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The Marvelous Land of Snergs
A brand new, funny and quirky story based on E.A. Wyke-Smith's classic, the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. A lost classic - updated in a more contemporary voice. A delightful tale of orphans tricked by an evil witch and rescued by the warm-hearted Snergs.
At the Sunny Bay Home for Superfluous and Accidentally Parentless Children, Pip and Flora are in trouble. Running away with their dog they discover the Marvellous Land of Snergs, a magical world of cinnamon bears and scrumptious feasts - but also one of vegan ogres, disgraced jesters and dastardly Kelps, with a villain dressed entirely in purple....
Soon their only friend is forgetful but lovable snerg, Gorbo. He will lead them home - if they can decide where home really is and if Gorbo can remember how to get there.
©1927 Chicken House (P)2021 Audible, Ltd.
At the Sunny Bay Home for Superfluous and Accidentally Parentless Children, Pip and Flora are in trouble. Running away with their dog they discover the Marvellous Land of Snergs, a magical world of cinnamon bears and scrumptious feasts - but also one of vegan ogres, disgraced jesters and dastardly Kelps, with a villain dressed entirely in purple....
Soon their only friend is forgetful but lovable snerg, Gorbo. He will lead them home - if they can decide where home really is and if Gorbo can remember how to get there.
©1927 Chicken House (P)2021 Audible, Ltd.
307 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2020
40 people are currently reading
2639 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
April 11, 2025
70 pages in and I can’t stay focused. Bored, unfortunately. Was hoping for the charm of TJ Klune.
July 2, 2020
7 out of 10
Haven't read the original story that, by the way, was the inspiration for Hobbit, but I pretty much liked this interpretation. Vivid prose, twisted adventures, interesting characters, multidimensional plot, and really funny humor parts.
February 14, 2025
A delightfully whimsical story! It really did feel like a precursor to the Hobbit- but with much more whimsy and much more of a fairytale quality.
May 7, 2021
I haven't read the original story but I surely adore this retelling. It's funny, charming and magical.
The characters are also likeable, especially Pip, Flora and Gorbo.
The story itself is quite light and fast. So, if you are expecting any deep and complicated story, you won't get it from this book. It's not a bad thing though, because sometimes we need books that is enjoyable and light to read, right? :) However, it will still touch and warm your heart.
Also, the cover is so beautiful and there are some illustrations inside too. Which is something that I love from books. Seriously though, add this one to your list. Truly truly an enjoyable read perfect for a lovely sunny day in the garden or by the sea :)
The characters are also likeable, especially Pip, Flora and Gorbo.
The story itself is quite light and fast. So, if you are expecting any deep and complicated story, you won't get it from this book. It's not a bad thing though, because sometimes we need books that is enjoyable and light to read, right? :) However, it will still touch and warm your heart.
Also, the cover is so beautiful and there are some illustrations inside too. Which is something that I love from books. Seriously though, add this one to your list. Truly truly an enjoyable read perfect for a lovely sunny day in the garden or by the sea :)
October 25, 2025
I'm trying to enjoy this from the perspective of young me, and I think it's fine. But it is mostly adventure and word-play - I'm half done and I'm not feeling a lot of heart, nor re-readability (resonance).
---
Ok, done... and by the end there was indeed plenty of wonderful thoughtfulness. I'm relieved that I didn't give up.
But I'm not pleased with the illustrations. I feel that the author didn't get to vet them. The girl is described as having a "cloud of fair hair" and here her hair is shown in a straight long bob. And the children are never shown with the right clothing. This issue would have been beyond annoying when I was a child.
"... oo-k--uck.... The call of the discombobulated cuckoo."
"The Queen has trained pastry scribes to write her wishes and requests in beautifully joined-up royal icing."
"... hippopotamonstrous big words."
The Chief Inventor is a woman (!) who says "'It's physics. Physics always works - it's people who don't.'"
"'They are not the cruel [people] we thought them. All this time, we believed the stories.... Perhaps we should have come and found out the truth for ourselves.'"
"'Mothers don't always know best.... And you shouldn't always believe what you what you're told. Sometimes you need to find things out yourself.'"
"'I wanted to keep you safe. I thought that what you didn't know about... couldn't harm you. I was wrong. You can't keep things locked away and pretend they're not there. You must face up to them, with a brave heart.'"
---
Ok, done... and by the end there was indeed plenty of wonderful thoughtfulness. I'm relieved that I didn't give up.
