About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is beginning to question the rules of the adult world or feels a pull toward the secret, imaginative life of the outdoors. It is a perfect choice for children who possess a dry sense of humor and enjoy stories where children are the only ones privy to a magical reality hidden in plain sight. The story follows Susan and John, two siblings who discover that the local scarecrow, Worzel Gummidge, is actually a living, breathing, and remarkably cantankerous being. Unlike the soft and cuddly magical creatures of many modern tales, Worzel is proud, stubborn, and often quite rude, providing a refreshing look at complex personalities and the frustrations of being misunderstood. Ideal for ages 7 to 11, the book balances absurdist humor with a deep sense of wonder about the English countryside. Parents will appreciate the rich, sophisticated vocabulary and the way the story encourages children to look more closely at the natural world around them, while also navigating the tricky waters of friendship with someone who is decidedly difficult to get along with.
