What do you think?
Rate this book
The Witches of Benevento #2
The All-Powerful Ring: A Primo Story
The second book in an exciting new chapter book series by John Bemelmans Marciano and Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall . Welcome to Benevento, an ancient town famous for its witches!The children of Benevento have to be careful and clever to evade the clutches of such witches as the Manalonga, the Janara, and the Clopper, who hide in wells and under bridges, fly at midnight, and play tricks during Mischief Season.Five cousins – Primo, Emilio, Rosa, Maria Beppina, and Sergio – share adventures and narrow escapes, and discover astonishing secrets as they outwit the witches in each exciting story. Book #2The All-Powerful a Primo StoryWanting to stop the springtime mischiefs—and overcome his own fear of Manalonga—Primo seeks an advantage. He finds one when he discovers a mysterious ring in the belly of a fish. Is the ring just a pretty trinket or is it magic?
144 pages, Hardcover
First published April 12, 2016
About the author
John Bemelmans Marciano
40 books41 followersJohn Bemelmans Marciano carries on the legacy begun by his grandfather, Ludwig Bemelmans, author and illustrator of the Madeline books, with stunning watercolor artwork and playful, energetic storytelling.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 24, 2019
Primo, whose twin cousins Emilio and Rosa's story is told in Mischief Season, is the hero of this second installment of The Witches of Benevento. chapter-book series, which chronicles the adventures of a group of early 19th-century children as they contend with the many witches and other supernatural beings said to inhabit their town. Haunted by the story of his long-lost uncle, Beppe Sfortunato, who was taken by a Manalonga - a malicious witch said to live in wells or under bridges, who lures the unsuspecting to a terrible fate by imitating the voices of loved ones and friends - Primo becomes convinced that the ring he found in a fish is actually the lost property of a Manalonga, and will protect its wearer from all manner of harm. Despite the fact that his many efforts to prove the ring's power are unsuccessful, Primo continue to believe in its magic, even going so far as to confront the Manalonga under the Ponticello Bridge. Will the ring save him, or has he gone too far...?
Occurring contemporaneously with Mischief Season: A Twins Story , The All-Powerful Ring chronicles many of the same events as that earlier title - the visit to the Janara tree, for instance - but this time from Primo's perspective. The chronology is a little confused - in the earlier book, Primo is mentioned as already possessing the ring at the beginning of the story, although here he doesn't discover it until midway through - but overall the technique allows Marciano to layer his story with the earlier one, emphasizing that each of the children have secrets that they are keeping from the others. It is clear, in the episode in which Maria Beppina escapes from the Clopper - a witch said to reside in the square before the theater - that she is either not telling the truth (perhaps telling Primo what he wants to hear, out of affection?), or is only telling part of it. Her story is to be chronciled in the forthcoming Beware the Clopper! It is also clear (or at least hinted at) that Primo's sister Isadora is . As with Mischief Season , I found both story-idea and artwork here appealing, although the writing style still feels a little choppy to me. Perhaps I am just not used to third-person narration that is so relentlessly in the present tense. Whatever the case may be, I continue to be charmed by the fact that Marciano is introducing English-language readers to the magical traditions of Benevento, as the witches featured in these stories are indeed part of the folklore of that part of the world. Recommended to anyone who read the first installment of this series.
Occurring contemporaneously with Mischief Season: A Twins Story , The All-Powerful Ring chronicles many of the same events as that earlier title - the visit to the Janara tree, for instance - but this time from Primo's perspective. The chronology is a little confused - in the earlier book, Primo is mentioned as already possessing the ring at the beginning of the story, although here he doesn't discover it until midway through - but overall the technique allows Marciano to layer his story with the earlier one, emphasizing that each of the children have secrets that they are keeping from the others. It is clear, in the episode in which Maria Beppina escapes from the Clopper - a witch said to reside in the square before the theater - that she is either not telling the truth (perhaps telling Primo what he wants to hear, out of affection?), or is only telling part of it. Her story is to be chronciled in the forthcoming Beware the Clopper! It is also clear (or at least hinted at) that Primo's sister Isadora is . As with Mischief Season , I found both story-idea and artwork here appealing, although the writing style still feels a little choppy to me. Perhaps I am just not used to third-person narration that is so relentlessly in the present tense. Whatever the case may be, I continue to be charmed by the fact that Marciano is introducing English-language readers to the magical traditions of Benevento, as the witches featured in these stories are indeed part of the folklore of that part of the world. Recommended to anyone who read the first installment of this series.