But I'm not pleased with the illustrations. I feel that the author didn't get to vet them. The girl is described as having a "cloud of fair hair" and here her hair is shown in a straight long bob. And the children are never shown with the right clothing. This issue would have been beyond annoying when I was a child.
"... oo-k--uck.... The call of the discombobulated cuckoo."
"The Queen has trained pastry scribes to write her wishes and requests in beautifully joined-up royal icing."
"... hippopotamonstrous big words."
The Chief Inventor is a woman (!) who says "'It's physics. Physics always works - it's people who don't.'"
"'They are not the cruel [people] we thought them. All this time, we believed the stories.... Perhaps we should have come and found out the truth for ourselves.'"
"'Mothers don't always know best.... And you shouldn't always believe what you what you're told. Sometimes you need to find things out yourself.'"
"'I wanted to keep you safe. I thought that what you didn't know about... couldn't harm you. I was wrong. You can't keep things locked away and pretend they're not there. You must face up to them, with a brave heart.'"
January 31, 2021
Me ha parecido una historia muy divertida. Me gusta pensar que de aquí nacieron historias tan fantasticas como El Hobbit y creo que es un libro que pueden disfrutar lectores de todas las edades. Tiene ese aire de novela de aventuras y seres mágicos de antes pero con un estilo renovado. Es muy divertida y está llena de momentos disparatados.
Sin duda una gran lectura.
Sin duda una gran lectura.
March 7, 2023
J'ai abandonné à la moitié, je ne suis franchement pas fan des histoires qui sont des suites de petites péripéties. Donc bof.
August 26, 2023
Elspeth rated this one 4 1/2 stars. We loved it! This was a hilarious, fun read!
October 13, 2021
La réécriture d'un roman de Fantasy plein de magie et d'humour paru dans les années 1920. De très très bonnes idées !
January 7, 2023
Charming little adventure story. I haven't read the original, but this one has a place on my shelf. I look forward to sharing with kids!
June 1, 2024
We listened to the audiobook read by Stephen Fry, and it was great. Akin to a fairy tale, full of whimsy and wit. We enjoyed it immensely.
August 27, 2024
Tot i ser una adaptació del conte original, sí que es veu que va influenciar molt a l’obra de Tolkien.
És un bon fons d’armari per a una biblioteca escolar de primària. La trama és ràpida i fàcil de llegir, n’hi ha força aventura i acció i humor. Inclús un bon missatge final.
Tot i això, personalment no m’ha acabat de fer el pes. L’he trobat una mica llarg i lent.
És un bon fons d’armari per a una biblioteca escolar de primària. La trama és ràpida i fàcil de llegir, n’hi ha força aventura i acció i humor. Inclús un bon missatge final.
Tot i això, personalment no m’ha acabat de fer el pes. L’he trobat una mica llarg i lent.
August 22, 2022
So cute ❣️🥰
November 2, 2022
Fun story to read aloud to the grandchildren.
November 23, 2022
This was a Goodreads giveaway winner. I liked the story.
November 20, 2023
A delightful little tale of friendship & magic ❤ it made me quite curious to read the original too.
April 12, 2024
This story is a wild trip of funky little dudes — only three stars because the embedded misogyny and sad ogre
April 26, 2024
An absolute delight!
August 9, 2024
Fun story. Excellent narrator!
January 1, 2022
Du pur jeunesse, j'ai beaucoup aimé me plonger dans cette histoire, un moment d'évasion garantie.
Cette histoire a inspiré JRR Tolkien pour le Hobbit.
Cette histoire a inspiré JRR Tolkien pour le Hobbit.
November 4, 2024
“The Marvelous Land of Snergs” by Veronica Cossanteli is a modern retelling of “The Marvellous Land of Snergs”, by Edward Augustine Wyke-Smith.
First of all, the very idea of retelling a classic is absurd and should be off the table as soon as it lands.
Second, in Romania, this book is falsely advertised by its publisher, Rao Publishing Company, as the original book by Edward Augustine Wyke-Smith. This is because his name appears as the author, and Cossanteli’s name is in small letters under it (fine print, am I right?), so you can’t really tell it’s not the original unless you open the book before you buy it. And we all know that doesn’t happen in the Internet era so often, because you order books online more often than you buy them physically.
Third... This has very little to do with the original work, and for someone familiar with the book by E.A. Wyke-Smith, this is luckily obvious from the title, as it uses the American spelling of “Marvelous” instead of the British original “Marvellous”. For what reason I am not sure, as Cossanteli lives in the UK, so she should write British English as far as I am concerned.
