Saffy's Angel

by Hilary McKay

Book Overview

The four Casson children, whose mother, Eve, is a fine-arts painter, have all been given the names of paint colors. Cadmium (Caddy), is the eldest; then Saffron (Saffy); Indigo, the only boy; and Rose, the youngest. When Saffy discovers quite by accident that she has been adopted, she is deeply upset, though the others assure her that it makes no difference at all. Saffy is the daughter of Eve's twin sister, who lived in Siena, Italy, and died in...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689849346
• ISBN13: 9780689849343
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.13 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Quaint and Quirky

The characters in this story will win you over in the first few pages! McKay writes with a wit that calls to mind JK Rowling. The children (who are all named after paint colors by their artist parents) are hysterical and cooly intelligent. The adults are loveable but incapable, however the children make up for that by being the true heroes. The comraderie between the siblings is refreshing and intriguing. I freely give it five stars for originality of character. A good pick for 5th-12th grade, as the ages of the children range all over. You will want to read the sequel Indigo's Star as well as the soon-to-be-published Permanent Rose.

Read this book!

I have just spent the afternoon with the most entertaining, warm, funny, and unusual people; they are the Casson family. In 152 pages, McKay has created characters I want to spend more time with and get to know better. Cadmium is the oldest girl and is learning to drive and pass her "A" levels. Indigo is the brother who dreams of exploring the Artic. Rose is the youngest who shows an affinity with paint as an infant. We meet Saffy in the terrific opening sentence of the novel, "When Saffron was eight, and had at last learned to read, she hunted slowly through the color chart pinned up on the kitchen wall." Through her exploration of a painter's color chart the story of her adoption into the Casson family is revealed. She learns that she was born in Siena, Italy and brought to England by her grandfather when her own mother died in an automobile crash. Although the focus of the story is on Saffy's search for her place in the family, the rest of the characters are so wonderfully drawn that the reader feels a personal connection with each one of them. The way the family members interact and care for each other is touching yet tremendously funny too. Caddy's driving lessons (and her crush on the driving instructor) are hilarious. I laughed and laughed as I read. Indigo's valiant attempts to conquer his various fears are profoundly moving. Rose is a no holds barred artist. Her realistic view and handling of their father and his dismay at his unconventional family is cheering. I sought this book out when the Junior Library Guild chose "Indigo's Star" as a selection this fall. Lucky for me, I will get to spend another afternoon with the Cassons now. Stop what you are doing right now: order it, place it on hold at your library, or go out and buy it! You will thank me.

Saffy's Angle

What would you do if you spent half your life believing your aunt and uncle were your mother and father? When Saffron is two her mother dies. Her grandfather brings her to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins. Saffron believes her uncle is her father and her aunt is her mother for most of her life. Until one morning she finds out her real mother is dead. Now, Saffron remembers everything. From then on she dedicates her life to finding the statue of an angel she played with while her mom was alive. Hilary McKay is a great writer, since she has the ability to get readers interested in her book in just the first page. McKay made the characters and their moods come to life as I went on an adventure with Saffron and her best friend, Sara. If you enjoy being led into a fascinating story about an 8 year old girl you will love Saffy's Angel.Cameron S.

British Comedy: if you like Wodehouse . . .

I checked the audio tapes out from the library on a whim. What a find. What a crack-up. When I started listening I kept laughing, but thought something must be wrong with me--isn't this a serious book? Nope. The car ride to Wales at the end was really funny. The lady who does the narrating is terrific. Maybe the book is for children, but adults should enjoy it too--if they are British comedy fans. The plot is pretty simple, so I'd say its main attraction is the humor.

Fabulous

I chose this book out of chance for a university course paper. Thank God. This book was one of the most endearing and beautiful stories about a fabulously funny and looney family. I hope that many other people find this book by accident as well.Thank you Saffy!