This is an enjoyable little story that is suitable for precocious 10-year-olds. I read it now as an adult not only to say that I have read it but also because I am on the lookout for folklore to share with my nephew and future kids.

However, although this story is completely about a classic piece of UK folklore, the story itself is a rather standard adolescent story from the 90s. In fact, it is very firmly rooted in the early 90s. The plot of this story no longer makes sense in 2012 because it depends on the use of outdated black-and-white monitor home computers without audio, let alone the internet. Without revealing the ending, it is enough to say that the rise of home internet use has radically changed one's perspective on the resolution of this story.

Overall, there are likable child protagonists and realistic adult characters who do not suffer too severely from the affliction of inherent stupidity that so often affects parents in books for this age group. And the author manages to teach middle schoolers a little Shakespeare while providing scenes of tomfoolery. It's a story that has its charm and can still be enjoyed despite its age-related limitations.

A family inherits a Scottish castle, which comes with a rather unexpected surprise - a Boggart! Little do they know about this mischievous creature lurking within the walls of their new acquisition.

As fate would have it, the Boggart ends up getting accidentally shipped to the family's home in Canada. And once there, he wastes no time in wreaking havoc in the most modern of ways.

The Boggart takes great delight in playing pranks on the family. From moving furniture around in the middle of the night to making strange noises that startle everyone, his antics are both annoying and amusing. The parts of the story that are told from his perspective are particularly funny, as we get to see the world through his mischievous eyes.

The kids in the family quickly catch on to the presence of the Boggart and start trying to figure out what to do. They discuss various ideas and strategies, but the adults have a variety of interesting reactions. Some are skeptical, while others are scared or simply annoyed. It will be up to the kids to come up with a plan to deal with the Boggart and restore peace to their home.

A boggart is a captivating creature in English folklore. It can be either a household spirit or a malevolent genius loci that inhabits fields, marshes, or other topographical features.

I was under the impression that SC had 'invented' this creature! However, I quickly learned otherwise even before reading page one.

More about The Boggart reveals that it was its own master. Belonging to the cold and separate heart of the Wild Magic, which operates by the law of the survival of the fittest, it did no harm to anyone. Instead, it lived for the satisfaction of teasing and trickery. If the humans around it objected to its jokes, they would find those jokes turning malicious. By nature, a boggart feels no warmth for anyone.

The Boggart looked ahead with happy anticipation, unaware that it was living in a world that no longer believed in boggarts. This world had driven out the Old Things and buried the Wild Magic deep beneath layers of reason and time.

Indeed, the Boggart and other Old Things have been pushed aside and replaced by modern technology. In this regard, I would have preferred a bit more of Scotland and the old beliefs, and a little less of modern-day Canada and computers. (Perhaps then this story might have deserved 5 stars.)

The interesting juxtaposition of the Boggart and the computer adds an intriguing element. Additionally, the reference to Emily Carr on page 82 was a pleasant surprise.

Given the copyright date, it's interesting to note the presence of a gay couple, not overly emphasized but still there.

I would rather have a different copy of this book, one that doesn't depict the two kids so clearly. (They don't conform to my mental image of the kids!) Preferably, the cover should show the castle shrouded in mist.

Delightful! This is truly a remarkable piece of work. The writing is so well-crafted that it immediately engages the reader and draws them into the story. The characters are fully realized, each with their own unique personalities, motives, and flaws. They feel like real people, and it's easy to become invested in their lives and experiences.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a vivid and immersive world, filled with rich details and interesting plot twists. Every sentence is carefully constructed to build tension, create atmosphere, and move the story forward. It's a pleasure to read, and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

In conclusion, this is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature. It's a shining example of what can be achieved with skillful writing and a vivid imagination. I highly recommend it!

I have a great affection for her Dark is Rising series. It truly captivated my imagination and took me on wonderful adventures. However, when it comes to this particular book, I just can't seem to get into it.

I was looking for something light and easy to read in between delving into the complex and challenging stories of a difficult classic. But unfortunately, this book is not fulfilling that purpose at the moment.

I've been steadily working my way through it for about a week now, but I've only managed to reach page 30. Normally, for a book targeted at this age level, I would breeze through to page 30 in under half an hour. But this one just isn't able to hold my attention for more than a page or two at a time.

It's a bit disappointing as I had high hopes for it. Maybe I'll give it another try later, but for now, I think I'll move on to something else.

It's truly disheartening for me to see the number of books, such as this one, that once held an enormous amount of magic and wonder for me during my childhood years. However, as an adult, that same level of enchantment seems to have waned. It's not the fault of the author at all; it's simply a matter of my own evolving feelings.

This is still undeniably a good book. Nevertheless, it appears as if it has been modified to suit the times. Originally penned in 1993, the copy I obtained from the library now makes references to modern-day devices like mp3 players, cell phones, and flash drives. I understand that the intention is to engage a new generation of readers. But for me, as an adult who cherished the original book in my childhood, this creates a certain sense of disconnection.

It makes me wonder if in the process of updating and adapting, something of the essence and charm of the original has been lost. Maybe it's just my nostalgia for the way things were, but it's hard not to feel a tinge of sadness when comparing the book I loved as a child to the updated version I encounter as an adult.

