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Grayling's Song
Like all Karen Cushman's gorgeous novels, "Grayling's Song" delves into the past to let us know what we must ask of our future. It's time for Grayling to be a hero. Her mother, a wise woman a sort of witch has been turned into a tree by evil forces. Tangles and toadstools! Lacking confidence after years of being called Feeble Wits by her mother, Grayling heads off dubiously into the wilds in search of help, where she finds a weather witch, an aromatic enchantress, a cheese soothsayer, a slyly foolish apprentice, and a shape-shifting mouse named Pook!
A fast-paced and funny coming-of-age odyssey from a Newbery medalist.
A fast-paced and funny coming-of-age odyssey from a Newbery medalist.
240 pages, Unknown Binding
First published June 7, 2016
45 people are currently reading
1502 people want to read
About the author
Karen Cushman
34 books700 followersKaren Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois.
She entered Stanford University on a scholarship in 1959 and graduated with degrees in Greek and English. She later earned master’s degrees in human behavior and museum studies.
For eleven years she was an adjunct professor in the Museum Studies Department at John F. Kennedy University before resigning in 1996 to write full-time.
She lives on Vashon Island, Washington with her husband, Philip.
(source: http://karencushman.com/about/bio.html & http://www.arnenixoncenter.org/findin...)
She entered Stanford University on a scholarship in 1959 and graduated with degrees in Greek and English. She later earned master’s degrees in human behavior and museum studies.
For eleven years she was an adjunct professor in the Museum Studies Department at John F. Kennedy University before resigning in 1996 to write full-time.
She lives on Vashon Island, Washington with her husband, Philip.
(source: http://karencushman.com/about/bio.html & http://www.arnenixoncenter.org/findin...)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
April 24, 2017
A mysterious evil spell is turning witches into trees. Now young Grayling, a girl who is neither brave nor eager for adventure, is tasked with finding her mother's grimoire in the hopes of breaking the spell. Her quest takes her into the big wide world for the first time, where she encounters some fellow travelers who will help her on her quest.
This is my own first adventure with a fiction book on audio, and what a great experience it was. Katherine Kellgren's narration is outstanding. She not only reads as several different characters, but sings in their voices, as well. I highly recommend listening to, rather than reading this one.
This is my own first adventure with a fiction book on audio, and what a great experience it was. Katherine Kellgren's narration is outstanding. She not only reads as several different characters, but sings in their voices, as well. I highly recommend listening to, rather than reading this one.
June 4, 2016
Karen Cushman, author of the Newbery Honor book Catherine, Called Birdy and Newbery Medal winner The Midwife's Apprentice, has a penned another prize-winner with Grayling’s Song. While those two — and most of her other books — are set in a historical medieval or Elizabethan England, Grayling’s Song is set in an England of the Never-Never, a medieval England where so-called “cunning women” really do practice witchery.
Grayling was named for the grayling moth, and she lives up to her namesake: unobtrusive, quiet, going about her work without thinking for herself. However, when Grayling’s hedge witch/healer mother is herself enchanted, Grayling embarks on a journey to track down her mother’s stolen grimoire (spell book) and reverse the curse. Grayling learns a lot about magic and the importance of loyalty and selflessness in this incredible tale sure to please adults as much as children.
Readers of any age will love this tale of an introverted girl gaining her self-esteem and finding her own magic and place in the world. Please, please, please, Ms. Cushman! You must write a sequel so we can find out more about Grayling!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group, and Clarion Books in exchange for an honest review.
Grayling was named for the grayling moth, and she lives up to her namesake: unobtrusive, quiet, going about her work without thinking for herself. However, when Grayling’s hedge witch/healer mother is herself enchanted, Grayling embarks on a journey to track down her mother’s stolen grimoire (spell book) and reverse the curse. Grayling learns a lot about magic and the importance of loyalty and selflessness in this incredible tale sure to please adults as much as children.
Readers of any age will love this tale of an introverted girl gaining her self-esteem and finding her own magic and place in the world. Please, please, please, Ms. Cushman! You must write a sequel so we can find out more about Grayling!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group, and Clarion Books in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2016
I read this book for my work as an uncorrected proof.
I did not like this book. It was pretty disappointing and over all just did nothing for me. It should really be called “Four women walk around calling each other names and complaining about everything”
This book made me think of when I read old fantasy that just doesn’t stand up to the test of time it feels very dated. It lacks details that would immerse you in the story; it doesn’t go far enough with the plot, any of the dangers, the magic, even how the main character is treated by her mother. Everything feels glossed over, and after about 75 pages I took the hint and started glossing over the book. The writing is done in an archaic language that instead of enhancing the story slowed and encumbered it. Making it a 150 ish page book a three day slog. The book seems more of an outline than an actual book as if it’s missing a large part; with it only being 150 ish pages I think that there is a lot of room for details and character building. Honestly the cover is bad also, making it look like this was self published and the author couldn't get a real artist.
I did not like this book. It was pretty disappointing and over all just did nothing for me. It should really be called “Four women walk around calling each other names and complaining about everything”
This book made me think of when I read old fantasy that just doesn’t stand up to the test of time it feels very dated. It lacks details that would immerse you in the story; it doesn’t go far enough with the plot, any of the dangers, the magic, even how the main character is treated by her mother. Everything feels glossed over, and after about 75 pages I took the hint and started glossing over the book. The writing is done in an archaic language that instead of enhancing the story slowed and encumbered it. Making it a 150 ish page book a three day slog. The book seems more of an outline than an actual book as if it’s missing a large part; with it only being 150 ish pages I think that there is a lot of room for details and character building. Honestly the cover is bad also, making it look like this was self published and the author couldn't get a real artist.
