The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
"I think a lot of things are magic if you think about it right"
| Reading a Barnhill book feels like snuggling under a well-worn patchwork quilt and following along as the storyteller weaves her enchantment. Her stories are distinguished by a conversational narrative style, the artful turn of phrase, and an assortment of endearing characters. Barnhill paints her characters with charming details. The Ogress is a rough-hewn individual of mythic proportions, including a heart that is equally large. She gently pads around town on feet the size of tortoise shells, dispensing goodness. The bustling Cobbler’s wife is a take-charge woman, always moving full steam ahead. So much to do…This broken world isn’t going to fix itself… An aging couple lovingly care for fifteen orphans: industrious children who look out for one another, read books, and speak multiple languages including crow. From analytical Anthea and philosopher Bartley to twins Fortunate and Gratitude and all the way to baby Orpheus, these alphabetically named children form a unique family. |  |
The crows! They are avians possessing a slightly inflated sense of self-importance. Along with a blind dog, they are the Ogress' companions and allies. These birds enjoy cuddling in children’s laps. Cuddling crows? Who knew?
In every story there is a villain and what a sly and mean-spirited scoundrel this one is. Interestingly, the Ogress fails to see the villainy, consistently delivering a pie to the individual planning her downfall. The plot, the tale of a town that lost its soul, is fairly straightforward. Observant readers will deduce the identity of both the narrator and the villain.
Chapter titles deserve a special mention. Clever phrases serve as an excellent segue to each succeeding chapter. At each chapter's conclusion readers will anticipate the page turn, waiting to discover what the next title reveals.
As with any fairy tale, there is a judicious touch of magic sprinkled throughout the pages.
Chapter titles deserve a special mention. Clever phrases serve as an excellent segue to each succeeding chapter. At each chapter's conclusion readers will anticipate the page turn, waiting to discover what the next title reveals.
As with any fairy tale, there is a judicious touch of magic sprinkled throughout the pages.
Sometimes an event takes place at precisely the right time. The Ogress and the Orphans is entering our weary world when we’ve spent the past two years sequestered in our own little spaces, ordering food delivery, avoiding close contact with the others, only venturing out when our faces are masked. Fear, sometimes justified, has kept us isolated from others. Perhaps now is the time to take that loaf of banana bread to a neighbor. Maybe it’s time to start sharing stories and speaking with one another.
Need inspiration as you cautiously venture outside your carefully constructed refuge? Consult The Ogress and the Orphans. It is a master class in what it means to be a neighbor.
Need inspiration as you cautiously venture outside your carefully constructed refuge? Consult The Ogress and the Orphans. It is a master class in what it means to be a neighbor.
A story of kindness and belonging, of generosity and goodness.
The more you give, the more you have. It is the best sort of magic.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: March 8, 2022 Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers ISBN: 978-1643750743
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