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The Time of Green Magic
When Abi’s father marries Max and Louis’s mom, their families start over together. Abi suddenly finds herself the middle child, expected to share far too much—especially with grubby little Louis. Then they move into an eerie, ivy-covered house, big enough for all of them. But for the children, strange things start to happen in that house. Abi reads alone, and finds herself tumbling so deep into books, they almost seem real. Louis summons comfort from outdoors, and a startling guest arrives—is it a cat or something else? Max loses his best friend…and falls in love. Meanwhile, Louis’s secret visitor is becoming much too real. Now Abi, Max, and Louis must uncover the secrets of their new home—for there can be danger in even the most beautiful magic.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2019
96 people are currently reading
3246 people want to read
About the author
Hilary McKay
134 books387 followersHilary McKay was born in Boston, Lincolnshire and is the eldest of four girls. From a very early age she read voraciously and grew up in a household of readers. Hilary says of herself as a child "I anaesthetised myself against the big bad world with large doses of literature. The local library was as familiar to me as my own home."
After reading Botany and Zoology at St. Andrew's University Hilary then went on to work as a biochemist in an Analysis Department. Hilary enjoyed the work but at the same time had a burning desire to write. After the birth of her two children, Hilary wanted to devote more time to bringing up her children and writing so decided to leave her job.
One of the best things about being a writer, says Hilary, is receiving letters from children. She wishes that she had written to authors as a child, but it never occurred to her to contact them
Hilary now lives in a small village in Derbyshire with her family. When not writing Hilary loves walking, reading, and having friends to stay.
After reading Botany and Zoology at St. Andrew's University Hilary then went on to work as a biochemist in an Analysis Department. Hilary enjoyed the work but at the same time had a burning desire to write. After the birth of her two children, Hilary wanted to devote more time to bringing up her children and writing so decided to leave her job.
One of the best things about being a writer, says Hilary, is receiving letters from children. She wishes that she had written to authors as a child, but it never occurred to her to contact them
Hilary now lives in a small village in Derbyshire with her family. When not writing Hilary loves walking, reading, and having friends to stay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 377 reviews
June 22, 2020
If I ever get to meet Hilary McKay, I'm going to embarrass us both by giving her a big hug.
November 3, 2020
representation: MC of Jamaican descent.
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★
This book has one of my favourite covers of all time, but unfortunately I didn't love the inside. I mean, it was fine??? Didn't blow me away, but I didn't hate it either! I really enjoyed the main characters growth in learning to love and appreciate the new members of her family though! I just wanted to protect lil Louis at all costs! Be warned though, if you're recommending this to younger readers, it's a bit of a creepy read!
trigger warnings: loss of loved ones (in the past), mild fantasy violence, absent parents.
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★
This book has one of my favourite covers of all time, but unfortunately I didn't love the inside. I mean, it was fine??? Didn't blow me away, but I didn't hate it either! I really enjoyed the main characters growth in learning to love and appreciate the new members of her family though! I just wanted to protect lil Louis at all costs! Be warned though, if you're recommending this to younger readers, it's a bit of a creepy read!
trigger warnings: loss of loved ones (in the past), mild fantasy violence, absent parents.
February 8, 2020
Ohhh this is such a gorgeously eerie and magical book, with all the warmth and heart and insight and compassion of McKay's realistic fiction, but with utterly breathtaking magic slipped between the cracks. One of the best mythic fiction novels I've ever read for any age group (and I'd definitely recommend it for adults as well as children).
July 18, 2020
For me, the actual book did not live up to the promise of the cover. The house itself is fascinating and the way the kids who live in it are able to see books come to life is a dream come true. Yet, there are plot holes big enough for a prehistoric cat to jump through. Why does the boy who can't even read have the prolonged "book" experience? Where did mom get off to and why does her work take her so far away for so long? I did appreciate the family dynamics and the ways the blended family learned to bear with and support one another. The depiction of two teenage boys and their feud was hilarious and heartwarming. It would be such fun to have a big old cat take up residence in my room to keep me warm at night. This book was a bit of a miss for me rather than a hit, unfortunately.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2021
This completed the prompt for a strong family element for MG March. This book was beautiful. We have Theo & his daughter Abi. Then we have Polly & her sons Max & Louis. Polly & Theo marry blending their families together. They start over together, pushing their money to the limit by renting an eerie, ivy covered house that’s big enough for all of them. But weird things start to happen w/the kids. Max loses his best friend & falls in love, Abi is always gone tumbling into books, & Louis summons comfort from the outdoors, & a cat? Owl? Creature arrives. But then the creature starts becoming too real, & when Max & Abi start seeing the cat-thing, it’s a problem the 3 of them have to solve together. Even though the house IS eerie, it helps them in so many ways-including bringing them together as a family, & not a blended family that is separate..just as a whole family. It heals them in many ways. This has all the moving real life elements you find in a realistic fiction, mixed w/a magical element that is just beautiful. So many symbolic points in the story too in my opinion. Like the cat thing for example-it represents something w/Louis to me, & I loved it. Loved the whole book. Highly recommend. Absolutely stunning cover by Fiona Hsieh too. Beautiful!💜
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September 9, 2020My bookish friend Sarah Harrison Smith gave this book such a rave review that I couldn't wait to read it. A family, plus a magic house, plus books.
September 8, 2019
I have such time for what Hilary McKay does, and The Time of Green Magic is a joy. Wild, rich, fantastical, and full of intense, palpable danger, it's a dream. McKay is good, so good, and the day she is given the freedom of British children's literature, the better. I am not sure if one can be given the freedom of British children's literature, but I'd like it to be a thing. There are some authors that simply deserve such a thing.