May 31, 2016
Review posted on Fafa's Book Corner !
Beware spoilers ahead!
I received this E-ARC via Houghton Mufflin Harcourt Children's Book Group and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
When I first saw this on Netgalley in December I fell in love with the synopsis! It sounded really sweet and I love Middle Grade fantasy! You can imagine my excitement when I was able to request this. Unfortunately I did not enjoy this.
The book begins with Grayling doing some chores for her mother. They don't really have the best relationship as her mother makes it point to tell Grayling that she's no good. After completing some chores for her mother she goes home. Her mother is a doctor and will be having some patients. Grayling will have to babysit one of the patients children.
The next day Grayling is daydreaming when her mother calls her in to come immediately. Grayling still lost in her own head doesn't go right away. Her mother shouts for her again. Grayling goes to her house thinking of why can't she get a moments peace.
When she reaches her house she sees that it's on fire. She runs to find her mother. Much to Grayling's relief her mother is alive. But her feet are rooted to the ground and she is about to become a tree. Grayling freaks out and is unsure of what to do. Her mother tells her to get everything that survived the fire and to get the 'others'.
The reason why I didn't like it is because of the writing style. The way Grayling and her mother spoke to each other was weird. She actually called her mother by her first name. I could barely understand what they were saying. It seems that the author has written in some old type of language. I'm not really sure how to describe it. Some of the narration was alright but again hard to understand.
Overall I really did not like the writing style. I cannot bring myself to recommend this to anyone.
Beware spoilers ahead!
I received this E-ARC via Houghton Mufflin Harcourt Children's Book Group and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF
When I first saw this on Netgalley in December I fell in love with the synopsis! It sounded really sweet and I love Middle Grade fantasy! You can imagine my excitement when I was able to request this. Unfortunately I did not enjoy this.
The book begins with Grayling doing some chores for her mother. They don't really have the best relationship as her mother makes it point to tell Grayling that she's no good. After completing some chores for her mother she goes home. Her mother is a doctor and will be having some patients. Grayling will have to babysit one of the patients children.
The next day Grayling is daydreaming when her mother calls her in to come immediately. Grayling still lost in her own head doesn't go right away. Her mother shouts for her again. Grayling goes to her house thinking of why can't she get a moments peace.
When she reaches her house she sees that it's on fire. She runs to find her mother. Much to Grayling's relief her mother is alive. But her feet are rooted to the ground and she is about to become a tree. Grayling freaks out and is unsure of what to do. Her mother tells her to get everything that survived the fire and to get the 'others'.
The reason why I didn't like it is because of the writing style. The way Grayling and her mother spoke to each other was weird. She actually called her mother by her first name. I could barely understand what they were saying. It seems that the author has written in some old type of language. I'm not really sure how to describe it. Some of the narration was alright but again hard to understand.
Overall I really did not like the writing style. I cannot bring myself to recommend this to anyone.
October 15, 2018
Grayling started up as nothing like the most of us. Having no power, no skills she ever know and only the fear that her mother will be forever rooted to the ground, she sets out on an adventure into the unknown. Grayling is such a courageous and kind hearted girl. She's been pushed to her limit, trying things she never knew she could do. Leaning on the past to guide her through. The story introduce the tiny mouse as Grayling's loyal companion. Their adventure goes beyond hill and mountain and forest. Being chase off and force to survive with everything they got. Grayling is so much fun to read as she grows, but it can make our heart shrink when she's going through an emotional swamp that no one seems to understand. She stand firm while everyone else are backing out. You can slowly discover that yourself in Grayling's struggle.
August 12, 2016
Sometimes I wonder if I loved Catherine, Called Birdy too much, because almost all of Cushman's books have paled in comparison to that one for me. Honestly, I wanted to shake many of the characters in this book almost all the time. Grayling was too timid, too often looking for a way not to lead. Pansy was useless and selfish. Auld Nancy was sometimes too stubborn. Desdemona was too interested in her own welfare. In not really enjoying any of the characters, it made it hard to like the book overall.
December 21, 2016
This was a wonderfully short and sweet fantasy novel. It actually reminded me of Uprooted but for children. Grayling's Song fits right in with Cushman's other books. A young girl who thinks not very much of herself learns she is much more capable than she believes. The world is a medieval England, but magic exists. It's a dense environment but the plot moves right along Grayling's journey, never slowing down until it's satisfying conclusion. The writing and characters make this entertaining for children and adults both.
I like fantasy but I've gotten pretty tired of the rehash of the same tropes over and over, so this was a great little dip back in.
I like fantasy but I've gotten pretty tired of the rehash of the same tropes over and over, so this was a great little dip back in.
July 1, 2016
Cushman's gentle charm underlines the action!
