The Scarecrow and His Servant

By: Philip Pullman

Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm

A tattered scarecrow stands in the middle of a muddy field, taking no notice of the violent thunderstorm around him. But when a bolt of lightning strikes him, fizzing its way through his turnip head and down his broomstick, the Scarecrow blinks with surprise–and comes to life.
So begins the story of the Scarecrow, a courteous but pea-brained fellow with grand ideas. He meets a boy, Jack, who becomes his faithful servant. Leaving behind his bird-scaring duties, the Scarecrow sets out for Spring Valley, with Jack at his side. As the valiant Scarecrow plunges them into terrifying dangers–battles, brigands, broken hearts, and treasure islands–he never realizes he’s being followed by the one family who desperately wishes he’d never sprung to life. Will the Scarecrow discover the secret to his past before the crooked Buffalonis close in on him?

Critic reviews

“The book is a perfectly made gem, full of fun, fireworks, and wit. We continue to be lucky to have Philip Pullman writing for us.”–The Guardian (U.K.)
“Philip Pullman, now acknowledged as one of the greatest children’s authors of our time, is also one of the funniest and most accessible.”–The Times (U.K.)
“[Pullman’s] touch is so sure, his plotting so flawless, that you know a new Pullman means a rare treat. The Scarecrow and His Servant does not disappoint.”–The Herald (U.K.)

Fun for everyone

Original and well told story of impossible characters like us yet don't believe in failure

Clever and entertaining

This story about a foolish but gallant gentleman and his loyal and resourceful servant will remind you of Don Quixote and other classics but is fresh and enjoyable. In addition to being an entertaining story, it is also satirical and can be enjoyed by a broad range of ages. If you like Philip Pullman's other stories in the fairy-tale genre (such as Clockwork and Count Karlstein), you will probably like this, which is just as clever but funnier.