Fourth... This is indeed a “modern retelling”, and it’s basically all you need to know to avoid it. But... I will elaborate. There are multiple gender-swaps, quite a few name changes (Joe and Sylvia are now Pip and Flora), and dramatic plot changes.
The orphanage is now in the real world, not in the Land of the Snergs for some reason. They use portals to travel back and forth.
Mother Meldrum is now Widow Meldrum, and she’s not old anymore, she’s actually Miss Watkyns’s evil twin sister, who transforms people into frogs (yes, that’s not a cliché at all), dresses up as an old lady, and (watch out for this) Golithos is her biological son (?!?). She pops up at the beginning of the story, attempting to kidnap Flora (Sylvia) in a car (?!?).
Not to mention they made Baldry into a straight out villain, which, ironically, the author apologizes for in the Afterword, clearly aware of what she did.
Unlike in the original, nobody dies in the story this time. Golithos is redeemed and goes to live in the orphanage with the kids at the end (yes, a freaking immense troll) and Meldrum transforms into a bat and runs away.
The plot deviations are outright absurd and make no sense. I was disappointed beyond limits.
The only positive thing I can find with this book is that it’s easier to read by contemporary children, who grew up with tablets and smartphones, mostly because the vocabulary is simpler and their attention spans wouldn’t be able to cope with the original.
But in the end, it is something you should avoid, as it does a great injustice to the original. I have just read it because I paid for it by accident and I wanted to get my money’s worth, but had it not been for the false advertising, I shouldn’t have been here.
Avoid by all means if you are a fan of the original or if you intend to read the original.
1/5
First of all, the very idea of retelling a classic is absurd and should be off the table as soon as it lands.
Second, in Romania, this book is falsely advertised by its publisher, Rao Publishing Company, as the original book by Edward Augustine Wyke-Smith. This is because his name appears as the author, and Cossanteli’s name is in small letters under it (fine print, am I right?), so you can’t really tell it’s not the original unless you open the book before you buy it. And we all know that doesn’t happen in the Internet era so often, because you order books online more often than you buy them physically.
Third... This has very little to do with the original work, and for someone familiar with the book by E.A. Wyke-Smith, this is luckily obvious from the title, as it uses the American spelling of “Marvelous” instead of the British original “Marvellous”. For what reason I am not sure, as Cossanteli lives in the UK, so she should write British English as far as I am concerned.
Fourth... This is indeed a “modern retelling”, and it’s basically all you need to know to avoid it. But... I will elaborate. There are multiple gender-swaps, quite a few name changes (Joe and Sylvia are now Pip and Flora), and dramatic plot changes.
The orphanage is now in the real world, not in the Land of the Snergs for some reason. They use portals to travel back and forth.
Mother Meldrum is now Widow Meldrum, and she’s not old anymore, she’s actually Miss Watkyns’s evil twin sister, who transforms people into frogs (yes, that’s not a cliché at all), dresses up as an old lady, and (watch out for this) Golithos is her biological son (?!?). She pops up at the beginning of the story, attempting to kidnap Flora (Sylvia) in a car (?!?).
Not to mention they made Baldry into a straight out villain, which, ironically, the author apologizes for in the Afterword, clearly aware of what she did.
Unlike in the original, nobody dies in the story this time. Golithos is redeemed and goes to live in the orphanage with the kids at the end (yes, a freaking immense troll) and Meldrum transforms into a bat and runs away.
The plot deviations are outright absurd and make no sense. I was disappointed beyond limits.
The only positive thing I can find with this book is that it’s easier to read by contemporary children, who grew up with tablets and smartphones, mostly because the vocabulary is simpler and their attention spans wouldn’t be able to cope with the original.
But in the end, it is something you should avoid, as it does a great injustice to the original. I have just read it because I paid for it by accident and I wanted to get my money’s worth, but had it not been for the false advertising, I shouldn’t have been here.
Avoid by all means if you are a fan of the original or if you intend to read the original.
1/5
July 17, 2021
Cuando mi madre se enteró de que Tolkien se basó en los Snergs para crear a los Hobbits le faltó tiempo para regalarmelo, y es que no fue hasta que ella me lo dio cuando supe de la existencia de este libro.
A pesar de ser una historia infantil la he disfrutado muchísimo (no solo por lo bonita que es la edición) sino también porque es una fantasía muy pura, y que además menciona temas que creo que son importantes que enseñar a los niños.
Aunque me hayan gustado todos los protagonistas, Gorbo es el que más me ha hecho disfrutar y del que más me acordaré.
Sin duda creo que es una muy buena historia que releer de vez en cuando (sobre todo para adquirir inspiración a la hora de escribir).