Hannah, Grayling Strong's mother, a wise woman is bewitched. As it seems are all the country's other enchanters. Having been magically rooted to the ground she is slowly turning into a tree. On top of that Hannah's grimoire (spell book) disappeared. Grayling is her mother's only hope. She must seek out others and try to find the answer. The trouble is that after years of being denigrated by her mother, Grayling is afraid of her own shadow. However, set forth she does. On her quest she is accompanied by a shape changing mouse Pook's attempts at shape changing are more often than not fraught with disaster. A lively and often humorous journey ensues. Grayling and Pook search for answers and find that magic is not the only answer. Heaps of action and mystery, Karen Cushman has once again turned in a stellar novel that both provokes and charms.
A NetGalley ARC
Hannah, Grayling Strong's mother, a wise woman is bewitched. As it seems are all the country's other enchanters. Having been magically rooted to the ground she is slowly turning into a tree. On top of that Hannah's grimoire (spell book) disappeared. Grayling is her mother's only hope. She must seek out others and try to find the answer. The trouble is that after years of being denigrated by her mother, Grayling is afraid of her own shadow. However, set forth she does. On her quest she is accompanied by a shape changing mouse Pook's attempts at shape changing are more often than not fraught with disaster. A lively and often humorous journey ensues. Grayling and Pook search for answers and find that magic is not the only answer. Heaps of action and mystery, Karen Cushman has once again turned in a stellar novel that both provokes and charms.
A NetGalley ARC
May 31, 2016
I don't like giving books a single star, nor do I like being negative about anything Karen Cushman is responsible for, given her record. With that said, I don't know what the intention was with Grayling's Song, nor can I necessarily surmise the true point or why any kid would pick this up. Ostensibly an adventure tale about rescuing a witch from turning into a tree, there's just not much in the way of engaging prose or plot to even get the ball rolling on this. I spent so much time reading this asking myself what in the world was actually happening here, and the puzzle itself is just weird.
Honestly, I don't know if this gets out of the gate if an unknown author writes this. There's just so much wrong with it that I really recommend avoiding it if at all possible. A huge disappointment.
Honestly, I don't know if this gets out of the gate if an unknown author writes this. There's just so much wrong with it that I really recommend avoiding it if at all possible. A huge disappointment.
September 25, 2017
Look, I was confused like half the time while reading this book. I didnt enjoy it in any way. I found it somewhat boring. I don’t hate this book, the story overall was pretty good, but I feel like it just dragged on.
August 7, 2019
I didn't love this book the way I've loved Cushman's other books up until now, but I suspect this may be because I read it during my two hour wait at the DMV, and it is very hard to enjoy things while one is listening hard for one's number to be called.
December 18, 2019
I <3 Pook the shape-shifting mouse!!!
January 29, 2016
"Like all Karen Cushman's gorgeous novels, Grayling's Song delves into the past to let us know what we must ask of our future." --Lena Dunham
It's time for Grayling to be a hero. Her mother, a wise woman a sort of witch has been turned into a tree by evil forces. Tangles and toadstools! Lacking confidence after years of being called Feeble Wits by her mother, Grayling heads off dubiously into the wilds in search of help, where she finds a weather witch, an aromatic enchantress, a cheese soothsayer, a slyly foolish apprentice, and a shape-shifting mouse named Pook!
A fast-paced and funny coming-of-age odyssey from a Newbery medalist."
- - - - -
Rating: 5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: spunky characters; a plot twist I didn't see coming; dark, atmospheric, and gorgeous writing; entertaining, often laugh-out-loud scenes coupled with huge adventure and action
Huge thanks to Karen Cushman, Clarion Books Publishers, and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read or opinions.
No, really, I laughed out loud several times, to which the husband side-eyed me in concern. There might also have been an argument about why I CAN read midgrade novels without, in fact, being that age. I won the argument. The husband just doesn't want to admit it. That's okay, I know what the truth is.
Okay, guys—let's jump into this! Starting with the language. Atmospheric, at times dark and moody...and so, so gorgeous! The descriptions leapt off the page, the action was fast-paced and easy to follow. The only thing I'd say about the language is, it's a bit heavy-handed on five dollar dictionary words. I don't know if you all know what I mean, but...the beginning, in particular, is especially dense. Some of the words I can't imagine every child reading will understand, although the meaning is easily figured out from the context and the sentences surrounding. In other words, really young readers, or those struggling with the English language, might find this read a bit tedious and confusing.
I, on the other hand, found it absolutely GORGEOUS. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed; from the get-go, things happen in rapid succession. This helped not only keep me invested in and enthralled by the read, but also to fly through the pages. A quick page-turner this might be, but so so worth it in my opinion!
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud, snort-inducing moments. As mentioned above, I did those very things many times throughout, causing the husband to once again question my sanity. The characters are quirky, spunky, and wonderfully paired—a seemingly rag tag team of “misfits” brought together through need and “fate.”
And the coming of age story?! Brilliantly done. While it is unclear how old Grayling is at the start of this and how much time passes between the first page and the last (Grayling mentions near the end that her mom seems to have aged quite a bit, herself, in their time spent apart), the amount of growth and self-discovery Grayling faces is subtle...but so beautifully done.
This is such a compelling, entertaining, and quirky read—I'm surprised I haven't picked Karen Cushman's work up before. You can bet I'll be doing so more in the future! I had a ton of fun following Grayling, Auld Nancy, Pansy, Pook, and Sylvanus along their journey toward redemption and setting the world right. I feel lovers of midgrade, coming-of-age adventures, and spunky, flawed characters will also enjoy this book—and the morals I feel we can all learn a little bit from, no matter our age.
