Kelly Barnhill

When a child goes missing from the Orphan House in the town of Stone-in-the-Glen, the mayor suggests the kindly Ogress is responsible, but the orphans do not believe that and try to make their deluded neighbors see the real villain among them.

The Ogress and the Orphans

Andrea Pozo

Ans this here is a narrative made to win the Newbery award. From the theme, the constant metaforic references to american recent past (Re: politics) to the elevated language. Great for readers over their level who look for softer stories.

felicity yoon

Definitely `a huge hug from a book'. The readers know everyone's perspective which is spellbinding and the message given in the book is tenderly. My fav character would be Herold (the crow). This is a book for you to explore the depth of its value, not only suitable for kids but also adults should read it as well.

Ana V. 

I am a fan of the author's lyrical style and I was quite excited to read this one. I felt it was too long for younger readers, sometimes too repetitive, but isn't it a song also? To me, Kelly Barnhill's books are like songs. This song is quite sad, almost bitter, and disheartening until it is not and becomes a collection of solutions and hope focused on the community. I never feel that I'm recognizing scenes and characters from other books in her stories. She takes from the world and gives it a fairy tale twist.

The story is almost second and emotions, and actions become the focus.
The town's story is told as we learn more about its people and their lives and actions. A library was burned, and the people became more suspicious and isolated over the years. Then one child goes missing and the town's frustration results in horrible, wicked deeds.

I can feel the tumultuous emotions and lack of logic from the recent past years infused in the mood of this town and its characters. It doesn't spoil the story for young readers who will see ignorance and greed in these characters as only characters and not caricatures. Also, it didn't spoil it for me as an adult who appreciates children's fantasy novels. I welcome this story as we always welcomed fairy tales:they warn us, show us horrors, and teach us lessons. The thing is that the horrible things are mostly inspired by real things.

It was a very interesting "painting" of the emotions and actions that recently I have been remembering with nostalgia. How many of us have second-guessed ourselves to act, intervene, help, and just mind our own business. I want to be more like the Ogress and the orphans.

Sense of community, helping each other, supporting each other, relying on knowledge... 
No politics, just human kindness.

Fav quote: "In real life, people are terrible because they are broken, or (...) lonely, or (...) they want or need something they can't have and they justify all sorts of crimes, to get it (...) sometimes, (...) because they are afraid." 

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received this arc and e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Ogress and the Orphans

Author: Kelly Barnhill

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy, fairytale

Publication Date: March 8, 2022

Genre: MG Fantasy

Age Relevance: 10+ (gore, child disappearance, discrimination, violence)

Explanation of Above: There is some slight blood gore in the book and some violence with fire and a bait and switch where it looks like someone is going to harm lambs and sheep. There are scenes with a child who disappears into a forest. There is also a story on discrimination and some “build a wall” rhetoric that’s a bit triggering due to some recent stuff.

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Pages: 390

Synopsis: 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?

Review: For the most part I liked the story. The author always does so well to craft these unique fairytale books and she makes them very atmospheric. The book has a multi POV narrative, which works well for the book, and it helps to show the different circumstances of the story. The character development is well done and the story is very strong. Overall, I feel like this would be an excellent bedtime story for younger kids or something you could buddy read with your littles.

The only issue I had with the book is that it’s very long winded and it’s slightly confusing. The book uses a lot of flowery language and it can be hard to get into.

Verdict: It’s a great young reader book, but also a great book to buddy read with your littles!


The Ogress and the Orphans

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