. Her successes are engaging, hard-won and fully believable. Characters as unusual as a steaming teapot spirit, mother-and-son Minotaurs who ably manage the castle kitchen, a near-empty suit of armor, a Frankenstein-like castle manager and a lively stuffed doll that does all the sewing come fully, sometimes hilariously to life. Illustrations liberally sprinkled throughout add yet another satisfying dimension. An appealing protagonist, lots of action, clever, witty writing, witchcraft and evildoers who get nothing but what they deservewhat's not to love? (Fantasy. 10-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Castle Hangnail must have a master or it will be decommissioned. So when 12-year-old Molly shows up on the doorstep, claiming to be the new master, most of the minions working in the castle accept her despite her youth and seeming lack of true evil. After all, she has the invitation from the Board of Magic, and she can perform magic. But the castle has fallen into disrepair, and the board's list of tasks (including blighting, smiting, and defending) must be completed if she is truly to be master. When an old and powerful rival of Molly's shows up to claim the castle for herself, all that Molly can do may not be enough. In the tradition of Eva Ibbotson comes a wacky, heartwarming tale of magic, friendship, and home. Creatively drawn characters from a Minotaur cook to a donkey-dragon to clockwork bees enjoy mutual respect and will sacrifice whatever is needed to safeguard the castle and its master. The illustrations add whimsy to this delightful tale, and the satisfying conclusion leaves the door cracked for future adventures.--Moore, Melissa Copyright 2015 Booklist