It's time for Grayling to be a hero. Her mother, a wise woman a sort of witch has been turned into a tree by evil forces. Tangles and toadstools! Lacking confidence after years of being called Feeble Wits by her mother, Grayling heads off dubiously into the wilds in search of help, where she finds a weather witch, an aromatic enchantress, a cheese soothsayer, a slyly foolish apprentice, and a shape-shifting mouse named Pook!
A fast-paced and funny coming-of-age odyssey from a Newbery medalist."
- - - - -
Rating: 5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: spunky characters; a plot twist I didn't see coming; dark, atmospheric, and gorgeous writing; entertaining, often laugh-out-loud scenes coupled with huge adventure and action
Huge thanks to Karen Cushman, Clarion Books Publishers, and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! This in no way altered my read or opinions.
No, really, I laughed out loud several times, to which the husband side-eyed me in concern. There might also have been an argument about why I CAN read midgrade novels without, in fact, being that age. I won the argument. The husband just doesn't want to admit it. That's okay, I know what the truth is.
There came a quivering in Grayling's chest as if a flock of the grayling butterflies for which she was named were imprisoned there, and her face grew cold with fear.
Okay, guys—let's jump into this! Starting with the language. Atmospheric, at times dark and moody...and so, so gorgeous! The descriptions leapt off the page, the action was fast-paced and easy to follow. The only thing I'd say about the language is, it's a bit heavy-handed on five dollar dictionary words. I don't know if you all know what I mean, but...the beginning, in particular, is especially dense. Some of the words I can't imagine every child reading will understand, although the meaning is easily figured out from the context and the sentences surrounding. In other words, really young readers, or those struggling with the English language, might find this read a bit tedious and confusing.
I, on the other hand, found it absolutely GORGEOUS. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed; from the get-go, things happen in rapid succession. This helped not only keep me invested in and enthralled by the read, but also to fly through the pages. A quick page-turner this might be, but so so worth it in my opinion!
“This,” he said finally to Widow Bagley. “This cheese I will have, and I will give you two coppers for two rounds.”
Widow Bagley snorted. “Six coppers,” she said.
Sylvanus shook his head, “Six? Nonsense. 'Tis thievery and greediness. I will give three.”
“Eight coppers,” said the widow.
“Eight? Nay. 'Tis not done that way. When I increase my offer, you lower your price until we meet in the middle. Four, and that will be my last offer.”
“Twelve,” said the widow.
Sylvanus sputtered. “You do not understand bargaining. I increase, and you decrease. Now I offer six, and 'tis absolutely as high as I will go. What say you?”
“Done!” said the widow, and she spit on her hand and offered it to Sylvanus.
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud, snort-inducing moments. As mentioned above, I did those very things many times throughout, causing the husband to once again question my sanity. The characters are quirky, spunky, and wonderfully paired—a seemingly rag tag team of “misfits” brought together through need and “fate.”
And the coming of age story?! Brilliantly done. While it is unclear how old Grayling is at the start of this and how much time passes between the first page and the last (Grayling mentions near the end that her mom seems to have aged quite a bit, herself, in their time spent apart), the amount of growth and self-discovery Grayling faces is subtle...but so beautifully done.
Grayling called to Sylvanus, “You never told us—what is the first rule of magic?”
He spun round and called back to her, “ 'Tis the hardest rule to learn: magic is not the answer. Magic may be convenient, brilliant, even dazzling, but it is not the answer.”
This is such a compelling, entertaining, and quirky read—I'm surprised I haven't picked Karen Cushman's work up before. You can bet I'll be doing so more in the future! I had a ton of fun following Grayling, Auld Nancy, Pansy, Pook, and Sylvanus along their journey toward redemption and setting the world right. I feel lovers of midgrade, coming-of-age adventures, and spunky, flawed characters will also enjoy this book—and the morals I feel we can all learn a little bit from, no matter our age.
February 8, 2016
A wonderful fantasy adventure for the middle-grade reader.
Grayling's mother is a wise woman, who makes healing potions for the people of her village and has little patience with her daughter, whom she calls Feeble Wits. Then one day someone or something steals her grimoire and leaves Hannah turning into a tree. It is up to Grayling, much against her own misgivings, to learn to be a hero, find the grimoire, and break the spell on her mother and other magic users.
This is a deceptively simple, subtle story, made delicious with absolutely marvellous writing: poetic and humorous. Cushman's knowledge of the medieval world enriches the setting, although this is one of those "once upon a time, far away" sorts of stories rather than any attempt at a realistic historical era. Grayling herself is a charming, sympathetic heroine, who comes into her own over the course of the story, and she gathers around her a cast of interesting and amusing characters, not the least of whom is Pook, a mouse who accidentally becomes a shape-changer.
Overall, a thoroughly delightful read, that leaves just enough questions unanswered that we may be able to hope for a sequel.
I was provided a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Grayling's mother is a wise woman, who makes healing potions for the people of her village and has little patience with her daughter, whom she calls Feeble Wits. Then one day someone or something steals her grimoire and leaves Hannah turning into a tree. It is up to Grayling, much against her own misgivings, to learn to be a hero, find the grimoire, and break the spell on her mother and other magic users.
