"The Scarecrow and His Servant" by Philip Pullman

Interesting, silly and serious. Mr. Pullman writes about the adventures of a scarecrow and his servant on their way to Spring Valley. They battle brigands, join the army, fall in love, and shipwreck onto an island. Although the scarecrow is brave and valliant, will he be able to face the Buffalonis family? A family he wishes he had never sprung into life.