A pesar de ser una historia infantil la he disfrutado muchísimo (no solo por lo bonita que es la edición) sino también porque es una fantasía muy pura, y que además menciona temas que creo que son importantes que enseñar a los niños.
Aunque me hayan gustado todos los protagonistas, Gorbo es el que más me ha hecho disfrutar y del que más me acordaré.
Sin duda creo que es una muy buena historia que releer de vez en cuando (sobre todo para adquirir inspiración a la hora de escribir).
March 2, 2021
Reseña: https://www.fabulantes.com/2021/03/el...
"(...) Estas pocas frases son suficientes para que pensemos en los hobbits, esas maravillosas criaturas creadas por J. R. R. Tolkien en 1937. En común tienen la baja estatura, el carácter alegre y amable, la propensión por las canciones y las fiestas y el maravilloso lugar en el que viven. Las similitudes entre estas criaturas no son una casualidad, de hecho parece ser que Tolkien conocía a fondo la obra de Edward Wyke-Smith y que se la leía a sus hijos antes de acostarse".
"(...) Estas pocas frases son suficientes para que pensemos en los hobbits, esas maravillosas criaturas creadas por J. R. R. Tolkien en 1937. En común tienen la baja estatura, el carácter alegre y amable, la propensión por las canciones y las fiestas y el maravilloso lugar en el que viven. Las similitudes entre estas criaturas no son una casualidad, de hecho parece ser que Tolkien conocía a fondo la obra de Edward Wyke-Smith y que se la leía a sus hijos antes de acostarse".
April 17, 2021
Esta edición de 2020 de la editorial La Galera, inteligentemente escrita por Verónica Cossanteli e ilustrada por Melissa Castrillón se trata de una versión basada en la novela original del mismo título de E.A. Wyke-Smith publicada en 1927. Desconozco la versión original así que no sé si las modificaciones sobre la trama original han sido o no considerables. Lo que sí puedo decir es que la presente edición es una maravilla. La portada con letras doradas brillantes es preciosa y las ilustraciones son muy tiernas.
Este clásico de la literatura juvenil también puede enamorar a los adultos. Se trata de un libro entrañable lleno de fantasía y aventuras. Si te estás preguntando qué demonios es un snerg te diré que es fácil reconocer a un snerg cuando te encuentras con él, Gorbo te lo explicaría así: "somos tan altos como es debido y casi siempre estamos alegres. Salvo cuando tenemos hambre".
Efectivamente los snerg son pequeños hombrecillos bajitos (aunque como afirma Gorbo en realidad son tan altos como es debido y son los humanos los que son unos fideos), además son glotones, afables y bondadosos.
Otra cosa que debes saber sobre ellos es que pagan las compras con relatos y cuentos, y mandan invitaciones escritas en bizcochos.
Tal vez estas características os resulten familiares; los snergs inspiraron a los Hobbits de JRR Tolkien, quien se declara gran admirador: "...cómo nos gusta, a mis hijos y a mí, El maravilloso país de los snergs... Y también Gorbo, la perla de los zoquetes, una joya de acompañante de aventuras".
En este libro además de snerg podrás encontrar picotudos, brujas, ogros, kelps, osos que huelen a canela, sapos encantados... ¿Te crees muy sensato para creer en esas cosas? La señorita Watkyns diría: "Es la gente sensata la que sí cree en esas historias. Podemos fingir que no es así para que lo mundo nos parezca un lugar más seguro. Pero dentro de nuestros corazones sabemos que es verdad..." Y añadiría: "Hay más cosas en el cielo y la tierra de las que usted y yo estamos dispuestos a admitir. Posibles e imposibles, reales e imaginarias. Elegimos pensar que hay una línea que las separa, pero esa línea se puede borrar. Los niños llegan al mundo sabiendo todo eso. Quizá deberíamos dejar de intentar enseñarles que se equivocan".
Este libro trata también de dos pequeños huérfanos, de los estilos parentales perniciosos a los que se ven expuestos, del maltrato infantil en todas sus formas (maltrato psicológico: desde la indiferencia, la negligencia y la falta de disponibilidad emocional, hasta degradar, aterrorizar... del abuso verbal, de los cuidadores que no creen en ti ni te proporcionan una relación de apego segura para explorar el mundo... Pero también versa sobre la resiliencia y la redención, de recuperar tu propia voz y encontrar tu camino). En las sabias palabras de Flora: "Los padres no deberían comportarse de manera desagradable con los hijos... Si es que desean que crezcan bien. Es difícil que los adultos sean buenos y encantadores y listos cuando la gente que debería actuar con sensatez ha hecho que por dentro sientan que son lo opuesto."
