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Once Upon a Wickedness
What happens when a group of school children, led by the resourceful ten-year-old Dance Violet, dare to ask those in power some hard questions? Find out in this magical novel by the bestselling Fleur Beale, stunningly illustrated by Lily Uivel.
Ten-year-old orphan Dance Violet might have had a short and troubled history, but it hasn’t dampened her warrior spirit – not in the slightest. And that’s a good thing, because something is rotten in her village, and no one else has the courage to try put things right.
People who ask questions disappear overnight and the village children are left to fend for themselves under the tyrannical schoolteachers Murk and Misselthwaite. There are whispers that a beautiful but wicked woman, ‘the golden-haired hellion’, appeared at a wedding ten years ago and was the start of all the trouble.
Dance has some gifts that she’s only just beginning to discover, and while she knows it’s dangerous to ask questions, she is determined to find this golden-haired hellion – even if it means getting Disappeared.
And when Dance finds her, the golden-haired hellion had better look out.
Read all Fleur Beale's bestselling novels!
Ten-year-old orphan Dance Violet might have had a short and troubled history, but it hasn’t dampened her warrior spirit – not in the slightest. And that’s a good thing, because something is rotten in her village, and no one else has the courage to try put things right.
People who ask questions disappear overnight and the village children are left to fend for themselves under the tyrannical schoolteachers Murk and Misselthwaite. There are whispers that a beautiful but wicked woman, ‘the golden-haired hellion’, appeared at a wedding ten years ago and was the start of all the trouble.
Dance has some gifts that she’s only just beginning to discover, and while she knows it’s dangerous to ask questions, she is determined to find this golden-haired hellion – even if it means getting Disappeared.
And when Dance finds her, the golden-haired hellion had better look out.
Read all Fleur Beale's bestselling novels!
Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Fleur Beale
47 books149 followersFleur Beale is the author of many award-winning books for children and young adults, best known for her novel I am not Esther which has been published worldwide.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
Beale was one of six children of a dairy farmer Cedric Corney and of a teacher and author Estelle Corney (née Cook). She was born in Inglewood, Taranaki, New Zealand, on the farm where her father was born. Beale grew up in the town before attending Victoria University, Wellington and Christchurch Teachers' Training College, where she met her husband. Since 1985 she has taught at Melville High School in Hamilton, Waikato and in Wellington. Beale's first stories were written for the children's radio programme Grandpa's Place. Her first book was a small reader and picture book for young children and she started to write for teenagers in 1993. Her stories often involve troubled adolescents engaged in outdoor activities.
Beale was a finalist in the Aim Children's Book Awards (junior fiction) and her 1998 novel I am not Esther was shortlisted for the senior fiction section of the 1999 New Zealand Post Children's Awards. In 1999 she was awarded the Children's Writing Fellowship at Dunedin College of Education and quit teaching to write full time. Her 2001 novel Ambushed was a finalist for the Junior Fiction section of the 2002 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her 2004 account of how an indigenous girl discovers how her education can save her tribal lands (My Story A New Song in the Land. The Writings of Atapo, Pahia, c.1840) received a Notable Book award in 2005 as did Walking Lightly.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 22, 2023
I would like to preface this rather scathing review by saying that I think Fleur Beale is a wonderful author, and I loved her books when I was a child. However, I also think she dropped the ball on this one because it's nowhere near the calibre of her other work.
Once Upon a Wickedness starts out promisingly gothic: Roald Dahl meets Lemony Snicket with sprinklings of Enid Blyton and Jack Lasenby. Unfortunately, the Blyton-ness quickly takes too strong a lead, and the whole thing morphs into a rather formulaic Care Bears-esque "and they all lived happily ever after" dealio. It felt like lazy writing to have every obstacle resolved so easily without any real explanation - this brings to mind the ultimate literary cop out: Harry Potter's whole "it was the power of love that saved you" thing. Some authors seem to forget that the Good vs. Evil dilemma becomes moot if the good side wins simply by thinking good thoughts. I think Beale focused too much on trying to write a righteous heroine that the plot came off as unoriginal and Dance Violet read as a cringey adult rather than a child. It all seemed pandering and mawkish to me. Keep in mind, though, that I am an adult with a rather jaded view of the world, so I am most definitely not the target audience for this book.
The story might be enjoyable for younger children (I'm thinking 6 year olds), but the vocabulary is more suited to older readers aged 8+. The writing style is somewhere in between: a little too un/sophisticated for either age. Maybe this would be the perfect book for 7 year olds?
Let your child give it a try. They might like it... just don't be too surprised if they don't 😅
Once Upon a Wickedness starts out promisingly gothic: Roald Dahl meets Lemony Snicket with sprinklings of Enid Blyton and Jack Lasenby. Unfortunately, the Blyton-ness quickly takes too strong a lead, and the whole thing morphs into a rather formulaic Care Bears-esque "and they all lived happily ever after" dealio. It felt like lazy writing to have every obstacle resolved so easily without any real explanation - this brings to mind the ultimate literary cop out: Harry Potter's whole "it was the power of love that saved you" thing. Some authors seem to forget that the Good vs. Evil dilemma becomes moot if the good side wins simply by thinking good thoughts. I think Beale focused too much on trying to write a righteous heroine that the plot came off as unoriginal and Dance Violet read as a cringey adult rather than a child. It all seemed pandering and mawkish to me. Keep in mind, though, that I am an adult with a rather jaded view of the world, so I am most definitely not the target audience for this book.
The story might be enjoyable for younger children (I'm thinking 6 year olds), but the vocabulary is more suited to older readers aged 8+. The writing style is somewhere in between: a little too un/sophisticated for either age. Maybe this would be the perfect book for 7 year olds?
Let your child give it a try. They might like it... just don't be too surprised if they don't 😅
October 1, 2023
"I will not fail you. I will live in the world. I will do the work and I will make friends. This I promise."
Dance hasn't had it easy. An orphan raised by a mysterious wise woman, Dance heads off to school for the first time at the age of 10. Here she meets a vile teacher named Mr Murk who is hell bent on making the students life a horror. But Dance wont be taking any of that nonsense! Then, Dance finds out the village people have been disappearing, ever since the golden haired hellion arrived. With the power of good energy and hope, brave Dance will be the hero they all need.
This is a beautifully funny read for young children by the incomparable NZ author Fleur Beale. Not only does it have a wonderful message about the power of positive thinking, it also reminds students the power of friendship and compassion. It is an incredibly funny read that I think small children will particularly enjoy. Highly recommend you get this in your school library.
Dance hasn't had it easy. An orphan raised by a mysterious wise woman, Dance heads off to school for the first time at the age of 10. Here she meets a vile teacher named Mr Murk who is hell bent on making the students life a horror. But Dance wont be taking any of that nonsense! Then, Dance finds out the village people have been disappearing, ever since the golden haired hellion arrived. With the power of good energy and hope, brave Dance will be the hero they all need.
This is a beautifully funny read for young children by the incomparable NZ author Fleur Beale. Not only does it have a wonderful message about the power of positive thinking, it also reminds students the power of friendship and compassion. It is an incredibly funny read that I think small children will particularly enjoy. Highly recommend you get this in your school library.
September 9, 2024
Read 2024: ⭐️⭐️
The first 30 pages gave me whiplash, and the remaining 170 pages was juvenile nonsense.
The kids used random words and phrases for no reason, everything was resolved way too easily, and there were too many elements introduced in such a short space of time that weren’t answered or fleshed out. The writing was average - for example, it really stood out when the author just chucked ”Whaaaat?” in out of nowhere. It just felt like the author was trying so hard to be fun and whimsical and forgot everything else.
The illustrations were awesome though, so full stars for them - Lily Uivel is a very talented artist!
The first 30 pages gave me whiplash, and the remaining 170 pages was juvenile nonsense.
The kids used random words and phrases for no reason, everything was resolved way too easily, and there were too many elements introduced in such a short space of time that weren’t answered or fleshed out. The writing was average - for example, it really stood out when the author just chucked ”Whaaaat?” in out of nowhere. It just felt like the author was trying so hard to be fun and whimsical and forgot everything else.
The illustrations were awesome though, so full stars for them - Lily Uivel is a very talented artist!
December 17, 2023
Dance Violet has lived with the village's wise woman since she was left there on the night she was born. This wise woman taught Dance Violet many things. She learnt all about the chickens and animals she feeds, the herbs that the local apothecary and midwife needs for their medicines, and how to cook and clean and look after herself.
She has never felt lonely, even if she has been hidden from the rest of the village by the wise woman for her whole life. But upon turning ten, the wise woman tells her she must now go to school. The very next morning, the wise woman has gone. Dance Violet is upset but soon vows she will live as the wise woman has taught her, and she will even go to school.
School however is a strange place. Dance Violet has never been with other children, but they are not the problem. Her teacher who she expected to be patient, kind and understanding just as the wise woman was; is nasty, cruel and bitter. Mr Murk treats his students terribly - and Dance Violet is shocked. It might be her very first day, but she is instantly at war with him.
The other children cower and shudder at his beatings, shouting and threats, but Dance Violet just sees a horrible man and won't stand for it. She's calm and collected and soon realises that the wise woman has taught her much more than cooking, cleaning and animal care. Mr Murk has met his match.
But he isn't her fellow student's only problem. Something terrible has been happening in the village and nobody has been able to stop it. Is Dance Violet the hero they need?
A mix of fairytale, adventure, magic, and terrible tyrants - Once Upon a Wickedness is an entertaining read.
Just like the tales of old, this fairytale doesn't pull any punches, doesn't explain its magic and is powered by good against evil. It is peppered with modern sayings which make it all the more engaging to the reader or the listener to the story.
A large clear font, fun chapter headings and nearly two dozen illustrations (often in double spread) capture young readers quickly and take them on a quest, to befriend a dragon, fight an evil sorceress and finally put things right for a small beleaguered village.
The children of the story are the heroes, and even when facing true evil, they gather their combined strength and keep on fighting. I think that young readers will particularly love the way a horrible teacher gets his comeuppance and how the events are not over explained, but just happen with the power of positive thinking and friendship.
Sometimes, this is exactly the type of story we all need. Simple, funny, and entertaining, all rolled up in good-old fashioned fairytale magic.
Author - Fleur Beale
Illustrator - Lily Uivel
Age - 7+
She has never felt lonely, even if she has been hidden from the rest of the village by the wise woman for her whole life. But upon turning ten, the wise woman tells her she must now go to school. The very next morning, the wise woman has gone. Dance Violet is upset but soon vows she will live as the wise woman has taught her, and she will even go to school.
School however is a strange place. Dance Violet has never been with other children, but they are not the problem. Her teacher who she expected to be patient, kind and understanding just as the wise woman was; is nasty, cruel and bitter. Mr Murk treats his students terribly - and Dance Violet is shocked. It might be her very first day, but she is instantly at war with him.
The other children cower and shudder at his beatings, shouting and threats, but Dance Violet just sees a horrible man and won't stand for it. She's calm and collected and soon realises that the wise woman has taught her much more than cooking, cleaning and animal care. Mr Murk has met his match.
But he isn't her fellow student's only problem. Something terrible has been happening in the village and nobody has been able to stop it. Is Dance Violet the hero they need?
A mix of fairytale, adventure, magic, and terrible tyrants - Once Upon a Wickedness is an entertaining read.
Just like the tales of old, this fairytale doesn't pull any punches, doesn't explain its magic and is powered by good against evil. It is peppered with modern sayings which make it all the more engaging to the reader or the listener to the story.
A large clear font, fun chapter headings and nearly two dozen illustrations (often in double spread) capture young readers quickly and take them on a quest, to befriend a dragon, fight an evil sorceress and finally put things right for a small beleaguered village.
The children of the story are the heroes, and even when facing true evil, they gather their combined strength and keep on fighting. I think that young readers will particularly love the way a horrible teacher gets his comeuppance and how the events are not over explained, but just happen with the power of positive thinking and friendship.
Sometimes, this is exactly the type of story we all need. Simple, funny, and entertaining, all rolled up in good-old fashioned fairytale magic.
Author - Fleur Beale
Illustrator - Lily Uivel
Age - 7+
January 27, 2024
Lively Dance Violet is raised in isolation in the woods by her beloved wise woman until she dies. Henceforth at the advanced age of 10, she enters the village and begins school for the first time. But school is governed by terror and she must use her special powers to outsmart the devious cruel teachers and protect the children.
Written concisely but with rich language, it makes a great read aloud or novel for a reluctant reader. It has a classic fairytale feel but with modern twists. I particularly appreciated the role of hope in helping to overcome evil. Dance has a knack for teaching bullies a lesson and uses her intelligence wisely. I enjoyed reading about Dance standing up to power and using collective non-violent methods to bring about change.
Written concisely but with rich language, it makes a great read aloud or novel for a reluctant reader. It has a classic fairytale feel but with modern twists. I particularly appreciated the role of hope in helping to overcome evil. Dance has a knack for teaching bullies a lesson and uses her intelligence wisely. I enjoyed reading about Dance standing up to power and using collective non-violent methods to bring about change.
September 9, 2024
Plot & characters were great. But the magic was SO squirmily-goodygoody, poorly thought out, and unexplained. Even 7y/o me wouldn't have liked it. (but maybe 4 y/o me would?) no idea why this is marked as Older Kids at my library. Definitely for 5-7 year olds.
Also, why did NONE of the girls have any trousers to lend the boys?? Just skirts & dresses, honestly?!
C'mon Fleur Beale, you're better than this!
(and, doesn't hellion mean like a naughty child?? why is it the noun for an evil enchantress?????)
Also, why did NONE of the girls have any trousers to lend the boys?? Just skirts & dresses, honestly?!
C'mon Fleur Beale, you're better than this!
(and, doesn't hellion mean like a naughty child?? why is it the noun for an evil enchantress?????)
February 1, 2025
2.75
I liked the semi-gothic first act with Mr. Murk and the question of where the disappeared go. Once the second "disappeared" act started, the story became a bit too twee for me, the defeat of the GHH was a bit too anti-climactic, and the ending seemed a bit too pat. This is a "love/friendship is magic" type of tale.
I liked the semi-gothic first act with Mr. Murk and the question of where the disappeared go. Once the second "disappeared" act started, the story became a bit too twee for me, the defeat of the GHH was a bit too anti-climactic, and the ending seemed a bit too pat. This is a "love/friendship is magic" type of tale.
February 9, 2024
I loved this - beautifully written book for 8-10 year olds.
April 18, 2024
This was an enjoyable book to read to my child.
July 8, 2024
Another Literacy Quiz novel.
Would be better suited to Y3-4. Not as deep as other middle grade novels but was fun.
Would be better suited to Y3-4. Not as deep as other middle grade novels but was fun.
April 8, 2025
I would not recommend this fantasy book for children. It was not engaging for the kids (or me, the reader!)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews