The Scarecrow and his Servant

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What to expect

One night there was a thunderstorm. A tattered scarecrow stood in the wind and rain, taking no notice . . . until a bolt of lightning struck his turnip head. The scarecrow blinked with surprise and came 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, and they set out to journey to Spring Valley together. Along the way there's no end of excitement - battle and shipwreck, brigands and tricksters - and it's up to Jack time after time to save the day.

Critics Review

  • It is remarkable skill to make simplicity and even silliness embrace such complexity yet offer children so much wisdom. Somehow, it’s not surprising that Pullman can do it

    The Sunday Times
  • The story ends as confidently as it begins, written for children with utmost respect for and delight in their intelligence, humour and imagination . . . Genius demands a continual purification and renewal of talent. Pullman has realised that and it’s why he is great

    The Times
  • The book is a perfectly made gem, full of fun, fireworks and wit. We continue to be lucky to have Pullman writing for us

    Guardian
  • Pullman has conjured up something entirely his own: a tale of great charm and wit, told in an easy style which reads as though it all came right in the first draft

    Independent on Sunday
  • Written to be enjoyed at many different levels, this book will appeal to a wide age range

    The Bookseller

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