This is a deceptively simple, subtle story, made delicious with absolutely marvellous writing: poetic and humorous. Cushman's knowledge of the medieval world enriches the setting, although this is one of those "once upon a time, far away" sorts of stories rather than any attempt at a realistic historical era. Grayling herself is a charming, sympathetic heroine, who comes into her own over the course of the story, and she gathers around her a cast of interesting and amusing characters, not the least of whom is Pook, a mouse who accidentally becomes a shape-changer.
Overall, a thoroughly delightful read, that leaves just enough questions unanswered that we may be able to hope for a sequel.
I was provided a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2017
This book has magic. It should be shelved as fantasy—but it is the most reality-grounded fantasy book I've ever read. Karen Cushman's main gig is writing medieval historical fiction, and I love her for it. This book is set in an alternate medieval reality where your friendly neighborhood witch who cures your boils and gives you a love potion is actually doing real magic.
I liked this book a lot. I liked the medievalness of it (which is why I love Cushman), and I thought the magic wove in well with the characters and story. I like Grayling's growth, and the ending was perfect.
Just don't go reading this expecting high fantasy. It's a different, more down-to-earth brand of magic.
P.S. This book contains tyromancy. Look it up. Now you want to read it, right? An extra star just for the tyromancy scene.
I liked this book a lot. I liked the medievalness of it (which is why I love Cushman), and I thought the magic wove in well with the characters and story. I like Grayling's growth, and the ending was perfect.
Just don't go reading this expecting high fantasy. It's a different, more down-to-earth brand of magic.
P.S. This book contains tyromancy. Look it up. Now you want to read it, right? An extra star just for the tyromancy scene.
January 1, 2017
This is the tale of young, shy Garyling. She discovers a fierce spell has been cast upon her mother, a well know enchantress. Others too who possess powers all seem to have become "rooted" and Grayling fears they will all eventually turn into trees. She and her friends travel to find the singing grimoire-a book a spells and charms, which only Grayling can hear and in return, they can only hear her. The group believe the grimoire will release those who have fallen to these evil powers. This coming of age journey, is about finding the grit and confidence to succeed even when the odds are stacked against you. Karen Cushman has written a charming tale, with many twists and turns. Even Harry Potter fans will be amused and delighted.
December 7, 2017
I listened to this and thought the narrator did a fantastic job. I read some of the reviews on here and saw some people didn't like it because it was "written in archaic language" but I didn't get any of that. I'm not sure where that's coming from? Just because they said "'Tis" and "Nay?"
Regardless, I enjoyed this short juvenile fiction novel. Grayling is the daughter of a hedge witch who is assigned mundane chores such as scrubbing pots and washing dishes because she is "mediocre" in her mother's eyes. Grayling doesn't seem to have any magic to her though, due to a few circumstances, she finds herself on the road trying to find her mother's grimoire.
Grayling finds that there is much more to herself than she thought as she travels. With the help of a shapeshifting, talking mouse, Grayling sings to the grimoire and listens inside herself where it sings back to eventually discover both the grimoire and her confidence.
It was a cute little story.
Regardless, I enjoyed this short juvenile fiction novel. Grayling is the daughter of a hedge witch who is assigned mundane chores such as scrubbing pots and washing dishes because she is "mediocre" in her mother's eyes. Grayling doesn't seem to have any magic to her though, due to a few circumstances, she finds herself on the road trying to find her mother's grimoire.
Grayling finds that there is much more to herself than she thought as she travels. With the help of a shapeshifting, talking mouse, Grayling sings to the grimoire and listens inside herself where it sings back to eventually discover both the grimoire and her confidence.
It was a cute little story.
September 18, 2020
A fun read, though a bit lacking in something like substance. Not meaty like Cushman's usual historical stuff, maybe because it was a fantasy though the historical details were still good.
December 12, 2023
A gentle, sweet meditation on building character, working with our fears, and the power of weak humans working together.
March 24, 2025
Picked this up because the audiobook is narrated by Katherine Kellgren, and it's something of a bucket list to consume everything Katherine Kellgren has ever done.
The story itself...is just OK. I don't know if today's kids would enjoy this. The oldey timey manner of speech was occasionally tiring, though the sentient mouse was fun.
The story itself...is just OK. I don't know if today's kids would enjoy this. The oldey timey manner of speech was occasionally tiring, though the sentient mouse was fun.
February 24, 2021
Karen Cushman must be so flattered by these new editions of her books. Clarion Press, the publisher, asked some of the best writers in the business like Adam Gidwitz, Linda Sue Park and Lois Lowry to write introductions, and no surprise, they are all huge fans. So am I!
March 13, 2016
This review and others posted over at
my blog.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. All opinions in this post are my own.
Grayling’s mother is the local wise woman, but when a dark force destroys their cottage and turns her mother into a tree, Grayling must use her wits and knowledge to find her mother’s stolen grimoire and save her mother and the other witches and wise folk who have been cursed. She’s joined by a mischievous mouse, a cantankerous old weather witch, an unreliable enchantress, a cheese soothsayer and a foolish apprentice. The unlikely group of leftovers turned heroes must find the source of darkness and defeat it, else they too might be turned into trees.