En este libro aprenderás que "los padres no siempre saben lo que les conviene a sus hijos", que "no deberías creerte todo lo que te dicen sino descubrir las cosas por ti mismo", y "no creerte las cosas que cuentan sobre otros" sin comprobarlo, que "todos podemos cambiar", que "nunca, nunca, nunca, hay que dar a un niño por perdido"... Que no debemos pensar que aquello que no conoces o aquello que no crees no puede hacerte daño, que no puedes mantener las cosas encerradas y hacer como que no están ahí, que "debemos enfrentarnos a ellas con el corazón lleno de valor"... Y que "nadie nace para ser bueno por completo, ni malo del todo. En cada corazón hay más de una cara. Lo que importa es la cara que dejes que te gobierne".
Te aseguro que además de haber aprendido todo eso y haberte emocionado y divertido, acabarás el libro canturreando alegre el himno de los snergs:
"Qué extraordinario es ser un snerg,
en esta tierra maravillosa.
¡Bajitos de altura pero anchos de corazón,
son una banda de lo más bulliciosa!
Bajo la luna o el sol su fiesta propagan
y ésta no se detiene hasta que el puding se acaba".
Este clásico de la literatura juvenil también puede enamorar a los adultos. Se trata de un libro entrañable lleno de fantasía y aventuras. Si te estás preguntando qué demonios es un snerg te diré que es fácil reconocer a un snerg cuando te encuentras con él, Gorbo te lo explicaría así: "somos tan altos como es debido y casi siempre estamos alegres. Salvo cuando tenemos hambre".
Efectivamente los snerg son pequeños hombrecillos bajitos (aunque como afirma Gorbo en realidad son tan altos como es debido y son los humanos los que son unos fideos), además son glotones, afables y bondadosos.
Otra cosa que debes saber sobre ellos es que pagan las compras con relatos y cuentos, y mandan invitaciones escritas en bizcochos.
Tal vez estas características os resulten familiares; los snergs inspiraron a los Hobbits de JRR Tolkien, quien se declara gran admirador: "...cómo nos gusta, a mis hijos y a mí, El maravilloso país de los snergs... Y también Gorbo, la perla de los zoquetes, una joya de acompañante de aventuras".
En este libro además de snerg podrás encontrar picotudos, brujas, ogros, kelps, osos que huelen a canela, sapos encantados... ¿Te crees muy sensato para creer en esas cosas? La señorita Watkyns diría: "Es la gente sensata la que sí cree en esas historias. Podemos fingir que no es así para que lo mundo nos parezca un lugar más seguro. Pero dentro de nuestros corazones sabemos que es verdad..." Y añadiría: "Hay más cosas en el cielo y la tierra de las que usted y yo estamos dispuestos a admitir. Posibles e imposibles, reales e imaginarias. Elegimos pensar que hay una línea que las separa, pero esa línea se puede borrar. Los niños llegan al mundo sabiendo todo eso. Quizá deberíamos dejar de intentar enseñarles que se equivocan".
Este libro trata también de dos pequeños huérfanos, de los estilos parentales perniciosos a los que se ven expuestos, del maltrato infantil en todas sus formas (maltrato psicológico: desde la indiferencia, la negligencia y la falta de disponibilidad emocional, hasta degradar, aterrorizar... del abuso verbal, de los cuidadores que no creen en ti ni te proporcionan una relación de apego segura para explorar el mundo... Pero también versa sobre la resiliencia y la redención, de recuperar tu propia voz y encontrar tu camino). En las sabias palabras de Flora: "Los padres no deberían comportarse de manera desagradable con los hijos... Si es que desean que crezcan bien. Es difícil que los adultos sean buenos y encantadores y listos cuando la gente que debería actuar con sensatez ha hecho que por dentro sientan que son lo opuesto."
En este libro aprenderás que "los padres no siempre saben lo que les conviene a sus hijos", que "no deberías creerte todo lo que te dicen sino descubrir las cosas por ti mismo", y "no creerte las cosas que cuentan sobre otros" sin comprobarlo, que "todos podemos cambiar", que "nunca, nunca, nunca, hay que dar a un niño por perdido"... Que no debemos pensar que aquello que no conoces o aquello que no crees no puede hacerte daño, que no puedes mantener las cosas encerradas y hacer como que no están ahí, que "debemos enfrentarnos a ellas con el corazón lleno de valor"... Y que "nadie nace para ser bueno por completo, ni malo del todo. En cada corazón hay más de una cara. Lo que importa es la cara que dejes que te gobierne".