A contemporary story, set right here, right now, and yet reaching back to the dawn of the world, The Time of Green Magic is quietly immense. It tells the story of a family learning to live with each other after their parents marry; Abi gains brothers, and Max and Louis gain a sister. It is not straightforward, as such things never are, and McKay renders it with her delicious truth. Nobody, I think, does families better. The messy, rich truth of them. The love of them. (One character experiences a 'first crush' in this book, and my goodness, it is beautifully, brilliantly done).
But underneath all of this is danger. Darkness. Something that's almost incomprehensible and yet real. Things have started to happen; books have become real, darkness has gained flesh, and there's something strange and scary happening that the children are going to figure out how to stop it before it all gets very much out of hand.
I loved this, and though I know I'm a fan of what McKay does, I loved it more because she embraces threat. Darkness. And this isn't to say that she doesn't do it elsewhere in her work - most notably in her beautiful, brilliant The Skylarks' War, but it's a different kind of darkness I think. Human. Real world. The shadows of The Time Of Green Magic are something different. Incomprehensible. Wild. Dangerous. Scary. (Brilliantly, brilliantly done).
McKay is great, this book is great, and you should read everything she does because it will teach you how just how great and good children's books can be.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
A contemporary story, set right here, right now, and yet reaching back to the dawn of the world, The Time of Green Magic is quietly immense. It tells the story of a family learning to live with each other after their parents marry; Abi gains brothers, and Max and Louis gain a sister. It is not straightforward, as such things never are, and McKay renders it with her delicious truth. Nobody, I think, does families better. The messy, rich truth of them. The love of them. (One character experiences a 'first crush' in this book, and my goodness, it is beautifully, brilliantly done).
But underneath all of this is danger. Darkness. Something that's almost incomprehensible and yet real. Things have started to happen; books have become real, darkness has gained flesh, and there's something strange and scary happening that the children are going to figure out how to stop it before it all gets very much out of hand.
I loved this, and though I know I'm a fan of what McKay does, I loved it more because she embraces threat. Darkness. And this isn't to say that she doesn't do it elsewhere in her work - most notably in her beautiful, brilliant The Skylarks' War, but it's a different kind of darkness I think. Human. Real world. The shadows of The Time Of Green Magic are something different. Incomprehensible. Wild. Dangerous. Scary. (Brilliantly, brilliantly done).
McKay is great, this book is great, and you should read everything she does because it will teach you how just how great and good children's books can be.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
December 20, 2019
I went into The Time of Green Magic expect something lyrical, magical, and nostalgic, but sadly something about it just didn't click for me, and I ended up feeling disappointed. The book felt far less focused on magic and far more on the issues of living with a blended family, which I appreciate in an objective way as being well-handled and sensitively written, but it just wasn't what I was expecting, and I don't tend to enjoy contemporary settings. I thought that the age range of the step-siblings was too broad for this to feel a comfortable read - you're dealing with an 8-year-old's separation anxiety as well as a 14-year-old's first crush, and 12-year-old Abi, who I thought would be the main character and my favourite, just gets lost in the mix. I would have preferred a stronger focus on the plot rather than dipping into and out of all three children's feelings and general issues.
Strong writing, but too concerned with normal life for me.
Strong writing, but too concerned with normal life for me.
February 4, 2020
we moved house last year, right at the beginning of october, when the leaves were starting to fall and the sky was losing its blue. sriya sent me this book as a new-house gift, and for the first two months of living there, it was the only book in my room, all my others boxed up without shelves to home them. i wanted to pick it up immediately, so full of gratitude and love and warmth. i didn't, because other things, life things, brain things, house things, kept happening. it sat on my windowsill, soaking up the thin sun, waiting.
now, it's full of scribbled love and underlined passages.
it's the first book i've read since moving, the first physical book i've held and sat with and given myself over to in months. i can't think of a better one. like so many of the things sriya shares, with me & with the whole, lucky world, this book is kind, generous, familiar, full of charm and wonder and big, heart-filling hopes. reading it felt like casting a spell, or maybe receiving a blessing: your house is kind, and watchful. your love is a huge, powerful, sometimes unfamiliar creature. your dreams are true, and so are your waking happinesses, your comforts, your connections. share it all. it's precious and there's enough.
thank you, sriya, for this and for everything else. i love you immensely.
now, it's full of scribbled love and underlined passages.
it's the first book i've read since moving, the first physical book i've held and sat with and given myself over to in months. i can't think of a better one. like so many of the things sriya shares, with me & with the whole, lucky world, this book is kind, generous, familiar, full of charm and wonder and big, heart-filling hopes. reading it felt like casting a spell, or maybe receiving a blessing: your house is kind, and watchful. your love is a huge, powerful, sometimes unfamiliar creature. your dreams are true, and so are your waking happinesses, your comforts, your connections. share it all. it's precious and there's enough.
thank you, sriya, for this and for everything else. i love you immensely.
October 8, 2020
This wasn't without the McKay magic I love, but it was also somewhat creepy, which isn't what I look for from her.
November 2, 2019
hilary mckay’s sentences, like eva ibbotson’s or diana wynne jones, always feel so inevitably right—you don’t know how they’re going, but once they get there, you couldn’t imagine them ending up anywhere else. i love her, and i loved this book.