At just over 200 pages, this was a quick read, so I don’t have a lot to say about it. But it was cute and I enjoyed the old-world feel the book had. I feel like a lot of the middle grade I read, while magical, is typically set in modern times, so this was a nice change of pace. Grayling makes for an excellent hero – she is reluctant and full of self-doubt at first. However, as time goes on and her companions come to rely on her, she gains confidence and I think it makes for a great learning moment.
This is definitely a character driven novel – they do travel outside and end up in a few towns, but the setting is really just a backdrop. I think this allowed Grayling’s character to shine and develop more, and the secondary characters were also well fleshed out, despite the low page count. (Sidenote: One of the things I love about most middle grade is that the authors accomplish so much with a typically lower page count.) I liked that Cushman differentiated between different types of magic users, like enchantresses, wizards, witches, soothsayers, etc. and the implication that they all work magic differently and possess different powers. Grayling’s own magic is focused around song, which was a fun element.
This book didn’t blow me away, but it was a very enjoyable read and well worth what little time it takes to read. I’d recommend for any lovers of magical (medieval) middle grade.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. All opinions in this post are my own.
Grayling’s mother is the local wise woman, but when a dark force destroys their cottage and turns her mother into a tree, Grayling must use her wits and knowledge to find her mother’s stolen grimoire and save her mother and the other witches and wise folk who have been cursed. She’s joined by a mischievous mouse, a cantankerous old weather witch, an unreliable enchantress, a cheese soothsayer and a foolish apprentice. The unlikely group of leftovers turned heroes must find the source of darkness and defeat it, else they too might be turned into trees.
At just over 200 pages, this was a quick read, so I don’t have a lot to say about it. But it was cute and I enjoyed the old-world feel the book had. I feel like a lot of the middle grade I read, while magical, is typically set in modern times, so this was a nice change of pace. Grayling makes for an excellent hero – she is reluctant and full of self-doubt at first. However, as time goes on and her companions come to rely on her, she gains confidence and I think it makes for a great learning moment.
This is definitely a character driven novel – they do travel outside and end up in a few towns, but the setting is really just a backdrop. I think this allowed Grayling’s character to shine and develop more, and the secondary characters were also well fleshed out, despite the low page count. (Sidenote: One of the things I love about most middle grade is that the authors accomplish so much with a typically lower page count.) I liked that Cushman differentiated between different types of magic users, like enchantresses, wizards, witches, soothsayers, etc. and the implication that they all work magic differently and possess different powers. Grayling’s own magic is focused around song, which was a fun element.
This book didn’t blow me away, but it was a very enjoyable read and well worth what little time it takes to read. I’d recommend for any lovers of magical (medieval) middle grade.
December 19, 2017
So, don't get me wrong, there were good things about this book. I just had a lot of issues with it that made it overall not particularly enjoyable. The tl;dr is that the story has an interesting premise, but the book moves slowly, the characters aren't very likable, and the medieval-y language sounds awkward and forced.
Things I liked:
1. The overall idea of the story. I picked up the book because the blurb sounded like a lot of fun, and it sounded like something between Lloyd Alexander and Patricia Wrede.
2. There were parts of the writing that were actually well done, usually the bits where she wasn't trying too hard to sound medieval. She clearly did some research on wise women, and I appreciated all the herb references.
3. Pook was adorable.
4. I actually did end up more or less liking Sylvanus and Auld Nancy by the end.
Things I didn't like:
1. Most of the characters, to be honest? As I said, I ended up liking Sylvanus and Auld Nancy by the end, but even they took a long time to get likable. The rest of the characters are either not very interesting or actively unlikable. Especially, Grayling talkes so long to develop as a character that her self-deprecation started getting really old.
2. The actual storyline ended up being kind of disappointing. Like Auld Nancy says, too easy. I feel like it could have been a bit more complex, but in the end...not a lot happened for how long the book was. Also, there were a lot of events that felt like they didn't make a lot of sense, they just happened.
3. The language got really annoying after a while. It was intended to sound "medieval", and really it just sounded fake and pretentious. I've read Shakespeare and Jane Eyre and didn't have this complaint--and I've also read Catherine and Midwife's by this author and also don't remember having this problem in those books.
4. The pacing was really slow. Reeeeeally slow. A majority of the book involved overly detailed descriptions of the characters walking.
5. I mentioned that I thought it would be like Lloyd Alexander and Patricia Wrede, but...it really wasn't. Authors like Alexander and Wrede don't condescend to their readers just because they're writing for kids, which I don't think I can say for this book.
Things I liked:
1. The overall idea of the story. I picked up the book because the blurb sounded like a lot of fun, and it sounded like something between Lloyd Alexander and Patricia Wrede.
2. There were parts of the writing that were actually well done, usually the bits where she wasn't trying too hard to sound medieval. She clearly did some research on wise women, and I appreciated all the herb references.
3. Pook was adorable.
4. I actually did end up more or less liking Sylvanus and Auld Nancy by the end.
Things I didn't like:
1. Most of the characters, to be honest? As I said, I ended up liking Sylvanus and Auld Nancy by the end, but even they took a long time to get likable. The rest of the characters are either not very interesting or actively unlikable. Especially, Grayling talkes so long to develop as a character that her self-deprecation started getting really old.
2. The actual storyline ended up being kind of disappointing. Like Auld Nancy says, too easy. I feel like it could have been a bit more complex, but in the end...not a lot happened for how long the book was. Also, there were a lot of events that felt like they didn't make a lot of sense, they just happened.
