The Ironwood Tree (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 4) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), (Author, Illustrator) "The engine of the station wagon was already running..." (more)
Key Phrases: ironwood tree, The Korting

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

After a brief breather in book three (Lucinda's Secret), the Spiderwick Chronicles heat up with doppelgangers, then dwarves, then a dastardly double-cross, as this five-part series approaches its dramatic end.

The Grace kids (9-year-old twins Simon and Jared, and 13-year-old Mallory) might think that things have finally quieted down for them, but the nefarious faerie world has many more surprises in store. In the second chapter, titled, "IN WHICH the Grace twins are triplets," a mysterious and menacing shape-shifter shows up at Mallory's fencing match--and before Simon and Jared can suss out what's up, their sister disappears, presumably kidnapped. Eager to recover Mallory, the two descend into a strange subterranean world beneath a nearby quarry, only to find themselves prisoners and then privy to a wicked (and almost unbelievable) plan. The twins do end up tracking down Mallory, but only in very peculiar circumstances--not the least of which that she's wearing a dress.

Author Holly Black once again skillfully manages to weave in plenty of creepy details (including a bloody final chapter) without whitewashing or leaving young readers feeling too creeped out--and she gets able assistance from Tony DeTerlizzi's ever-evocative pen-and-ink drawings (especially in the looming menace of the Mulgarath). Fans of the series will have a hard time waiting for the final installment, titled fittingly, ominously, The Wrath of Mulgarath. (Ages 6 to 10) --Paul Hughes

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6–The Grace children are back for their fourth adventure in the quest to understand and protect Arthur Spiderwick's guide, a book that offers information about the faerie world. Mallory, the oldest, goes missing from a fencing match. The twins, Jared and Simon, must solve a riddle to save her from evil dwarves who want to create a world totally out of metal with their sister as their queen. This installment in the fast-paced series continues with short chapters and well-developed, likable characters. Black-and-white drawings enhance the suspenseful mood. Reluctant readers and fans alike will enjoy this adventure and look forward to the finale.–Krista Tokarz, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (April 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689859392
• ISBN-13: 978-0689859397
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,772 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 4 in The Spiderwick Chronicles Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ironwood Tree (Book 4), February 14, 2005

By	J. Mason (New York City, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Mallory, Jared, and Simon are back in the fourth installment of "The Spiderwick Chronicles".

Things aren't as they seem when the children are at school, watching Mallory in her fencing competition. In this book, they encounter: a new shape-shifter (or is it?), another kidnapping, a world of "metal", and some little people who want the same thing that everyone ELSE wants - The Field Guide.

This book is building up to the climax "The Wrath Of Mulgarath". I think, all in all, this book ended at a very good spot, because it leaves off RIGHT where the 5th book begins (I've started reading book 5 already). So, take my word for it - the story continues with NO extended time inbetween.

The illustrations are really great in this fourth book. I loved the pictures of all the "metal" world in the Quarry. Very imaginative.

This book doesn't take long to read (like the others), but goes at just the right pace to keep you turning the pages. I actually read this in one day (not at one sitting though).

I think this series is great for anybody who wants to take a trip away from reality. I'm 27, and I really enjoyed this series, and I've recommended it to my friends as well. Take a chance, and read these books!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars going strong and holding the suspense..., April 5, 2004

By A Customer

Well, I bought it the second day it was released and had it finished, in a few hours. That's the great thing if you have a few hours you've finished the book, that's also the sad thing... now I have to wait for book 5 til Sept.

This series is fun and charming and exciting, regaurdless your age. I teach school and don't always make time for myself. These books are perfect fits into a hectic day and the small amounts of time I save for myself. Since that time is cherished I like making the most of it and Spiderwick books fit into my precious time ... so they have to be good for me, to recommend them.

Grandma's do you want a fun read that is as exciting as Harry Potter, that will impress your grandkids and help them remember your activities, something you can do in a few short hours together. This is it!

Excited Teacher in Nevada

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Up to the Last Two, March 26, 2009

By	Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

It's been two weeks since anything weird has happened to the Grace family. But all that changes on the day of the Mallory's fencing tournament. While watching from the bleachers, Jared spies someone going through Mallory's bag. Then Mallory disappears. Can Jared and Simon find her?

This is the first book in the series I didn't recognize from the movie. But I can understand why the writers left it out. In many ways, it feels like a retread of book two with the missing sibling angle. About the only thing that happens to advance the overall story happens in the last few pages.

Now this isn't to say that I didn't enjoy the book. The plot moved forward very quickly. Simon finally got a chance to shine here. The final scene was powerful. In fact, parents may want to preview it so they can talk to their kids about it.

Even if this book isn't as strong as some of the others, it is still a good read that kids and fantasy lovers will enjoy.