June 13, 2021
A new Hilary McKay is a notable event. But this one came at exactly the wrong time: it was first published last summer, when the libraries had just reopened for holds pickups only and weren’t really processing new books. It became available about ten months later. I didn’t go get it. Eventually I put it on hold again, and then it sat there, on my desk, while I wondered if it could possibly be good enough to justify all that waiting time.
It wasn’t. This felt almost academic, what you might expect if you crossed McKay’s trademark families with an experimental approach to reading. Something about it felt clinical, not quite lived-in. The family parts should be the heart of this book, but there wasn’t enough attention paid to them; those moments were buried beneath the danger of fictional giant cats or freezing to death, swamped by “see how powerful reading is?”
Rare moments were so powerful that they pushed their way through regardless (). I loved those moments. And yet there was always something imperfect about them, too, even as they made themselves heard. They were too expected - or too unexpected, and therefore cheating - or not quite eerie enough - or not quite funny enough - too much in service to the magic, not given the space they deserved. This didn’t have the balance to strike exactly the right storytelling note.
It seems unfair to say that this book symbolizes COVID to me. That’s an unfair burden, and it also doesn’t capture the tragedy of it all. And yet it does capture the lethargy, the delays, and the lost enthusiasm; it makes me wonder if there will ever be a new book that I will find compelling.
PS: Is this the first book she’s written with good parents?
It wasn’t. This felt almost academic, what you might expect if you crossed McKay’s trademark families with an experimental approach to reading. Something about it felt clinical, not quite lived-in. The family parts should be the heart of this book, but there wasn’t enough attention paid to them; those moments were buried beneath the danger of fictional giant cats or freezing to death, swamped by “see how powerful reading is?”
Rare moments were so powerful that they pushed their way through regardless (). I loved those moments. And yet there was always something imperfect about them, too, even as they made themselves heard. They were too expected - or too unexpected, and therefore cheating - or not quite eerie enough - or not quite funny enough - too much in service to the magic, not given the space they deserved. This didn’t have the balance to strike exactly the right storytelling note.
It seems unfair to say that this book symbolizes COVID to me. That’s an unfair burden, and it also doesn’t capture the tragedy of it all. And yet it does capture the lethargy, the delays, and the lost enthusiasm; it makes me wonder if there will ever be a new book that I will find compelling.
PS: Is this the first book she’s written with good parents?
February 18, 2021
More *L*iterary and scarier than Edward Eager and E. Nesbit. But when you boil down the story, you pretty much have only a portal fantasy left. Except that the fantasy is such a small part of the actual goings on; there's also the tiresome blended family learning to become one unit, trouble with friends, stresses over money (that don't seem to have actual consequences as they can still afford pizza, a babysitter, Christmas...), etc.
Even though I was a fan of the trope as a child, I would not have liked this book then, nor did I particularly enjoy it now. In my personal opinion, 2.5 stars rounded up because I like Louis's explorations of language ("a nowl" is not a mishearing of "an owl" but is his need for words to start with a stronger sound, preferably a consonant).
Would make a decent Halloween season read... Mrs. Puddock is the closest thing to a witch, and it takes place in all of Autumn but no mention of the holiday (not as big a deal in England I guess), but it's def. eerie.
Even though I was a fan of the trope as a child, I would not have liked this book then, nor did I particularly enjoy it now. In my personal opinion, 2.5 stars rounded up because I like Louis's explorations of language ("a nowl" is not a mishearing of "an owl" but is his need for words to start with a stronger sound, preferably a consonant).
Would make a decent Halloween season read... Mrs. Puddock is the closest thing to a witch, and it takes place in all of Autumn but no mention of the holiday (not as big a deal in England I guess), but it's def. eerie.
September 29, 2019
Firstly, the ARC and final cover of this book is absolutely beautiful and eye-catching! I love every part of it. The final cover really showed how peculiar and interesting this book is.
Secondly, I love the characters in the book. They are utterly adorable! The main character Abi is a young 12 year old girl who is kind, caring, hardworking, intelligent and loves reading. In a way, I find her character is relatable with me. Besides that, I also love the character, Louis. He is a young little boy that’s adorable and clever.
Moreover, I love the characters building in The Muck of Green Magic. The way how their family relationship grows and start to bond.
Lastly, my most favorite part of this book is that it reminds me of the classic movie Jumanji!
Overall, it was a fun and fast paced read! I highly recommend it if you love fantasy books!
Thank you so much #Pansing @definitelybooks, for sending me a copy of The Muck of Green Magic by Hilary McKay!
This book is available at all good bookstores!
Sincerely,
Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️
Secondly, I love the characters in the book. They are utterly adorable! The main character Abi is a young 12 year old girl who is kind, caring, hardworking, intelligent and loves reading. In a way, I find her character is relatable with me. Besides that, I also love the character, Louis. He is a young little boy that’s adorable and clever.
Moreover, I love the characters building in The Muck of Green Magic. The way how their family relationship grows and start to bond.
Lastly, my most favorite part of this book is that it reminds me of the classic movie Jumanji!
Overall, it was a fun and fast paced read! I highly recommend it if you love fantasy books!
Thank you so much #Pansing @definitelybooks, for sending me a copy of The Muck of Green Magic by Hilary McKay!
This book is available at all good bookstores!
Sincerely,
Natasha (TheNatashaReads) ❤️
August 22, 2020
Lost its charm after half book.
May 30, 2023
This was a beautifully done book. I wouldn't mind reading more.
