This is a delightful read for children and adults. A lightning strike brings Mr. Pandolfo's scarecrow to life (and Lord Scarecrow has been moved several times to other fields) and he sets off to find his home. Along the way, he recruits Jack, a young lad, as his servant. Jack proves to be brave and resourceful. Both characters are brave when they need to be; clever when required; and all ends well in this fantasy. Highly recommended for readers of all ages. ( )

Old Mr. Pandolfo, feeling that life is getting too difficult; what with troublesome weather, troublesome soldiers, and very troublesome cousins; decides the time has come to create a scarecrow. At least a scarecrow would take care of the birds. Mr. Pandolfo creates a fine scarecrow, indeed, with a large turnip for a head, a broomstick for a backbone, dressed in a tweed suit stuffed with straw. Hidden within it, carefully wrapped in oilskin, is a mysterious letter. But how can this extraordinary creature, who comes to life when struck by a bolt of lightning, fulfill his destiny if he's stuck out in the middle of a field? Enter Jack, an enterprising, intelligent, and practical young orphan fleeing the soldiers who robbed him of home and family. Jack's motto, It could be worse, comes in handy as he agrees to become the servant of the rather egocentric scarecrow, setting off to find excitement and glory. Scarecrow's excellent opinion of himself sets the stage for a variety of silly, yet dangerous, adventures. Run-ins with government officials, soldiers, and unscrupulous business people provide plenty of opportunities for moralizing on the evils of society. In another setting, this story line might seem over-the-top, but Pullman's clever employment of fairy-tale conventions, his superb use of language, and his engaging dialogue make it a wholly satisfying yarn of ridiculous proportions, and Bailey's line drawings provide just the right feeling of long ago that every good fairy tale deserves. Pullman seems equally at home whether creating high fantasy, Victorian mysteries, or old-fashioned stories in the fairy-tale fashion. Here he excels in the latter mode, creating unique characters to charm young readers.

This book reminds me of The Wizard of Oz but rather than Dorothy trying to find her way back to Kansas and Auntie Em, the Scarecrow is trying to find his way to Spring Valley where he is supposedly the owner of all the land. The story starts out with the miraculous tale of how the Scarecrow comes to life and follows his adventures with his "servant" Jack, an orphaned boy who figures that he can't do any worse than starve to death.

It is a delightful, whimsical story which shows how perseverance and goodness will triumph over adversity. ( )

One of the most fun reads I've done in years. Although advertised as juvenile fiction, this is a humorous, sophisticated, story with appeal to all ages. If the adult in you won't let you read a child's book for yourself, find a youngun' and start reading. The wee one will not let you put it down. ( )

This book is about a scarecrow coming to life because a lightning bolt struck him. Funny and dangerous things happen on the scarecrow and his servant, Jack, a young boy who has nothing to do but starve, as they are on their way to Spring Valley. Along the way, there's no end of real excitement- battle, shipwrecks, tricksters and brigands, it's time for Jack to save the day! ( )