Description

"I would like to declare Diana Wynne Jones an international treasure," proclaimed Neil Gaiman, Newbery Medalist and best-selling author. In this enchanting introduction to Diana Wynne Jones's magical and funny work, Earwig is a fearless young orphan. When she finds herself in a house of dark magic, she does whatever she can to adapt—especially if it means that she'll learn a little magic herself! A young middle grade novel by World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement‒winner Diana Wynne Jones, beautifully illustrated in black and white by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky.

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 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.


  • An Unlikely Found Family: Earwig isn't looking for a family, especially not one with a grumpy witch and a mysterious, fiery demon. But with the help of a talking cat, she might just make this strange house her own.
  • Witches and Magic: When the witch Bella Yaga refuses to teach her magic, Earwig decides to take matters into her own hands, brewing secret spells and plotting to take control of her magical education.
  • Funny Fantasy Adventure: Discover a hilarious and enchanting tale from the legendary Diana Wynne Jones, a story filled with quirky characters, magical mishaps, and a hero who is anything but ordinary.
  • The book that inspired Studio Ghibli: From the celebrated author of "Howl's Moving Castle", this charming story is the basis for the animated film from the legendary Studio Ghibli.

About the author(s)

In a career spanning four decades, award-winning author Diana Wynne Jones (1934–2011) wrote more than forty books of fantasy for young readers. Characterized by magic, multiple universes, witches, and wizards—and a charismatic nine-lived enchanter—her books are filled with unlimited imagination, dazzling plots, and an effervescent sense of humor that earned her legendary status in the world of fantasy. Her books, published to international acclaim, have earned a wide array of honors, including two Boston Globe–Horn Book Award Honors and the British Fantasy Society’s Karl Edward Wagner Award for having made a significant impact on fantasy. Acclaimed director and animator Hayao Miyazaki adapted Howl’s Moving Castle into a major motion picture, which was nominated for an Academy Award.

Paul O. Zelinsky is the illustrator of many acclaimed books for children. He is the illustrator of Kelly Bingham’s Z Is for Moose and Circle, Square, Moose; Jack Prelutsky’s Awful Ogre’s Awful Day; Emily Jenkins’s Toys Go Out; Alex London’s Still Life; and Anne Isaac’s Dust Devil. He is also the creator of the now-classic interactive book The Wheels on the Bus. His retelling of Rapunzel was awarded the 1998 Caldecott Medal. RumpelstiltskinHansel and Gretel, and Swamp Angel, with different authors, all garnered him a Caldecott Honor. Paul O. Zelinsky lives in New York.

Reviews

“With this enthralling book, Jones proves that she is still at the top of her game.” - Booklist (starred review)

“[A] joyfully chaotic tale.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Praise for Enchanted Glass: ALA Booklist Top Ten Fantasy for Youth “The best children’s writer of the last forty years.” - Neil Gaiman, author of Coraline

“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)

“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

“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

“A refreshing change of pace for young fantasy fans.” - Booklist

“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

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