In a small quaint village lived an old witch named Agatha. She was known throughout the land for her magical powers and quirky personality. Agatha's cottage was nestled deep in the woods, surrounded by tall, ancient trees. One day, while Agatha was tending to her herb garden, she spotted a peculiar sight - a polka dot robin. The robin's feathers were adorned with vibrant polka dots in various colors. Agatha had never seen such a bird before and was instantly intrigued.
It was then passed to Lovelace from Verroq. Nathaniel would later order Bartimaeus to steal the amulet from Lovelace, and hide it in the study of his, Nathaniel's, master, Arthur Underwood. Bartimaeus isn't sure what demon or demons are stuck inside the amulet; all he knows is that they are extremely powerful and that it makes the wearer invulnerable to magical attack. The secrets of how to make the amulet were lost to time, although Bartimaeus mentions that it must have been a hard task to imprison the being(s) inside.
Nathaniel retorts impolitely and incurs Lovelace s wrath, in the form of an invisible demon which holds him immobile, allowing Lovelace to deride his helpless condition. Nathaniel has an interesting assignment for Bartimaeus he must steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivaled ruthlessness and ambition.
Agatha had never seen such a bird before and was instantly intrigued. She couldn't resist following the robin as it fluttered from tree to tree, singing a delightful melody. As Agatha followed the robin, she found herself in a clearing filled with colorful wildflowers.
Amylet of samarland
The djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by a young magician, Nathaniel, and sent off to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from the sinister Simon Lovelace. All sorts of trouble ensues.
UK Hardback Edition
Doubleday 2003
ISBN: 0385 605994
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UK Paperback Edition
Corgi 2004
ISBN: 0 552 55029 9
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US Hardback Edition
Hyperion/Miramax 2003
ISBN: 0 7868 1859 X
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US Paperback Edition
Hyperion/Miramax 2004
ISBN: 0 7868 5255 0
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Winner of a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor 2004 (USA).
Winner of Lancashire Children's Book Award 2005 (UK).
Short-listed for the British Book Awards, 2004; the WH Smith Teen Choice Award (UK) 2004; Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis (German Youth Literature Award) 2005.
"Not since Gulliver's Travels has a children's writer managed to combine a thrilling tale of magic and adventure with such deliciously pointed comedy… Stroud's sinister world is imagined in baroque and energetic detail…"
Amanda Craig, The Times
"Drama, humour and hypnotically engaging storytelling"
Nicholas Tucker, Independent
"the truly original touch is the way Stroud alternates Nathaniel's story with the djinni's own knowing and irascible first-person narrative"
Diana Wynne Jones, Guardian Review
"One of this year's most inventive and ingenious novels…Both the djinn and the boy exist in a world described with great imaginative detail…The action-packed adventures of Nathaniel and Bartimaeus…are sustained over nearly 500 pages by the immensely enjoyable characterisation. The narrative slips skilfully from first person to third and back and Bartimaeus's voice is laugh-out-loud sassy, while Nathaniel's story has an engaging poignancy as he tries to prove himself in a world in which he has always been despised."
Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times
"What a delight… is The Amulet of Samarkand. Jonathan Stroud's cracker, the first of a trilogy (yes, more, please) following the adventures of a middle-ranking djinni in (another) dystopian alternative future London is pure enjoyment from beginning to end…Almost purely amoral, if not downright wicked, the character of Bartimaeus manages to convey the benefits of thoughtfulness, politeness and kindness by glorying in their converse. A tonic for anyone age 12 and up."
Times Educational Supplement
The Amulet of Samarkand is an extremely potent magical artifact of a passively protects its bearer from magic-based assaults, even from the strongest magic and spirits.
The robin perched on a branch, its polka dot feathers blending with the vibrant blooms. Agatha could hardly contain her excitement. She believed that the polka dot robin must possess some extraordinary enchantment. The old witch cautiously approached the robin, afraid of frightening it away. To her surprise, the bird hopped closer towards her. Agatha extended her hand, and the robin delicately perched on her finger. Its gentle touch sent a tingling sensation throughout her body. In that moment, Agatha realized that the polka dot robin was a symbol of luck and good fortune. With every flap of its wings, it brought blessings to those in its presence. Agatha couldn't contain her joy and gratitude. She knew that the polka dot robin had chosen her as its companion. From that day forward, the old witch and the polka dot robin became inseparable. They traveled together, spreading luck and happiness wherever they went. Villagers sought Agatha's wisdom and blessings, believing that the polka dot robin had bestowed its magic upon her. Agatha used her newfound powers for the good of the village, resolving conflicts and healing the sick. She became revered as a guardian of hope and happiness. The polka dot robin, always perched on her shoulder, became a symbol of the old witch's power and benevolence. Years passed, and Agatha and the polka dot robin continued their adventures. The villagers cherished their presence, and the old witch's name became synonymous with miracles. Agatha's cottage became a place of pilgrimage, where people sought solace and guidance. The old witch and the polka dot robin showed the world that true magic lies within kindness and love. Their legacy lived on even after their earthly journey ended, inspiring generations to find the magic within themselves and spread it to others. The tale of the old witch and the polka dot robin became a timeless legend, reminding everyone that even the most peculiar and unexpected things can hold extraordinary magic..
Reviews for "The Old Witch and the Polka Dot Robbin: A Story of Friendship and Adventure"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I couldn't stand "Old Witch and the Polka Dot Robbin". The story was completely lacking in any depth or substance. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and the plot felt contrived and forced. The writing itself was also subpar, with awkward and clunky sentences. Overall, I found the book to be a complete disappointment and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Michael - 2 stars
I was really looking forward to reading "Old Witch and the Polka Dot Robbin" based on the positive reviews it received, but I was left feeling underwhelmed. The story seemed to drag on, and I found it hard to connect with the characters. Additionally, the humor fell flat and didn't elicit any genuine laughs. The overall execution of the book felt lacking, and I was left with a sense of disappointment after finishing it.
3. Emily - 1 star
"Old Witch and the Polka Dot Robbin" was a complete letdown. The writing style was overly simplistic, and the plot was predictable from start to finish. The story lacked any real conflict or tension, making it a tedious read. I struggled to stay engaged with the narrative, and the characters were forgettable. Unfortunately, this book did not meet my expectations and I would not recommend it to others.