Book Review of The Borrowers
The Children’s Book Review
The Borrowers
Written by Mary Norton
Illustrated by Beth and Joe Krush
Ages: 7+ | 192 Pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 978-0152099879
What to Expect: Adventure, family, friendship, and growing up.
The Borrowers is a timeless fantasy that transforms everyday household mysteries into an enchanting tale of tiny adventures and unexpected friendships.
Have you ever wondered about those missing buttons or disappeared safety pins? Mary Norton’s classic novel offers a delightful explanation: Borrowers, tiny people who live secretly in human houses, “borrowing” the items they need to survive.
The story centers on Arrietty Clock, a curious teenage Borrower who lives with her cautious parents, Pod and Homily, beneath the floorboards of a quiet Victorian country house. Their carefully ordered world begins to shift when Pod is spotted by a young human boy while on a borrowing expedition. Rather than retreat further into hiding, Arrietty joins her father on his next venture, leading to an unexpected friendship with the lonely human boy that challenges everything the Borrowers believe about their relationship with “human beans.”
Arrietty’s struggle between family loyalty and her desire to explore the wider world will resonate with young readers beginning to test their own boundaries. The arrival of the antagonistic housekeeper, Mrs. Driver, and her scheme to expose the Borrowers adds genuine suspense to the narrative, though never at the expense of the story’s warmth and wonder. Norton’s prose perfectly balances cozy domestic details and mounting tension.
The ingenious ways the Borrowers repurpose human items—postage stamps as wall art, thimbles as flowerpots—will delight young readers and spark their creativity. Beth and Joe Krush’s detailed illustrations scattered throughout complement the text beautifully, helping readers visualize this miniature world.
The Borrowers remains a masterpiece of children’s literature that has lost none of its magic since its first publication in 1952. It combines the timeless appeal of secret worlds with sophisticated character development and social commentary that rewards multiple readings. Norton’s creation has inspired adaptations, including Studio Ghibli’s The Secret World of Arrietty, a testament to its enduring appeal across generations and cultures.
This first book in what would become a beloved series sets a high standard for intelligent, imaginative middle-grade fiction. It’s a perfect read-aloud for families or an engaging independent reading choice for confident young readers who are ready to explore themes of friendship, courage, and the complexity of human nature.
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About the Author
Mary Norton (1903-1992) lived in England, where she was an actress, playwright, and award-winning author of the classic Borrowers novels. She is also the author of Bedknob and Broomstick, which was used as the basis for the Disney movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
What to Read Next if You Love The Borrowers
- The Borrowers Afield, by Mary Norton
- The Borrowers Afloat, by Mary Norton
- The Borrowers Aloft, by Mary Norton
- The Borrowers Avenged, by Mary Norton
Bianca Schulze reviewed The Borrowers. Discover more books like The Borrowers by reading our reviews and articles tagged with Adventure, Fantasy, and Family.
