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clarissa_reads99's review
4.0
Five cousins who live in Benevento Italy are being plagued by Janara (witches) Janara are especially likely to appear during mischief season which occurs four times a year. The Janara suck food out of the stomachs of sleeping children, blow all the tiles off the roof, prevent gardens from growing and make all kinds of trouble. One of the cousins Rosa, has been making mischief herself and blaming it on the Janara. Turns out that the Janara don't like being blamed for things they didn't do, and now Rosa is their target, although they are plaguing all the farms in the area.
This is an exciting story of magic and mischief, and name calling! "Donkey Brains"
There is an old fashioned feel to both the story and the illustrations.
This is an exciting story of magic and mischief, and name calling! "Donkey Brains"
There is an old fashioned feel to both the story and the illustrations.
undulateabyss5's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
4.25
We are brought into 1800s Benevento, Italy where there are witches, or janara, living near the town and their mischief is causing trouble for twins Rosa and Emilio which leads them to try to find out a way to stop them.
While “Hocus Pocus” this is not, but instead a nice gentle folk tale about rambunctious kids trying to find witches that has its own flow while Blackall’s charming illustrations tell it well. B+ (83%/Very Good)
While “Hocus Pocus” this is not, but instead a nice gentle folk tale about rambunctious kids trying to find witches that has its own flow while Blackall’s charming illustrations tell it well. B+ (83%/Very Good)
knbee's review
3.0
This book was calling to me from the shelf. Charming illustrations, a witch-infested village, an overall vintage feel- sign me up! I read this and the second of the series and will continue as they are published. They're not mind-blowing but definitely enjoyable.
readingthroughtheages's review
3.0
I enjoyed this book enough, but the end is so open... I'm forced to read more of the books!
I think if you give young readers a bit of a background - how the setting is different. Maybe read the end notes to kids first to give them a sense of 1800s Italy. And give them a really good summary.
I'm interested in finding out how this series does with readers.
I think if you give young readers a bit of a background - how the setting is different. Maybe read the end notes to kids first to give them a sense of 1800s Italy. And give them a really good summary.
I'm interested in finding out how this series does with readers.
desirosie's review
3.0
The first of a random series I found at the library. Based on early 19th century Italian legends.
January 2022.
January 2022.
sean67's review
3.0
First entry in series for young people with witches etc lurking around the place and all the usual plot lines you would expect running through the pages. Nothing remarkable but a diverting entertaining light hearted story - perfectly fine for a rainy day.
nikimarion's review
3.0
A Strega Nona-like (set in Italy, where superstition and magical mischief rule) early chapter book with a set of protagonist cousins. Feels like a classic, a la HALF MAGIC or FIVE CHILDREN AND IT, with more illustrations and an easier reading level