December 22, 2016
Lazy Primo discovers a gold ring hidden inside a fish. He becomes convinced the ring is magic and will save him from the evil witch known as the Manalonga. He tries any number of things to prove the ring is magic but his annoying sister and cousins always seem to intervene. Then something horrid happens and proves to Primo the ring is magic, or is it? You must read Maria Beppina's book to get her side of the story.
This is a cute story for early middle-grade readers. Primo is a little naughty, a lot lazy and believes in superstition in order to avoid responsibility. Or is he? For children, Primo will be a likeable character and they will believe firmly in what they're told is happening. Adults might question whether there are such things as witches and adults might find Primo a not very good role model for their children. The plot engaged my attention enough to read it all in one sitting. I wish my Nonnie was still alive to ask her about the Manalonga, et. al. She grew up in a village very near Benevento about 100 years later.
The best part of the book is the illustrations. They are incorporated into the story as part of the book and not just to point out a few key scenes. The illustrations are so charming and fun. I also really liked the letter from the magical being that lends some credence to the villagers' superstitions. There's also a historical note and witch glossary in the back.
This is a cute story for early middle-grade readers. Primo is a little naughty, a lot lazy and believes in superstition in order to avoid responsibility. Or is he? For children, Primo will be a likeable character and they will believe firmly in what they're told is happening. Adults might question whether there are such things as witches and adults might find Primo a not very good role model for their children. The plot engaged my attention enough to read it all in one sitting. I wish my Nonnie was still alive to ask her about the Manalonga, et. al. She grew up in a village very near Benevento about 100 years later.
The best part of the book is the illustrations. They are incorporated into the story as part of the book and not just to point out a few key scenes. The illustrations are so charming and fun. I also really liked the letter from the magical being that lends some credence to the villagers' superstitions. There's also a historical note and witch glossary in the back.
March 6, 2016
The second title in the Witches of Benevento series focuses on cousin Primo, a bit of a show off. The adventure takes place in Triggio, the southernmost portion of their village. The witches in this tale are called Manalonga, the scariest witches of all. Primo understands how they disguise their voices as a loved one of their victim. While hiding under the bridge, they urge innocent children to the edge of the topmost portion of the bridge and pull them off. Primo's Uncle Beppe disappeared at exactly the same age as Primo on the very same bridge, when he couldn't resist the voice of a Manalonga. Primo joins his cousins at the river washing clothes. Rosa disinterested in chores, spears a fish. He helps her augur the fish as a large gold ring falls right out of it. Primo is sure the ring is powerful, thus moving the plot in a suspenseful and scary direction involving a Manalonga. This tale continues the wondrously imaginative adventures of the cousins in their medieval town. In this sequel Sophie Blackall's elegant illustrations of the country women are reminiscent of Becassine the humorous french girl created by Caumery in his old classic french comic strip. Another delightful tale for the sophisticated, imaginative young reader.
September 2, 2016
The illustrations caught my eye. The girls and I all enjoyed this book based upon Italian folklore out of, like, the 13th century. If you won't let your kids read Harry Potter, this book is not for you, as it's chock-full of witches with a sprinkling of demons, superstition, and even augury (the reading of animal guts). Super odd, needless to say, but I enjoyed the dynamic among relatives; the screen-free, outdoor play of children; the way in which the story is told (awkward, almost as though it were translated); and, most of all!, the amazing illustrations.
May 19, 2017
The Witches of Benevento series is a collaborative work between the writer John Bemelmans Marciano and the illustrator Sophie Blackall. First of all it must be said that the illustrations are just gorgeous. Blackall is famous for the Ivy and Bean series and last year she won the Caldecott for Finding Winnie. Her expressive, classic and mischievous drawings have made her an artistic star in children's lit. Marciano's creative weaving of Italian folklore with active village children was totally clever as well. Although the storyline didn't quite hit the mark that the illustrations did for me, it was certainly engaging and the characters were full of spirit and courage. The book that I read was the second in the series and it was the character Primo's story. The other books focus on other cousins and friends in the same village. The team also has a terrific website the includes a studio visit and information about the real town of Benevento - cool stuff!
