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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An adorable read filled with daring adventure and all the hope needed to get through life day to day.
Beautiful illustrations accompany the story of Archer Helmsley, grandson of renowned explorers Ralph and Rachel Helmsley. His grandparents sent him exotic gifts from their travels, but then they go missing and worried he will end up like his grandparents Archer's mother confiscates everything they sent him. Most people believe that his grandparents are dead, but Archer is determined to prove that they are not, even if it means finding his way to Antarctica and locating the iceberg they floated off on.
Good for ages 10 and up.
Good for ages 10 and up.
I loved this because it's unique and the illustrations are magical. Nicholas Gannon is so talented and such a nice person. I'm seriously so in love with his illustrations. I want to hang them all over my house! (Check out his website, it's adorable!)
This is a funny, quirky book that's like a mash-up of Wes Anderson movies. And so, being the huge Wes Anderson fan that I am, I loved this.
I will say it's a bit slow and not a whole lot of adventure...yet. I feel that it was setting up for the rest of the series. So, I understand the reviews that say not a lot happens, but the other aspects of the book make it worth it to me.
Super cute. I've already preordered the next book!
This is a funny, quirky book that's like a mash-up of Wes Anderson movies. And so, being the huge Wes Anderson fan that I am, I loved this.
I will say it's a bit slow and not a whole lot of adventure...yet. I feel that it was setting up for the rest of the series. So, I understand the reviews that say not a lot happens, but the other aspects of the book make it worth it to me.
Super cute. I've already preordered the next book!
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Archer Helmsley wants to have big adventures like his grandparents - famous explorers who went missing in Antarctica when Archer was 9. But Archer’s mum barely lets him leave the house, so he’s forced to devise a plan in secret with his two friends, Oliver and Adélaïde, to rescue his grandparents.
I’ve owned this for a while now but finally decided to pick it up as a light, fun book to read amongst exam study. I was not disappointed! This middle-grade novel is such a fast, enjoyable, and fun read. The story is accompanied by gorgeous black-and-white illustrations which add to the overall adventure vibe of the story. While I didn’t particularly connect with any of the characters, I enjoyed this book for what it was and will definitely be picking up the sequel in the near future!
“Always remember you’re a Helmsley, Archer. And being a Helmsley means something.” -7
“One week after the movers left, Archer and Oliver met on the rooftop as they did almost every night. Only this night was unlike other nights. In fact, this night would change everything in Archer’s world.” -98
“When you’re busy with preparations, you don’t have time to second-guess yourself. But when you’re sitting quietly with the task still ahead of you, your mind begins to warn you of all the things that can go wrong.” -287
Archer Helmsley wants to have big adventures like his grandparents - famous explorers who went missing in Antarctica when Archer was 9. But Archer’s mum barely lets him leave the house, so he’s forced to devise a plan in secret with his two friends, Oliver and Adélaïde, to rescue his grandparents.
I’ve owned this for a while now but finally decided to pick it up as a light, fun book to read amongst exam study. I was not disappointed! This middle-grade novel is such a fast, enjoyable, and fun read. The story is accompanied by gorgeous black-and-white illustrations which add to the overall adventure vibe of the story. While I didn’t particularly connect with any of the characters, I enjoyed this book for what it was and will definitely be picking up the sequel in the near future!
“Always remember you’re a Helmsley, Archer. And being a Helmsley means something.” -7
“One week after the movers left, Archer and Oliver met on the rooftop as they did almost every night. Only this night was unlike other nights. In fact, this night would change everything in Archer’s world.” -98
“When you’re busy with preparations, you don’t have time to second-guess yourself. But when you’re sitting quietly with the task still ahead of you, your mind begins to warn you of all the things that can go wrong.” -287
slow-paced
The art in this is lovely. The story is nothing special and (at least to me) suggested it was going places that it really wasn't. It didn't HAVE to go those places, but it was confusing to think I was reading one kind of book and finding out I was reading a different kind. Some neat things in it, but there's not really anything profound.
I would have liked more talking taxidermy and adventure. I felt the middle was a bit soggy, although I adored Adelaide. (More disability in our kid's books, please!) I wish the parents were a little more present and accountable - my biggest disappointment was the parental reactions at the end.
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes