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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
" Things do happen in real life that are rather like books,sometimes."
I found this book to be an enjoyable read—heartwarming in parts, but not a standout among the children’s classics I’ve read. I’ve certainly come across better ones, and a few worse. The pacing felt slow at times and the story a little disjointed in how it moved from one event to the next. That said, the individual adventures were fun and charming, and I really enjoyed the new life the children built outside the city. The countryside setting brought a sense of freedom and joy, and it reminded me of the fun we used to have as kids during the summers and our visits to the country, filled with simple pleasures and endless curiosity.
I also loved how the author captured sibling bonds so accurately—the banter, the rivalry, the connection. That dynamic felt honest and relatable, and added a lot of heart to the story.
There are definitely strong elements in the book: Bobbie stands out as a memorable and mature character, and the themes of resilience, kindness, and community were beautifully handled. I saw a lot of myself in Bobbie—being the oldest child with younger siblings, trying to stay strong and steady when things felt uncertain. The story encourages compassion, bravery, and generosity in quiet but meaningful ways. While the pacing wasn’t always for me, I can see why this is a cherished classic for many readers.
Elliot and I enjoyed reading about the many adventures of three kids at Three Chimneys. We cheered uproariously at the end and enjoyed getting to know Bobbie, Peter, and Phil.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The gentlest, most beautifully and simply written piece of political propaganda that you're ever likely to read.
Read aloud with my 6yo boy. We liked it but it was long, often wordy, old fashioned writing. Lots of emotional intelligence and nuance in this book, very smart in that way. We really liked the characters and personalities and all the little stories within the story.
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No