October 27, 2018
My daughter: "I like it. I like the Clopper." Me: This series is brilliant and I'm so glad we found it! First, it draws upon Italian folk stories to build this really vivid imaginative world from 1820s Italy. Second, each book takes place on the same day, from a diffrent child's perspective. The stories overlap, but they don't all remember things the same way, and they have different solo adventures. Each of the characters is unique and well drawn. Third, the writing is snappy, and accessible to my five year old. No excess verbiage, lots of witchy action. Fourth, the drawings are great. Highly recommend.
November 25, 2016
Whimsical and silly and a teeny bit dark. Very Italian. Good for kids not quite ready for the Strega-Borgias.
December 24, 2017
Beautiful and clever telling for young people. It's a little adventure, a bit on the spooky side, slightly historical, and the graphics are gorgeous. I'm reminded some of Ottaline.
April 21, 2019
Here's the third. I am looking forward to seeing who will read them and connect with the characters. Would be a fun book club.
April 21, 2020
I was a little confused by this one, but my eight year old kept up, so. Primo (not my favorite) finds a ring on which to pin all the apparently magical events.
October 23, 2021
I liked this book because the boy was adventurous
February 21, 2022
Jan 2022
May 18, 2023
This is a second adventure story based in the town with the most witches in the world!
November 2, 2016
Cute. Illustrations are beautiful. Rosa is still a brat. Primo a jerk to Maria Beppina
THE WITCHES OF BENEVENTO
When you hear the Clopper's clop clop clop,
Run through the Theater and never stop.
Keep far from Bridges and from Wells,
Where Manalonga love to dwell.
If you are good and do your chores,
The Janara won't get you while you snore.
Respect your Ghosts and love your Sprites,
Kiss your Mom and say Good Night.
Whenever you need to use a well
Kiss a pebble and speak this spell:
Soul, Sun, Stars, Sky,
Manalonga say good-bye
...no one laughs at the Manalonga
animals give signs
If they about it in a book, well, they must know what they're doing. Emilio is impressed by anything that comes from a book.
"I'm a kid, not an idiot!"
Waiting is never fun, but it's the worst when you are waiting for something really important.
"If bravery equaled smarts ... then you'd be a genius." .... "Bravery is genius."
THE WITCHES OF BENEVENTO
When you hear the Clopper's clop clop clop,
Run through the Theater and never stop.
Keep far from Bridges and from Wells,
Where Manalonga love to dwell.
If you are good and do your chores,
The Janara won't get you while you snore.
Respect your Ghosts and love your Sprites,
Kiss your Mom and say Good Night.
Whenever you need to use a well
Kiss a pebble and speak this spell:
Soul, Sun, Stars, Sky,
Manalonga say good-bye
...no one laughs at the Manalonga
animals give signs
If they about it in a book, well, they must know what they're doing. Emilio is impressed by anything that comes from a book.
"I'm a kid, not an idiot!"
Waiting is never fun, but it's the worst when you are waiting for something really important.
"If bravery equaled smarts ... then you'd be a genius." .... "Bravery is genius."
August 12, 2016
While I enjoyed the first book in this series immensely, I felt as though this second installment in the series fell short. This book was not as intriguing as the first and did not keep my attention; I would not mind putting this book down and coming back to it at a later point in time. I did not quite understand what the point of the ring was, or what the point of the eel was, or what was going on with Primo in general (I am not sure if Primo knew what was going on either); it all felt lackluster. However, I do admit that I am curious to know what really happened to Maria and how the remaining characters individual stories will fit together within the story as a whole.
April 17, 2016
Will a gold ring found inside a fish help the town's children avoid all of the witches? This illustrated chapter book is the second in a series about the ancient Italian town of Benevento, and I liked this adventure even more than the first! I can't wait to see how the illustrations from the other books join together once they are released--this will be quite interesting!
October 16, 2016
I thought the whimsical illustrations were charming, and the 1800 Italian setting fun. My 4th grade son thought it looked "cheezy" and my 6th grade son thought it looked too dumb to even thumb through. Oh well....
June 24, 2016
A bit confusing, but an interesting take on a 19th century Italian town.
May 2, 2017
Funny book but creepy at times
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews