Book Review: Lucy and the Green Man by Linda Newbery

Lucy and the Green Man
by Linda Newbery
Non-series

David Fickling Books
ISBN-10: 0-385-75204-0
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-75204-6
Publication Date: November, 2010
List Price: $16.99

Review: Magic, Green Men and Lob. I read the book, Lucy and the Green Man by Linda Newbery. Lucy, Lob (a helping Green Man, who helps people garden) and Grandpa Will are the main characters.

Grandpa Will has told Lucy many stories, about Lob and she believes in Lob because of these many stories. Eventually, Lucy sees her first Green Man, which is surprising because Green Men are hard to see because they try not to show themselves. But then Grandpa Will dies. Because Lucy's friends constantly tell her that her 'fairy' is totally fake, Lucy no longer believes in Lob and Green Men, so she cannot see them or even Lob anymore. While that is happening, Lob is having his own troubles, as he tries to find a new person to help. He ends up at a farm where Lob learns that Cornelius (the man that Lob finds, this is the person that Lob will help until Cornelius dies; like Grandpa Will) is nice. Lucy so-happens to move to the house next door to Lob and Cornelius. Read this book to find out what happens next.

I did not completely enjoy this book because there is no action, and only a very few interesting things happen. Lob however, is a very interesting character, but Linda Newbery does not tell much about him. Plus, the time line is very jumpy; sometimes one month takes up two chapters of the story, and then the book skips a few months.

I did like the book some however, because of the poems in large font which help the reader understand the story better. Also, a good part is when Lob is caged; this is a suspenseful part of the book Lucy and the Green Man. Next, the story is super easy to understand. I recommend this book to gardeners and grandparents to read to their small grandchildren. The illustrations would help toddlers understand what is happening. I rate this book a two out of five stars.

Review written by Michael (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Lucy and the Green Man for this review.

Have you read Lucy and the Green Man? How would you rate it?