3. The language got really annoying after a while. It was intended to sound "medieval", and really it just sounded fake and pretentious. I've read Shakespeare and Jane Eyre and didn't have this complaint--and I've also read Catherine and Midwife's by this author and also don't remember having this problem in those books.
4. The pacing was really slow. Reeeeeally slow. A majority of the book involved overly detailed descriptions of the characters walking.
5. I mentioned that I thought it would be like Lloyd Alexander and Patricia Wrede, but...it really wasn't. Authors like Alexander and Wrede don't condescend to their readers just because they're writing for kids, which I don't think I can say for this book.
January 20, 2018
I think this is half what I wanted Frogkisser to be. The two aren’t similar beyond having a young female protagonist who goes on a road trip with a motley crew to deal with a larger than life antagonist. In this case, the antagonist is technically more larger than life. (Is that grammatically possible?) Too small a point of comparison to help much in deciding whether or not to read it. Whatever, the characters are awesome and it’s a nice simple quest with some roadblocks they have to think their way through and around.
Grayling is the daughter of wise woman Hannah Strong, ordered about and wishing for some time to herself. She gets it when their home burns down and Hannah is rooted to the ground, slowly turning into a tree. Grayling must gather other magic practitioners like her mother for their help in finding Hannah’s grimoire, which hopefully contains the solution.
The others who answer Grayling’s call are motley indeed. An old weather witch who can’t use lightning to fry people, a sullen girl named Pansy, an enchantress who is a literal narcissist, and a mouse. The mouse is my favourite. He gains the ability to speak and shift shapes, whereupon Grayling names him Pook. He reminds me of Killer the rabbit (Calling on Dragons) without being nebbish and obnoxious.
Seriously, Pook should be enough for anyone to check this out. The origin for his “powers” is funny, and his loyalty to Grayling is sweet and endearing. If Disney mascots were more like Pook, they wouldn’t be phasing them out of the formula.
For such a short book, there’s a twisty plot. Grayling is resourceful and clever, and her allies aren’t always helpful. I wasn’t completely surprised by the full antagonist reveal and the ending is a bit too open for me, but it’s still a good quest story with a great main character who matured into an even better one.
As one might expect from Cushman, the writing is excellent and the dialogue is so perfectly old English that it makes the setting with or without description. She does Historical Fiction as if it is a way of life—with passion and brilliant execution. This is a book I’d like to see get a movie adaptation.
Grayling is the daughter of wise woman Hannah Strong, ordered about and wishing for some time to herself. She gets it when their home burns down and Hannah is rooted to the ground, slowly turning into a tree. Grayling must gather other magic practitioners like her mother for their help in finding Hannah’s grimoire, which hopefully contains the solution.
The others who answer Grayling’s call are motley indeed. An old weather witch who can’t use lightning to fry people, a sullen girl named Pansy, an enchantress who is a literal narcissist, and a mouse. The mouse is my favourite. He gains the ability to speak and shift shapes, whereupon Grayling names him Pook. He reminds me of Killer the rabbit (Calling on Dragons) without being nebbish and obnoxious.
Seriously, Pook should be enough for anyone to check this out. The origin for his “powers” is funny, and his loyalty to Grayling is sweet and endearing. If Disney mascots were more like Pook, they wouldn’t be phasing them out of the formula.
For such a short book, there’s a twisty plot. Grayling is resourceful and clever, and her allies aren’t always helpful. I wasn’t completely surprised by the full antagonist reveal and the ending is a bit too open for me, but it’s still a good quest story with a great main character who matured into an even better one.
As one might expect from Cushman, the writing is excellent and the dialogue is so perfectly old English that it makes the setting with or without description. She does Historical Fiction as if it is a way of life—with passion and brilliant execution. This is a book I’d like to see get a movie adaptation.
June 23, 2016
The original review can be found on GenuineJenn.com
Middle grade fans of historical fantasy fiction I believe will enjoy this book. Grayling is a young girl who doesn't have the best relationship with her "witch" Dr mother. Hannah Strong, Grayling's mother, belittles Grayling leaving her daughter feeling down with her self-esteem. Grayling is sent out to help reverse a curse that has left Hannah Strong a tree and all the other powerful Dr's in the area.
This book took me a bit to get into. I found the pace was a bit slow for my liking and the story was very sad. The characters seemed more interested in being emotionally abusive to each other. The character that I did really like was Pook, a shape shifting mouse. He was a sweet, devoted mouse.
The four ladies were on an adventure to get back Hannah Strongs grimore to turn her back into herself and not a tree. This is really a challenge to review. I do think it will make kids stop and think about their own strengths and abilities but at the same time I wasn't really feeling good about all the negative talking between the characters. I also feel it is better suited for 10 year old and up. The magic within the characters were fun and I would have loved to see how Grayling will develop now that she has been down this path to help her mother.
I give this book a 3 out of 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Middle grade fans of historical fantasy fiction I believe will enjoy this book. Grayling is a young girl who doesn't have the best relationship with her "witch" Dr mother. Hannah Strong, Grayling's mother, belittles Grayling leaving her daughter feeling down with her self-esteem. Grayling is sent out to help reverse a curse that has left Hannah Strong a tree and all the other powerful Dr's in the area.
