By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman

It warms my heart to see how Praiseworthy fills in for orphaned, lonely Jack's father, and how another character mistook them for father and son - to the delight of both Jack and me.īoth Jack and Praiseworthy had amazing character development and character arcs. The progression if their relationship is wonderful - from master and devoted butler, to steadfast partners, and maybe someday to something more that Jack has always wished for. And I love how the two of them stick together through all the ups and downs, and work together as a team to overcome every challenge and solve every problem. I love how Jack looks up to him and relies on him. I love how Praiseworthy looks out for and takes care of Jack. It was so fun to watch the gradual transformation of his appearance and lifestyle, piece by piece.Īnd I adore the relationship between Jack and Praiseworthy. But good looks are nothing without good character qualities, and he has both in abundance. Also, it doesn't hurt that he's tall and handsome and even more 'striking' as a miner than as a butler - to describe him with the same word as a certain character uses. (Accidental alliteration, my goodness!) And he's humble and refined and intelligent and tough and unflappable. And Praiseworthy is amazing in every way! (Except maybe the cigars, but he knows that already, and they're funny!) To name a few of the things I love about him, I love how capable, confident, courageous, caring, kind, and clever he is. Jack is such a sweet, spirited, cheerful, resourceful, brave, and relatable young boy, and I love him so much. Jack and Praiseworthy are such an amazing duo of main characters, both individually and in their loyal partnership. This is a tale full of engaging adventure and laugh-out-loud wit, and I felt like I was right there with the tenacious heroes through each obstacle and victory.

I loved this book so much!!!! I'm in awe of the author's masterful skill with clever and entertaining humor flawless, complex plot vivid, colorful, crisp writing lifelike setting and characters rich, realistic and natural historical detail hilarious action sequences and compelling, well-developed characters.

By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman