The Ogress and the Orphans
Kelly Barnhill
A fantasy about the power of generosity and love, and how a community suffers when they disappear. Stone-in-the-Glen, once a lovely town, has fallen on hard times. Fires, floods, and other calamities have caused the people to lose their library, their school, their park, and even their neighborliness. The people put their faith in the Mayor, a dazzling fellow who promises he alone can help. After all, he is a famous dragon slayer. (At least, no one has seen a dragon in his presence.) Only the clever children of the Orphan House and the kindly Ogress at the edge of town can see how dire the town’s problems are.Then one day a child goes missing from the Orphan House. At the Mayor’s suggestion, all eyes turn to the Ogress. The Orphans know this can’t be: the Ogress, along with a flock of excellent crows, secretly delivers gifts to the people of Stone-in-the-Glen. But how can the Orphans tell the story of the Ogress’s goodness to people who refuse to listen? And how can they make their deluded neighbors see the real villain in their midst?
No posts yet
Kick off the convo with a theory, question, musing, or update
Your rating:
0 04.5/5
Kelly Barnhill has once again delivered an enchanting tale, reaffirming why she remains one of my favorite authors. The Ogress and the Orphans is a beautifully woven story that explores the profound impact of kindness and the ripple effect a single act of generosity can have on an entire community.
Barnhill’s whimsical and immersive writing style makes this book a delight to read, drawing readers into the world of the orphans, the Ogress, and the struggling town they all call home. Each character feels alive and authentic, from the resilient orphans to the gentle Ogress. The townspeople, with all their flaws and virtues, add depth to the narrative, though I must admit, the butcher was not among my favorites. However, the crows, especially Harold, truly stole my heart with their wit and charm. 
The story serves as a heartwarming reminder of the importance of looking beyond fear and prejudice to see the good in others. It challenges readers to reflect on their own perceptions and the judgments they may hold. While the book didn’t quite reach five stars for me, it remains a magical and meaningful read that I would happily recommend to others.
0
© 2024 Pagebound