Te aseguro que además de haber aprendido todo eso y haberte emocionado y divertido, acabarás el libro canturreando alegre el himno de los snergs:
"Qué extraordinario es ser un snerg,
en esta tierra maravillosa.
¡Bajitos de altura pero anchos de corazón,
son una banda de lo más bulliciosa!
Bajo la luna o el sol su fiesta propagan
y ésta no se detiene hasta que el puding se acaba".
February 8, 2023
The original The Marvelous Land of Snergs, written by E.A. Wyke-Smith, was the favorite story of the children of J.R.R. Tolkien, read to them by him. I love that.
I wish I had read the original version of The Marvelous Land of Snergs, especially since we have a 60 year old copy, before I read Veronica Cossanteli's adaptation. In reading the 'Questions for the Author', she admits it was "an unnerving business, writing with ghosts at your shoulder."
I imagine so, especially as she claims
What I most like about The Marvelous Land of Snergs is that it reminds me of the long ago original tales. Unlike the fantasy Disney versions, many of the original fables are based on dark folklore stories chock full of cautionary tales and scary, horrible legends.
I have one son who collects lesser known Tolkien books, and another who collects those old 'fairy tale' books. While he said he'd never read them to his kids as young children, he finds value in them they will appreciate, as he does, when they're older. And because their just plain cool.
This version of The Marvelous Land of Snergs is not quite one of those though. It has some scary bits: creatures, witches, and Kings who want to hang Snergs over vats of voracious caterpillars to nibble on their toes, all wrapped in humor and adventure.
The magical creatures are fun and creepy. I love the crocopotomus.
The letter from Gorbo to readers is absolutely charming, the most charming than I found him in the story, The Marvelous Land of Snergs.
4 Stars for The Marvelous Land of Snergs. Bravo for the courage of the author.
I wish I had read the original version of The Marvelous Land of Snergs, especially since we have a 60 year old copy, before I read Veronica Cossanteli's adaptation. In reading the 'Questions for the Author', she admits it was "an unnerving business, writing with ghosts at your shoulder."
I imagine so, especially as she claims
"Today’s readers (or do I mean today’s editors?) expect a faster pace and higher stakes than they did in 1927, when plots were allowed to meander along, going nowhere in particular."I disagree with her. I don’t think readers expect it, I think they’ve become conditioned TO it with video games, quickly resolved television and movie plots, graphic novels and horribly adapted movies based on wonderful books. Some books need to wander, as fantasy books often do, as this one sometimes does. It’s the readers who can no longer sit still to enjoy the simplicity of the wandering, where the imagination is freed and smiles erupt.
What I most like about The Marvelous Land of Snergs is that it reminds me of the long ago original tales. Unlike the fantasy Disney versions, many of the original fables are based on dark folklore stories chock full of cautionary tales and scary, horrible legends.
I have one son who collects lesser known Tolkien books, and another who collects those old 'fairy tale' books. While he said he'd never read them to his kids as young children, he finds value in them they will appreciate, as he does, when they're older. And because their just plain cool.
This version of The Marvelous Land of Snergs is not quite one of those though. It has some scary bits: creatures, witches, and Kings who want to hang Snergs over vats of voracious caterpillars to nibble on their toes, all wrapped in humor and adventure.
The magical creatures are fun and creepy. I love the crocopotomus.
The letter from Gorbo to readers is absolutely charming, the most charming than I found him in the story, The Marvelous Land of Snergs.
4 Stars for The Marvelous Land of Snergs. Bravo for the courage of the author.
January 28, 2023
Poor little Gorbo has always been told that he is a mess, a joke, and good for getting into trouble. Flora and Pip end up on an accidental adventure after running an errand for the Headmistress Ms. Watkyn's at the Sunny Bay Home for Superflous and Accidentally Parentless Children. How do you think they encounter and who saves the day? Gorbo the Great, as I will always call him.
The Marvelous Land of Snergs in its original form written by E.A.Wyke-Smith is the inspiration for the Hobbit, and I can see where Bilbo Baggins and Gorbo in this edition seem perfect as cousins. Both are not the bravest, but end up doing the things they need to do to foster an inspiration of bravery in others. They might not be the most coordinated of creatures, but, they are cleaver when the messes they encounter stare them straight in the face. However, I believe that Gorbo is much more endearing and in his innocent way wiser than Bilbo Baggins could ever be.
I received an advanced reader's copy with a little jotted note from a member of the Europa Editions team where she stated that "Gorbo is a wonderful friend to have." and I completely agree with her. We should all have friends like him.
This book is a fun read for your kids as a bedtime story, or in my case a great read to my grand littles. The illustrations are fun, like an Anna Bond wallpaper, or stationary from Rifle Papers and my grand littles thought that the characters in the section descriptions where the illustrations live looked like animals and people they would like to have as friends.
This book for children and middle-grade readers is perfect for teaching the perception of others looking, speaking differently is not bad because someone they don't look like you, act like you, or live the same but is what makes us all unique. It also teaches how to overcome fear, make new friends, listen to your elders, and stick up for yourself in times of hesitation.
The Marvelous Land of Snergs in its original form written by E.A.Wyke-Smith is the inspiration for the Hobbit, and I can see where Bilbo Baggins and Gorbo in this edition seem perfect as cousins. Both are not the bravest, but end up doing the things they need to do to foster an inspiration of bravery in others. They might not be the most coordinated of creatures, but, they are cleaver when the messes they encounter stare them straight in the face. However, I believe that Gorbo is much more endearing and in his innocent way wiser than Bilbo Baggins could ever be.
I received an advanced reader's copy with a little jotted note from a member of the Europa Editions team where she stated that "Gorbo is a wonderful friend to have." and I completely agree with her. We should all have friends like him.
This book is a fun read for your kids as a bedtime story, or in my case a great read to my grand littles. The illustrations are fun, like an Anna Bond wallpaper, or stationary from Rifle Papers and my grand littles thought that the characters in the section descriptions where the illustrations live looked like animals and people they would like to have as friends.
This book for children and middle-grade readers is perfect for teaching the perception of others looking, speaking differently is not bad because someone they don't look like you, act like you, or live the same but is what makes us all unique. It also teaches how to overcome fear, make new friends, listen to your elders, and stick up for yourself in times of hesitation.
February 20, 2024
Veronica Cossanteli retold this story originally by E.A. Wyke-Smith, due to much of the language being possibly too difficult to understand today, though I am curious what the original is like now.
While it is said to have been the inspiration for The Hobbit (which you can tell by the second breakfasts, the Snergs being very Hobbit-like, and more), I also sensed some inspiration it would draw out to the creation of Harry Potter (due to a cloak of invisibility and screaming mandrakes). It must have been a very popular story in the UK, but I had never heard of it until now (I'm American).
I read this to my whole family of all ages. There were some silly words used throughout it that were fun, but not always easy to read. I am sure younger children would find that a little difficult (many made up words are used as adjectives mainly towards the Snerg queen).
If you are unfamiliar with the story, as I was, Pip and Flora are orphans who are fed up with the strict rules of the orphanage they live at. They end up getting themselves in quite a jam that leads them to another land attached to our own. They had heard stories of this land from Gorbo, a Snerg, who had been employed at the orphanage. They meet all sorts of characters while on their journey. I liked how it was all tied up at the end with a bit of a moral given. It was cute.
While it is said to have been the inspiration for The Hobbit (which you can tell by the second breakfasts, the Snergs being very Hobbit-like, and more), I also sensed some inspiration it would draw out to the creation of Harry Potter (due to a cloak of invisibility and screaming mandrakes). It must have been a very popular story in the UK, but I had never heard of it until now (I'm American).
I read this to my whole family of all ages. There were some silly words used throughout it that were fun, but not always easy to read. I am sure younger children would find that a little difficult (many made up words are used as adjectives mainly towards the Snerg queen).
If you are unfamiliar with the story, as I was, Pip and Flora are orphans who are fed up with the strict rules of the orphanage they live at. They end up getting themselves in quite a jam that leads them to another land attached to our own. They had heard stories of this land from Gorbo, a Snerg, who had been employed at the orphanage. They meet all sorts of characters while on their journey. I liked how it was all tied up at the end with a bit of a moral given. It was cute.
September 24, 2022
4.5* I listened to this with my 10 year old, but would 100% have enjoyed this by myself. This was a charming story. It has lots of imagination and magical creatures. It definitely has the pacing of an early fantasy adventure story. Orphans set out on an adventure through a portal into a fantasy world they didn’t know existed and must avoid danger, with the help of friends of course. It’s mostly just fun, but I do think it could be scary to young kids (for example, the witch is a bit out of control- so much that you almost feel bad for her ogre ‘son’ that wants to eat children all the time).