March 17, 2022
After reading The Time of Green Magic, I can say for sure that Hilary McKay is a new favourite author of mine. This is the first middle grade I’ve ever read which is set in the modern day and yet has a timeless, classic feel to it. McKay’s characters just leap off the page: they feel so real, I come to care for them so much, the relationships between them are always heartwarming and make me think about what kind of a person I want to be.
The Time of Green Magic is a magical-realist story about the family created when two single parents marry, bringing together their children in one house: the beautiful and mysterious ivy-covered place, which seems to the children to crackle with magic... Initially, it is hard for the children to get on. Especially for Abi, who has gone from being an only child to a middle child, and is not at all happy about it. But the house brings challenges the children can only face together.
The parents and side characters of this book are wonderful, too. Especially Abi’s father, Theo, whose warmth, energy and love radiated from the pages, straight into my heart. McKay’s writing is in turn perceptive, hilarious, tender, sweet, and spooky.
I would just flag up that this book is a bit creepy in places. I was an extremely sensitive child and I would have found it too scary. I think most children would be absolutely fine with it, though.
I can’t wait to work my way through McKay’s backlist, and I look forward to whatever she may write in the future. Every second spent in the worlds she creates is a delight.
4.5 stars
The Time of Green Magic is a magical-realist story about the family created when two single parents marry, bringing together their children in one house: the beautiful and mysterious ivy-covered place, which seems to the children to crackle with magic... Initially, it is hard for the children to get on. Especially for Abi, who has gone from being an only child to a middle child, and is not at all happy about it. But the house brings challenges the children can only face together.
The parents and side characters of this book are wonderful, too. Especially Abi’s father, Theo, whose warmth, energy and love radiated from the pages, straight into my heart. McKay’s writing is in turn perceptive, hilarious, tender, sweet, and spooky.
I would just flag up that this book is a bit creepy in places. I was an extremely sensitive child and I would have found it too scary. I think most children would be absolutely fine with it, though.
I can’t wait to work my way through McKay’s backlist, and I look forward to whatever she may write in the future. Every second spent in the worlds she creates is a delight.
4.5 stars
August 29, 2020
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This was such a warm, magical tale! I love how diverse the characters were and all of the magical realism elements.
I remember reading Hilary McKay's The Exiles and the Casson Family books as a tween and really loving them back then, so I took a nostalgic jump and decided to read her newest book, The Time of Green Magic. Audiobooks and I don't always get along well, but this story fit the audio format so well. All of the descriptions of the house that Abi and her family moved to were wonderful and I enjoyed the adventures of her and her siblings.
Overall, despite the magical realism, it's more of a tale of a newly made family trying to get to know each other and coming to terms with their new life. I liked the focus on the kids' struggles and how their relationship changed and grew throughout the book. It was a lovely middle grade read :)
July 15, 2020
This book tackles some hard subjects for a younger audience - death of a parent, parental abandonment, a marriage that includes other children, and having to move to an entirely new house. The interactions between the three children are comical in their truth to reality at times. Hilary McKay has done a superb job at realistic situations and responses from the characters in The Time of Green Magic.
Abi reminds me of well... me at that age to a certain extent. I was ALWAYS so absorbed in my books that mother had to practically come and shake me out of whichever world I was currently in. Louis reminds me of Arliss Coates from Old Yeller, if you have no idea what I'm talking about - you should watch it. I understood Max and what he was going through but he wasn't my favorite character - maybe because of teenage outbursts. The way he is written in the book made him seem younger in my mind than he actually is. He does however have lessons to impart on younger readers. It was heartwarming to see the siblings that were thrust together through marriage grow closer together because of the green magic that had touched them all.
The magic elements of The Time of Green Magic is a wild thing and reminded me of the green decks I've built in Magic The Gathering. In fact, the cover is reminiscent of card illustrations I've seen as well.
The cover is absolutely beautiful, I definitely would have picked it up as a middle-grade reader and this is a title that I will more than likely pick up for my daughter to have when she's old enough to read it. I would highly recommend reading The Time of Green Magic to readers who enjoy fantasy, the middle-grade genre, and wholesome books about family. Many thanks to the publisher, Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing), and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this entrancing book - all opinions are my own.
Abi reminds me of well... me at that age to a certain extent. I was ALWAYS so absorbed in my books that mother had to practically come and shake me out of whichever world I was currently in. Louis reminds me of Arliss Coates from Old Yeller, if you have no idea what I'm talking about - you should watch it. I understood Max and what he was going through but he wasn't my favorite character - maybe because of teenage outbursts. The way he is written in the book made him seem younger in my mind than he actually is. He does however have lessons to impart on younger readers. It was heartwarming to see the siblings that were thrust together through marriage grow closer together because of the green magic that had touched them all.
The magic elements of The Time of Green Magic is a wild thing and reminded me of the green decks I've built in Magic The Gathering. In fact, the cover is reminiscent of card illustrations I've seen as well.
The cover is absolutely beautiful, I definitely would have picked it up as a middle-grade reader and this is a title that I will more than likely pick up for my daughter to have when she's old enough to read it. I would highly recommend reading The Time of Green Magic to readers who enjoy fantasy, the middle-grade genre, and wholesome books about family. Many thanks to the publisher, Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing), and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this entrancing book - all opinions are my own.
