In this tale, a fine scarecrow comes to life and employs Jack, a war orphan, ostensibly as a servant--though it's clear who the real brains of the outfit is. Meanwhile, the dastardly Buffalonis are trying to ruin Spring Valley with factories that make chemical poisons. The scarecrow's creator put inside him a document important to restoring the valley to its proper owners, and as he and Jack have adventures, they must also contend with evil agents of the Buffalonis.
I like the words with which Scarecrow's maker sends him out into the world:
'There you are,' he said. 'Now you remember what your job is, and remember where you belong. Be courteous, and be brave, and be honourable, and be kind. And the best of blooming luck.'
Indeed, the scarecrow is gentlemanly, with a rich, sonorous voice; he's very proud of himself, with an endearing tendency to blame everything on birds (though he is courteous to their young). And it is these qualities of being brave, honorable, kind, etc., that will save him and Spring Valley. Luck will be on his side too, not least in meeting Jack, who in the tradition of Jack stories is resourceful and quick-thinking.
I love Pullman's sense of humor here, and also how the fact of Scarecrow's being a scarecrow is never just incidental to the story. Scarecrow, with limbs made of sticks, is somewhat akin to similar items, and at one point falls in love with a beautiful young broom. Sadly, though, she is already in love with...(wait for it)...a rake.
Pullman explains on his Web site that each of his fairy tales has a particular atmosphere—18th century Germany, a version of Indonesia: "The Scarecrow and his Servant, though, belongs to Italy. If it were set to music, it would be played on mandolins, and be in the rhythm of a tarantella." It's a great deal of fun, vivid, amusing, and often touching. The illustrations are a charming addition. This would be a great book to read aloud as well.
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