I didn’t actually realize when I began this book that it was a reworking of E.A. Wyke-Smith’s The Marvellous Land of Snergs rather than the original. So I definitely feel like I want to read the original now. I wonder how this version compares to the original. I am certainly intrigued by how J.R.R. Tolkien would’ve seen it. I can definitely see him digging the adventure and all the creatures and the lovable but not too proficient heroes.
I didn’t actually realize when I began this book that it was a reworking of E.A. Wyke-Smith’s The Marvellous Land of Snergs rather than the original. So I definitely feel like I want to read the original now. I wonder how this version compares to the original. I am certainly intrigued by how J.R.R. Tolkien would’ve seen it. I can definitely see him digging the adventure and all the creatures and the lovable but not too proficient heroes.
August 24, 2021
🧙♀️🦇🐸🐻🐶👑 “The Marvellous Land of Snergs” by Veronica Cossanteli, based on the original novel by E.A. Wyke-Smith 👑🐶🐻🐸🦇🧙♀️
Favourite Quote: “...real and imaginary. We choose to think there is a line separating one from the other - but that line can be rubbed out. Children come into world knowing this. Perhaps we should stop trying to teach them they are wrong.”
As the original inspiration for The Hobbit, this story is so magical, fanatical, creative and imaginative. Pip and Flora are orphans at Sunny Bay who, alongside a cinnamon bear and a dog called Tigar, go on an adventure to the Marvellous Land of Snergs - a place they’d have thought, and been told was, only possible in their imaginations. Whilst they encounter such wanders, they must also face wobsers and a witch all dressed in purple, with the help of the wonderful Snerg, Gorbo, and many more fascinating characters.
I really loved this novel, and highly recommend it as a magical read for children in Year 3/4. Personally I’d find it even better with a slighter stronger storyline throughout, and so I am giving this book 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Favourite Quote: “...real and imaginary. We choose to think there is a line separating one from the other - but that line can be rubbed out. Children come into world knowing this. Perhaps we should stop trying to teach them they are wrong.”
As the original inspiration for The Hobbit, this story is so magical, fanatical, creative and imaginative. Pip and Flora are orphans at Sunny Bay who, alongside a cinnamon bear and a dog called Tigar, go on an adventure to the Marvellous Land of Snergs - a place they’d have thought, and been told was, only possible in their imaginations. Whilst they encounter such wanders, they must also face wobsers and a witch all dressed in purple, with the help of the wonderful Snerg, Gorbo, and many more fascinating characters.
I really loved this novel, and highly recommend it as a magical read for children in Year 3/4. Personally I’d find it even better with a slighter stronger storyline throughout, and so I am giving this book 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 1, 2025
Foarte drăguță, hazlie și inventivă repovestirea făurită de Veronica Cossanteli. Nu am citit originalul, dar ceva îmi spune că aș prefera tot această variantă "modernizată", care m-a dus cu gândul pe alocuri la "Alice în Țara Minunilor", dar și la "Hensel și Gretel" și alte povești.:)
Am râs cu voce tare de multe ori (mi-am subliniat numeroase pasaje savuroase la care voi reveni).
Nu i-am dat 5 steluțe pentru că nu sunt o fană a jignirilor repetate (fie ele și nostime și original de creative), și nici a vrăjitoarelor malefice si răzbunătoare care chinuie inocenți. Cartea nu conține realmente scene foarte dure, însă depinde cum privești lucrurile...există abuz descris în termeni mai...copilăroși.
Către finalul romanului m-am plictisit un pic, rezolvarea conflictului mi s-a părut cam tărăgănată, iar reintegrarea în societate a trolului fost-mâncător-de-copii ușor trasă de păr (și un picuț creepy) , însă finalul mi-a surâs, ba m-a și emoționat.
"Tărâmul fermecat al snergilor" a apărut în limba română la editura Rao.
Am râs cu voce tare de multe ori (mi-am subliniat numeroase pasaje savuroase la care voi reveni).
Nu i-am dat 5 steluțe pentru că nu sunt o fană a jignirilor repetate (fie ele și nostime și original de creative), și nici a vrăjitoarelor malefice si răzbunătoare care chinuie inocenți. Cartea nu conține realmente scene foarte dure, însă depinde cum privești lucrurile...există abuz descris în termeni mai...copilăroși.
Către finalul romanului m-am plictisit un pic, rezolvarea conflictului mi s-a părut cam tărăgănată, iar reintegrarea în societate a trolului fost-mâncător-de-copii ușor trasă de păr (și un picuț creepy) , însă finalul mi-a surâs, ba m-a și emoționat.
"Tărâmul fermecat al snergilor" a apărut în limba română la editura Rao.
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