September 10, 2020
Hilary McKay is one of the best writer's of children's literature that I've ever read. Her stories are quietly enlightening, moving, and very funny. She captures the tumultuous and complex nature of family life in such assured, subtle strokes that she makes it look easy. But scratching beneath the surface, you realise how much McKay conveys in a very short space of time. Short story writers for adults could learn a lot from her. This is a wonderful novel from McKay: it features the blended family of Abi and her father, Theo, an A & E nurse, and his partner, Polly, and her two sons, Max and Louis. Abi is used to living with Theo and her grandmother, Grace, but after Theo marries Polly, Grace returns to her home in Jamaica. Abi feels adrift, and finds solace in books, but begins to feel better when the family to move to a rambling, impractical house, covered in ivy. This is the house of green magic, in which real creatures can slip from the pages of books, and books can allow their readers to travel through time.
It's an imaginative and beautifully told story. Abi, Louis and Theo are all very real, as are the feelings of wonder and loneliness. McKay's prose is simple, but often very beautiful. I was drawn in to this book and didn't want to stop reading it. That said, I was disappointed by the ending, which felt rushed, and I wanted a little more expansiveness in the resolution of the magical problems, and in the completion of the character arcs. In reading it, I was thinking about McKay's earlier book Indigo's Star, and how satisfactorily she resolves all the character's stories there. That being said, this is an excellent novel, and one I recommend, especially if you're looking for solace.
It's an imaginative and beautifully told story. Abi, Louis and Theo are all very real, as are the feelings of wonder and loneliness. McKay's prose is simple, but often very beautiful. I was drawn in to this book and didn't want to stop reading it. That said, I was disappointed by the ending, which felt rushed, and I wanted a little more expansiveness in the resolution of the magical problems, and in the completion of the character arcs. In reading it, I was thinking about McKay's earlier book Indigo's Star, and how satisfactorily she resolves all the character's stories there. That being said, this is an excellent novel, and one I recommend, especially if you're looking for solace.
May 7, 2020
Strange, weird, subtle in all the right, wonderful ways!
I had no idea where this book was taking me and I loved that about it! There was this slow, menacing magic to it that just peered around the edges but was never in your face about it -- I LOVED that.
The humor of the characters, especially with the dad, is something only UK authors can do and Hilary McKay nails it. The writing is superb.
It so reminded me of the feeling I get after reading Eva Ibbotsen whom I adore... or even (and this might be a really strange comparison that may make sense only in my head) Murakami, if Murakami ever wrote kids books...the feeling of, woah that was strange but I think I just read something REALLY good!
I had no idea where this book was taking me and I loved that about it! There was this slow, menacing magic to it that just peered around the edges but was never in your face about it -- I LOVED that.
The humor of the characters, especially with the dad, is something only UK authors can do and Hilary McKay nails it. The writing is superb.
It so reminded me of the feeling I get after reading Eva Ibbotsen whom I adore... or even (and this might be a really strange comparison that may make sense only in my head) Murakami, if Murakami ever wrote kids books...the feeling of, woah that was strange but I think I just read something REALLY good!
January 30, 2022
Parts of this were undeniably McKay--I'm giving it four stars despite its flaws because there were many scenes that touched me deeply. Unlike many other reviewers, I come to Hilary McKay expecting slice of life family stories, so I wasn't disappointed by the blended family focus. In fact, that's where the book shines: three siblings who didn't expect to be siblings navigating the complicated feelings that come with having to suddenly share parents, bedrooms, and financial struggles. Max, Abi, and Louis all feel distinct and likeable. I was moved by the slow connection that grows between Abi and Louis, his instant clinginess conflicting with her pressing need to keep some things just her own, all building to a beautiful mutual understanding. The way that Max and Abi take out early frustrations on each other, but through offered moments of kindness, develop a bond of trust and partnership.
Unfortunately, Abi is presented as the main character, but ends up being less interesting or surprising than her two brothers. She actually felt like a bit of a stereotype to me--the girl who really likes reading and understands that books are maaaaagic. Meanwhile Max is grappling with remorse after alienating a close friend, and Louis is learning that just because you love something--or someone--that doesn't mean it can't hurt you. Abi often disappears.
When I picked this up, I wondered "A Hilary McKay book with magic?" And the magic is the best and worst part. I expected a simple "isn't it incredible how books can transport you?" and got, bundled with it, a story about letting a secret grow and grow out of misguided love, the ways in which children feel responsible to protect whatever comforts them, even when that comfort comes at a terrible and violent price. How hard it is to admit that something you love and defend has been hurting you, has made you afraid, and how even the fear itself feels like a betrayal.
That side of the magic was masterfully done, even breathtaking. My heart hurt for Louis's loss even as I wanted him to be free. Which makes the novel's continual cheery insistence that learning to read is also its own kind of real magic! Yay! We'll all just keep on reading books and having adventures! feel entirely misplaced after the stunning ordeal that is the novel's central conflict. McKay wanted to wrestle with pain and betrayal but couldn't let go of two-dimensional ideas about The Love Of Reading, which made the ending feel . . . bizarre.
I agree with other reviewers that this wasn't McKay's strongest book, particularly as it steals some things from her other works. Louis has a lot of the Binny series' James in him, and this book also copies the Binny series' family-moves-into-weird-old-house-they-have-to-clean-to-cope-with-major-life-changes inciting incident, and you've got the foreign friend who integrates into the family (remember the Casson's Tom?) and the absent parent making lots of vague promises (why was Polly gone so long and why was it never dealt with properly?) and even the name Max (weren't you once a dog?) If she'd committed harder to the eerie and questionable side of the magic, this could have been five stars, and I'd read another story about the siblings in a heartbeat.
Also, it was such a breath of fresh air to read about a father who was kind.
Unfortunately, Abi is presented as the main character, but ends up being less interesting or surprising than her two brothers. She actually felt like a bit of a stereotype to me--the girl who really likes reading and understands that books are maaaaagic. Meanwhile Max is grappling with remorse after alienating a close friend, and Louis is learning that just because you love something--or someone--that doesn't mean it can't hurt you. Abi often disappears.
When I picked this up, I wondered "A Hilary McKay book with magic?" And the magic is the best and worst part. I expected a simple "isn't it incredible how books can transport you?" and got, bundled with it, a story about letting a secret grow and grow out of misguided love, the ways in which children feel responsible to protect whatever comforts them, even when that comfort comes at a terrible and violent price. How hard it is to admit that something you love and defend has been hurting you, has made you afraid, and how even the fear itself feels like a betrayal.
That side of the magic was masterfully done, even breathtaking. My heart hurt for Louis's loss even as I wanted him to be free. Which makes the novel's continual cheery insistence that learning to read is also its own kind of real magic! Yay! We'll all just keep on reading books and having adventures! feel entirely misplaced after the stunning ordeal that is the novel's central conflict. McKay wanted to wrestle with pain and betrayal but couldn't let go of two-dimensional ideas about The Love Of Reading, which made the ending feel . . . bizarre.
I agree with other reviewers that this wasn't McKay's strongest book, particularly as it steals some things from her other works. Louis has a lot of the Binny series' James in him, and this book also copies the Binny series' family-moves-into-weird-old-house-they-have-to-clean-to-cope-with-major-life-changes inciting incident, and you've got the foreign friend who integrates into the family (remember the Casson's Tom?) and the absent parent making lots of vague promises (why was Polly gone so long and why was it never dealt with properly?) and even the name Max (weren't you once a dog?) If she'd committed harder to the eerie and questionable side of the magic, this could have been five stars, and I'd read another story about the siblings in a heartbeat.
Also, it was such a breath of fresh air to read about a father who was kind.
September 30, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5
Synopsis
The Time of Green Magic follows the story of Abi, whose father, Theo, is getting married to Polly, who has already had two sons of her own: Max and Louis. Not long after that (when the children haven't even bonded yet), something happens with Polly's apartment lease that they have to move out immediately. The five of them go for a house-hunting then. After a long and difficult search, their choice falls on a big old house covered with ivy and a Narnia look-alike lamp in front of it.
However, strange things start to happen in the new house: every time Abi reads a book, she finds herself getting lost in the story literally; the grubby little Louis has a mysterious visitor every night; while Max... he loses his best friend, and falls deeply in love with someone he despised so much at first. And when Louis' secret visitor is becoming much more real and scary, the three of them have to find a way to solve it, or else someone might actually get hurt.
Review
The term I was looking for to describe this book is definitely eerie. The vibes, the beautiful cover (I mean, wooow), the writing style... I couldn't stop the magical feeling that came rushing to me through every word. Aside from the fact that this book started out well, the pace was quite fast too, so the narration didn't bore me even a little bit.
However, I kinda had a small problem with the sudden change of point-of-view in some chapters (or was it just me, I don't know). I felt like sometimes, the POV switching was too abrupt that it bothered me a little. It's not confusing — I still understood whose part was it and whose was that. But I think, it would be better if the switching was marked by the starting of a new part or something like that (sorry for putting it this way because I don't have any idea how haha).
All the characters were lovely, though. My favorite was definitely Louis, followed by Abi dan Theo in the second place. I adored the way the three of them bonded, they were very, very adorable. I was hoping to see more of Polly though, but to be fair, I didn't think Abi and Louis would be this close if it wasn't for her mother being away for some time. Anyway, I wasn't a big fan of Max, but in my opinion, his parts were the most entertaining to read. So overall, the characters were great.
I didn't have any problem with the storyline (I liked it so much), but I think the ending could be more... I don't know, drastic? Dramatic? I mean, don't get me wrong, I think it's such a nice conclusion for a sweet/magical book, but I was hoping to see more... action and magic (I guess). But hey, let's be fair, it had gotten enough magic already. The way Abi could literally touch the things she read in the book... that was definitely amazing *initiate a standing ovation*.
So in conclusion, this book was enjoyable. I really loved the way the setting was described, especially the ivy-covered house (again, it's very eerie and magical). If you're looking for something light with some magical touch here and there, you should totally give this book a try. Why? Because *I'm trying to act like Max here* je t'aime, so I want you to experience this, too.
For more reviews, visit my blog talenthusiast.blogspot.com
Synopsis
The Time of Green Magic follows the story of Abi, whose father, Theo, is getting married to Polly, who has already had two sons of her own: Max and Louis. Not long after that (when the children haven't even bonded yet), something happens with Polly's apartment lease that they have to move out immediately. The five of them go for a house-hunting then. After a long and difficult search, their choice falls on a big old house covered with ivy and a Narnia look-alike lamp in front of it.
However, strange things start to happen in the new house: every time Abi reads a book, she finds herself getting lost in the story literally; the grubby little Louis has a mysterious visitor every night; while Max... he loses his best friend, and falls deeply in love with someone he despised so much at first. And when Louis' secret visitor is becoming much more real and scary, the three of them have to find a way to solve it, or else someone might actually get hurt.
Review
The term I was looking for to describe this book is definitely eerie. The vibes, the beautiful cover (I mean, wooow), the writing style... I couldn't stop the magical feeling that came rushing to me through every word. Aside from the fact that this book started out well, the pace was quite fast too, so the narration didn't bore me even a little bit.