This book took me a bit to get into. I found the pace was a bit slow for my liking and the story was very sad. The characters seemed more interested in being emotionally abusive to each other. The character that I did really like was Pook, a shape shifting mouse. He was a sweet, devoted mouse.
The four ladies were on an adventure to get back Hannah Strongs grimore to turn her back into herself and not a tree. This is really a challenge to review. I do think it will make kids stop and think about their own strengths and abilities but at the same time I wasn't really feeling good about all the negative talking between the characters. I also feel it is better suited for 10 year old and up. The magic within the characters were fun and I would have loved to see how Grayling will develop now that she has been down this path to help her mother.
I give this book a 3 out of 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2016
Grayling is the daughter of a wise woman. Her mother, Hannah Strong, takes care of the people in their village with her magic and her potions and her songs. Grayling seems to be a disappointment to her mother and they don't appear to have a very good relationship. One day her mother frantically calls her home to find their cottage burning and her mother taking root in the ground. She sends Grayling on a quest to find the "others" and discover who has done this dark magic and stolen their grimoire. Grayling meets up with a few other magic doers who have not rooted and they set off to discover the source of the evil.
I thought this was a mixed bag of a book. I didn't really think the story made a whole lot of sense after the culprit was revealed. It just seemed thrown in and didn't seem to fit with what had happened before. There was a lot going on in the story with magic and kidnappings and such, but it seemed boring and there were lots of pages of description that didn't seem necessary. I did enjoy Grayling's journey as she found her strength and realized her purposes, but even she wasn't that likable of a character for a lot of the book. I think there are much better books out there and I am not sure this one is one I would recommend.
I received this book from Netgalley.
I thought this was a mixed bag of a book. I didn't really think the story made a whole lot of sense after the culprit was revealed. It just seemed thrown in and didn't seem to fit with what had happened before. There was a lot going on in the story with magic and kidnappings and such, but it seemed boring and there were lots of pages of description that didn't seem necessary. I did enjoy Grayling's journey as she found her strength and realized her purposes, but even she wasn't that likable of a character for a lot of the book. I think there are much better books out there and I am not sure this one is one I would recommend.
I received this book from Netgalley.
March 25, 2016
Graying experiences quite the adventure in Grayling's Song. Being given the task to gather "the others" and find her mother's spellbook in order to save the world from a very vague evil shadowy menace was quite a terrifying concept for her. There are only a handful of people with the ability to help her, and she instantly starts off on her quest to find them
She manages to accumulate quite the variety of people. I loved how their personalities clashed and blended together at times in such a fun and realistic way. You like each one of them for different reasons and they are full of surprises - especially one of them!
What may be the downfall for some middle graders is the language. There is nothing foul or inappropriate, but it is very period specific. I could see some of the more reluctant readers struggling with reading and understanding it.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.hotofftheshelves.com/2016/...
She manages to accumulate quite the variety of people. I loved how their personalities clashed and blended together at times in such a fun and realistic way. You like each one of them for different reasons and they are full of surprises - especially one of them!
What may be the downfall for some middle graders is the language. There is nothing foul or inappropriate, but it is very period specific. I could see some of the more reluctant readers struggling with reading and understanding it.
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.hotofftheshelves.com/2016/...
July 4, 2016
Set in a kind of alternate medieval England where magic is alive and well, with enchantresses, hedge witches, and sorcerers respected and feared, Karen Cushman's latest chapter book is completely different from anything else she's written. And from an author of her caliber, one expects more. Grayling is the daughter of a terse, rather hard wisewoman who expects her child to work and obey her. When Grayling arrives back home one day to find disaster--their cottage on fire, her mother half turned into a tree--she again does as her mother says--ventures out to find help, and her mother's stolen grimoire, to set things right. Part adventure, part coming-of-age journey, the plot has potential, but it is so bogged down in boring, overdone medieval language, cliched characters (does the mouse HAVE to talk like Gurgi?) and a confused finale to Grayling's hunt for the evil that caused all the harm, that one feels the great Karen Cushman should stick to the amazing historical fiction she is known for. 4th-6th grade.
December 27, 2015
Grayling is the daughter of the local Wise Woman and helps her mother by gathering herbs and brewing assorted remedies and cures. When some kind of evil destroys their cottage, steals the grimoire, and roots her mother to the ground like a tree, it is up to Grayling to save them. Although her intention is simply to find help, Grayling ends up taking a much more active role. Told in Cushman's lyrical prose, this adventure is about believing in oneself and finding one's inner strength. Plus it has a talking mouse and a fire-breathing serpent. Highly recommended for grades 3 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
August 6, 2016
A fantasy story written from the cultural perspective of medieval England. That is to say, it's quite possible that you've never read anything quite like this.
It's quite well done, and would be fascinating to read and compare and discuss in the context of that time, and other books ostensibly about that time. I just found myself, as a post-modern north american reader, wanting more character work and more empathy towards the side characters. The main character's journey is wonderful. The side characters feels a bit more like you're reading something written several centuries before you're born, in translation.
It's quite well done, and would be fascinating to read and compare and discuss in the context of that time, and other books ostensibly about that time. I just found myself, as a post-modern north american reader, wanting more character work and more empathy towards the side characters. The main character's journey is wonderful. The side characters feels a bit more like you're reading something written several centuries before you're born, in translation.
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