Witch's Business

by Diana Wynne Jones

Book Overview

They're in the revenge business! Jess and Frank's father has stopped their allowances for four whole months! That means that Jess can't go anywhere or do anything with her friends. Worse yet, Frank... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006008782X
• ISBN13: 9780060087821
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

A brilliant little kids' book

A brilliant kids book (and I mean little kids, not young adults... I wouldn't necessarily recommend this for anyone above 12 years old), Diana Wynne Jones draws upon classic fairy tales such as Puss In Boots to put together a charming story told by a master storyteller. DWJ's books stand out not just for their great plot, but also for their language. Just because the story line is watered down for younger readers (or listeners, in my son's case), her writing is at the top of its game. American readers might be a bit thrown by some of the British-slang... possibly of DWJ's own invention. Not being British, I'm not sure. For example, "Get Your Own Back" is an important phrase in the book which appears to mean "get even" or "get revenge." Likewise one of the major characters in the book is a big cusser, but his foul language tends to be along the lines of "zombie burger" or "slime puke." He also doesn't really repeat himself, so it's unlikely your child is going to walk around using any of these phrases to color his language... and even if he did, I don't think anyone would mind!

Is it "Witch's Business"?

Although I don't own "Wilkin's Tooth," it appears from the description to be "Witch's Business" published under another title.

Wilkins' tooth

The revenge business (or "own back" business) isn't as easy as the two main characters - Frank and Jess find in this funny novel. As the story progresses they discover that people around them are not what they seem. Their main enemies are Buster with his (black and blue swearword) gang, and Biddy Iremonger. Diana Wynne Jones uses her usual twists and turns, with false leads and many problems caused by just one tooth. Frank and Jess end up trying to solve alot more than one puzzle. Great story!

An Early DWJ Title

From the previous review I think this was the book published in the UK as Wilkins Tooth. It's a fun story about two children who run a 'Revenge Service' to make some pocket money. As you would expect in a childrens book the scheme backfires. It reminds me of 'Ogre Downstairs' as it's set in an apparently normal town where extra ordinary events occur. I'm not sure why it's been out of print for so long; many of the issues surrounding some bullies in the story could be helpful to schools today.

DWJ's first book; not her best but pretty good

Two children start a "revenge" business to make pocket money, unaware that a real-life witch is already running such a business and doesn't appreciate the competition. This is Diana Wynne Jones' first book, and most of the elements of her style are clearly evident. While it doesn't compare to "Charmed Life" or "The Nine Lives of Christopher Chant," it's a fairly good read.