However, I kinda had a small problem with the sudden change of point-of-view in some chapters (or was it just me, I don't know). I felt like sometimes, the POV switching was too abrupt that it bothered me a little. It's not confusing — I still understood whose part was it and whose was that. But I think, it would be better if the switching was marked by the starting of a new part or something like that (sorry for putting it this way because I don't have any idea how haha).
All the characters were lovely, though. My favorite was definitely Louis, followed by Abi dan Theo in the second place. I adored the way the three of them bonded, they were very, very adorable. I was hoping to see more of Polly though, but to be fair, I didn't think Abi and Louis would be this close if it wasn't for her mother being away for some time. Anyway, I wasn't a big fan of Max, but in my opinion, his parts were the most entertaining to read. So overall, the characters were great.
I didn't have any problem with the storyline (I liked it so much), but I think the ending could be more... I don't know, drastic? Dramatic? I mean, don't get me wrong, I think it's such a nice conclusion for a sweet/magical book, but I was hoping to see more... action and magic (I guess). But hey, let's be fair, it had gotten enough magic already. The way Abi could literally touch the things she read in the book... that was definitely amazing *initiate a standing ovation*.
So in conclusion, this book was enjoyable. I really loved the way the setting was described, especially the ivy-covered house (again, it's very eerie and magical). If you're looking for something light with some magical touch here and there, you should totally give this book a try. Why? Because *I'm trying to act like Max here* je t'aime, so I want you to experience this, too.
For more reviews, visit my blog talenthusiast.blogspot.com
July 31, 2020
Just the BEST. Hilary McKay nails another one. Her characters are so endearing, so amusing, so likeable! Here she adds a touch of magic reminiscent of Chris Van Allsburg's wonderful picture book, Jumanji, and it makes for a wonderful story.
July 29, 2020
Another gem from Hilary McKay - fun, heart-warming, well-paced, a little creepy, effortlessly diverse. I love how she gets children right, in all their charming, funny, gross, weird, imaginative, full-personality complexity. So many authors who try to write kids end up either with precocious little robots or vague collections of wrong-aged stereotypes, but she writes them exactly as kids are. The story was delightful, too. Definitely worth a reread sometime.
May 5, 2020
Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Theo and Abi, a family of two; Polly, Max and Louis, a family of three. When Theo and Polly fall in love and get married, their suddenly larger family moves into a house covered in ivy, a house that quickly reveals itself to be quite magical, in both a fantastical and very real sense. As the kids get used to being around each other and the idea that they really are a family, the magic of the house starts to become dangerous, and the three must work together to resolve the situation and make their home happy and safe once more, all while dealing with rather ordinary things such as friendship, first love, and how we face fears both big and small.
This was such an incredibly charming book, it really was a delight to read. McKay lays out a magical and eerie story, full of heart and family both old and new. It's perfect for younger readers, although I would recommend this book to people of every age group. I'm almost 31, but this book reminded me of what it was to be a young adult again, the things children say that don't make sense except they do, the simple compassion between friends and family, how love can be a weight and we sometimes need to let things go in order to be safe and happy.
I really can't say enough good things about this book, as I write this review I keep thinking of things I liked so much about it - the lush scenery, the magic of books, everything about Louis, Mrs. Puddock, Theo and Polly falling in love at first sight and making a wonderful family with their kids... There is so much to adore about The Time of Green Magic, chief of which is that it reminds the reader of their own times of green magic, and what it feels to want that magic again.
The Time of Green Magic is set to be released on July 28, 2020.
Theo and Abi, a family of two; Polly, Max and Louis, a family of three. When Theo and Polly fall in love and get married, their suddenly larger family moves into a house covered in ivy, a house that quickly reveals itself to be quite magical, in both a fantastical and very real sense. As the kids get used to being around each other and the idea that they really are a family, the magic of the house starts to become dangerous, and the three must work together to resolve the situation and make their home happy and safe once more, all while dealing with rather ordinary things such as friendship, first love, and how we face fears both big and small.
This was such an incredibly charming book, it really was a delight to read. McKay lays out a magical and eerie story, full of heart and family both old and new. It's perfect for younger readers, although I would recommend this book to people of every age group. I'm almost 31, but this book reminded me of what it was to be a young adult again, the things children say that don't make sense except they do, the simple compassion between friends and family, how love can be a weight and we sometimes need to let things go in order to be safe and happy.
I really can't say enough good things about this book, as I write this review I keep thinking of things I liked so much about it - the lush scenery, the magic of books, everything about Louis, Mrs. Puddock, Theo and Polly falling in love at first sight and making a wonderful family with their kids... There is so much to adore about The Time of Green Magic, chief of which is that it reminds the reader of their own times of green magic, and what it feels to want that magic again.
The Time of Green Magic is set to be released on July 28, 2020.
August 23, 2020
Good heavens, do these people eat a lot of pizza.
This is a very sweet, charming ode to the joy and power of reading. It’s a good premise for a tame but enjoyable tale of magic too, although the book ends right when it seems the fun is getting started.
I’m a little baffled by all the Chronicles Of Narnia comparisons. They do mention Narnia frequently in the book, but the basics of this are actually a lot closer to Thursday Next than Narnia. I kept waiting for the kids to travel to an alternate world, and when they finally do it’s for about 30 seconds and 90% of the way through the book. There’s nothing particularly problematic about how they got there or what happens when they do, but it felt like a lot of buildup for minimal payoff.