“The Boggart in the Desk” is an extremely enjoyable book suitable for upper elementary school-age children. The story begins with a mischievous boggart who lives in Scotland. Somehow, he gets accidentally transported to Toronto inside a desk. Once in Toronto, a teenage brother and sister come across this mysterious desk and discover the boggart within. The boggart, with his tricks and antics, brings a whole new level of excitement and adventure to their lives. The brother and sister must now figure out how to deal with this unexpected guest and find a way to either send him back home or learn to live with him. The book is filled with humorous moments, as well as heartwarming scenes of the siblings’ growing relationship with the boggart. It is a charming tale that will keep young readers entertained from start to finish.

The first installment in what has now become a trilogy, this middle-grade book is truly a classic.

It beautifully combines the elements of "old world" folklore and magic with the modern world of technology.

The story follows the adventures of a Canadian family. They find themselves in a rather unexpected situation when a boggart, a mischievous and shape-shifting Scottish spirit, is accidentally shipped to Toronto inside an antique writing desk.

As the family discovers the presence of the boggart, mayhem and hilarity quickly ensue.

The boggart's antics cause all sorts of chaos and confusion in their otherwise ordinary lives.

The family must now figure out how to deal with this mischievous spirit and restore peace to their home.

This book takes readers on a thrilling and entertaining journey, filled with magic, adventure, and a touch of humor.

It shows how the old and the new can collide in the most unexpected ways, creating a story that is both engaging and unforgettable.

Whether you're a fan of folklore or simply looking for a good read, this book is sure to delight.

I gave this book 4 stars. I absolutely loved this enjoyable adventure with an old magical creature, along with Emily and Jesup, and their family and friends. The story takes us from Toronto to Scotland, and the setting is truly amazing. The characters are not only fun but also very engaging, and the story itself is so infectious that it keeps you hooked from start to finish. I really liked it a lot.

However, there were a couple of things that I noticed. There were some dated ideas and characterizations, which made me feel that the book could have been updated a bit more. Also, from what I could tell, the updated technology didn't seem to fit as well as the time capsule feeling of the original. Maybe it's because I listened to the older version of the audiobook, but I still think that these aspects could have been improved.

Overall, though, I would still highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good adventure with a touch of magic. It's a great read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

This was a cute little romp that really captured my attention.

However, my only complaint was that for a children's book, there seemed to be an excessive number of characters.

The kids in the book did not refer to their parents as 'Mom and Dad', which is an acceptable choice but at times it made it a bit challenging for me to keep track of who was who.

I found myself having to pause and remind myself of the relationships between the various characters.

Despite this minor drawback, the overall story was engaging and entertaining.

The illustrations were also quite charming and added to the appeal of the book.

I would still recommend this book to children, as it has many positive aspects that they are sure to enjoy.

Perhaps with a bit more clarity in the character introductions, it could be an even better read.

Nonetheless, it was a fun and light-hearted adventure that is suitable for young readers.

A favorite from my childhood and a great re-read as an older reader. This book holds a special place in my heart. It takes me back to those carefree days of my youth when I would eagerly turn the pages, lost in its magical world. As I grew older, I decided to pick it up again, curious to see if it would still have the same charm. To my delight, it did. The story was just as engaging, the characters just as vivid. It was like reuniting with old friends. I found myself rediscovering the details I had missed as a child, and gaining a new appreciation for the author's skill. This re-read has been a wonderful experience, reminding me of the power of a good book to transport us to different times and places. It has also made me realize that some books are timeless, and will always be cherished, no matter how old we are.

Boggart - an ancient, mischievous spirit, solitary and sly.

The Vonik family, consisting of Emily, her 10-year-old computer-nerd brother Jessup, and their parents Maggie and Robert, reside in Toronto, Canada. One day, a cable arrives from Scotland, notifying them of Robert's inheritance of Castle Keep from a distant uncle. Intrigued, the Voniks decide to take a trip to discover exactly what this inheritance entails.

Upon arrival, the family finds that Castle Keep is a small, deteriorating structure located on its own tiny island in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Despite its condition, they quickly fall in love with the area and the way of life. However, they do have to return to Toronto as Robert is the artistic director of the Chervil Playhouse and Maggie owns Old Stuff, an antiques shop.

The family brings back some furniture items for themselves and others to sell in Maggie's shop. Unbeknownst to anyone, the Boggart has also made the journey to Toronto. It seems he fell asleep in a desk that is destined for Emily's room.

When the Boggart awakes, he discovers that Toronto is vastly different from the world he has known for centuries. This new world is both scary and filled with delightful things. He attempts to pull his old tricks to amuse the Voniks, but soon realizes that no one in this world has any clue about what or who he is.

Will the Boggart choose to stay forever in Toronto, or will he find a way to return to Scotland and Castle Keep?

This was a fast read for me, yet I took my time to fully enjoy it. I found myself cringing at some of the pranks the Boggart played, knowing they wouldn't be well-received, and yet I couldn't help but wish I could have witnessed them myself.