Still, it’s a fun story with charming characters and a sweet and refreshingly subtle message. The explanation of where Iffen came from is a clever one, even though I wish there had been more to the story once the kids figured it out.
Oh, and shoutout to McKay for the clever reference to ApsleyCherry Garrard’s The Worst Journey in the World.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is a very sweet, charming ode to the joy and power of reading. It’s a good premise for a tame but enjoyable tale of magic too, although the book ends right when it seems the fun is getting started.
I’m a little baffled by all the Chronicles Of Narnia comparisons. They do mention Narnia frequently in the book, but the basics of this are actually a lot closer to Thursday Next than Narnia. I kept waiting for the kids to travel to an alternate world, and when they finally do it’s for about 30 seconds and 90% of the way through the book. There’s nothing particularly problematic about how they got there or what happens when they do, but it felt like a lot of buildup for minimal payoff.
Still, it’s a fun story with charming characters and a sweet and refreshingly subtle message. The explanation of where Iffen came from is a clever one, even though I wish there had been more to the story once the kids figured it out.
Oh, and shoutout to McKay for the clever reference to ApsleyCherry Garrard’s The Worst Journey in the World.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
June 26, 2020
Cover2CoverMom
*2.5 Stars*
What I Liked...
» At its core, The Time of Green Magic is about the dynamics of blended families. I think the author did a wonderful job portraying the complexities of two families coming together and forging a new life together.
» McKay’s writing is lovely. I found the writing to be very atmospheric, adding to the overall eerie tone of this story. The atmospheric writing, paired with the eerie tone, suited the story well.
» I’ve always been a sucker for books centering around a mysterious house. Bonus points for a mysterious house covered in ivy.
What I Didn't Like...
» While I was anticipating a MG fantasy, this was more of a MG contemporary with some magic realism elements. Unfortunately, there was zero development in the fantastical elements, so the magic felt forced and odd. Even after finishing, I still have many questions surrounding the magical elements.
» This is a very slow moving plot without much action. I remember reaching the 40% mark and wondering if anything was actually going to HAPPEN. After the majority of the book dragged, the climax & ending was rushed.
» I feel like the story would have been better suited had it been told in Abi’s point of view.
***Big thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
*2.5 Stars*
What I Liked...
» At its core, The Time of Green Magic is about the dynamics of blended families. I think the author did a wonderful job portraying the complexities of two families coming together and forging a new life together.
» McKay’s writing is lovely. I found the writing to be very atmospheric, adding to the overall eerie tone of this story. The atmospheric writing, paired with the eerie tone, suited the story well.
» I’ve always been a sucker for books centering around a mysterious house. Bonus points for a mysterious house covered in ivy.
What I Didn't Like...
» While I was anticipating a MG fantasy, this was more of a MG contemporary with some magic realism elements. Unfortunately, there was zero development in the fantastical elements, so the magic felt forced and odd. Even after finishing, I still have many questions surrounding the magical elements.
» This is a very slow moving plot without much action. I remember reaching the 40% mark and wondering if anything was actually going to HAPPEN. After the majority of the book dragged, the climax & ending was rushed.
» I feel like the story would have been better suited had it been told in Abi’s point of view.
***Big thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
September 17, 2019
Abi's mother died when she was very young and, for the past ten years, she has lived with her father Theo and her Jamaican grandmother. Polly, also a single parent since her husband left, is bringing up teenage Max and six-year old Louis. When Theo and Polly meet and marry, the blended family move into an old ivy-covered house where strange things start to happen when the children are alone.
A warm and evocative tale, it is hard to pin it down to any particular genre. It is about families and friendship, a delightful first crush, magic hidden deep in books, shadows in the night and an unwelcome secret visitor who threatens. There are touches of humour and poignancy, and McKay has created a story that blends the everyday intricacies of family life with some very identifiable characters within magically threatening circumstances.
This is a story that will stay with you ... read it! You won't be disappointed.
A warm and evocative tale, it is hard to pin it down to any particular genre. It is about families and friendship, a delightful first crush, magic hidden deep in books, shadows in the night and an unwelcome secret visitor who threatens. There are touches of humour and poignancy, and McKay has created a story that blends the everyday intricacies of family life with some very identifiable characters within magically threatening circumstances.
This is a story that will stay with you ... read it! You won't be disappointed.
August 25, 2020
I have put off sharing my thoughts about this book due to my conflicted loyalty to McKay as a stellar writer of children's books.
I felt confused and disoriented throughout this book ...as if I was in a green haze. The characters seemed fuzzy and disorienting, fading in and out of perspective as the book continued in a foggy way forward.
In the character of Louis there seems to be a lot of uncertainty, fear and crying. That really wore me down as I couldn't see the point of these extremes.
I feel that McKay has written many wonderful, spot on stories about kids, their feelings and reactions, but this wasn't one of them. I was exhausted and sad when I finished this book. I long to see McKay write more stories that reveal her gifts of understanding children's human nature in a way that makes us laugh and sigh, and identify with them.
I felt confused and disoriented throughout this book ...as if I was in a green haze. The characters seemed fuzzy and disorienting, fading in and out of perspective as the book continued in a foggy way forward.
In the character of Louis there seems to be a lot of uncertainty, fear and crying. That really wore me down as I couldn't see the point of these extremes.
I feel that McKay has written many wonderful, spot on stories about kids, their feelings and reactions, but this wasn't one of them. I was exhausted and sad when I finished this book. I long to see McKay write more stories that reveal her gifts of understanding children's human nature in a way that makes us laugh and sigh, and identify with them.
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