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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
I don't know what to rate this book. I think I may have issues, but I can't decide.
I was quite torn with how to rate this book, but in the end I think I should settle for 4 stars.
I was really excited to read it, as I adore middle grade adventure books and the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, but I was a little confused, as at first the book reminded me slightly of other stories, such as Harry Potter, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or some adventure movies (some quotes but also the general story and the atmosphere). Don't misunderstand me, I love these books and it's good that this one felt similar, but at least at the beginning, I had trouble with seeing it as a separate story.
However, I still enjoyed it. I loved how it underlines the power of children's imagination and how whimsical and vintage it felt. I would've liked the story to have a bit more action, but it was still nice and I'm curious enough to pick up book #2.
I was really excited to read it, as I adore middle grade adventure books and the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, but I was a little confused, as at first the book reminded me slightly of other stories, such as Harry Potter, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or some adventure movies (some quotes but also the general story and the atmosphere). Don't misunderstand me, I love these books and it's good that this one felt similar, but at least at the beginning, I had trouble with seeing it as a separate story.
However, I still enjoyed it. I loved how it underlines the power of children's imagination and how whimsical and vintage it felt. I would've liked the story to have a bit more action, but it was still nice and I'm curious enough to pick up book #2.
A charming story of a boy who dreams of adventure, but is trapped inside. Archer Helmsley was once told that ‘being a Helmsley meant something’ but so far he hasn’t had the chance to live up to that name. Although his house is full of artifacts from a lifetime of travels, he hasn’t ever left Rosewood, or even gone much off his own Willow Street, where he lives with his mum and dad. His grandparents were great adventurers, but his mother never approved of all that nonsense. Ever since the two explorers got lost in Antarctica his mother has been even more protective of her only son.
When Archer meets Oliver and soon after Adelaide he decides that the time is right for him to set off on his first adventure, to discover the fate of his grandparents. To do that he and his two friends must plan, procure the tools of exploration and avoid capture by their new and notoriously no nonsense teacher Mrs. Murkley.
The illustrations throughout the story are absolutely lovely and bring the story to life. The story itself didn’t need the illustrations to provoke wonderful imagery, but with the illustrations the book is brought to the next level and becomes more approachable for younger children, who when reading this story with a loving adult are bound to be entranced, amused and inspired by the book. I see safari hats and stuffed badger dolls in the future for some readers. Funnily enough this is the second book I’ve read in a week that has mentioned a stuffed badger. Must be a British thing.
The ending is very satisfying and leaves room for a sequel, but if not, still a very nice novel. My favorite quote of the book, “it’s not possible to fail more times than you try.”
For those who enjoyed the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series, Rooftoppers by Rundell. For similar titles for older children try the Wildwood series by Meloy, The Keepers series by Tanner or Boundless by Oppel.
When Archer meets Oliver and soon after Adelaide he decides that the time is right for him to set off on his first adventure, to discover the fate of his grandparents. To do that he and his two friends must plan, procure the tools of exploration and avoid capture by their new and notoriously no nonsense teacher Mrs. Murkley.
The illustrations throughout the story are absolutely lovely and bring the story to life. The story itself didn’t need the illustrations to provoke wonderful imagery, but with the illustrations the book is brought to the next level and becomes more approachable for younger children, who when reading this story with a loving adult are bound to be entranced, amused and inspired by the book. I see safari hats and stuffed badger dolls in the future for some readers. Funnily enough this is the second book I’ve read in a week that has mentioned a stuffed badger. Must be a British thing.
The ending is very satisfying and leaves room for a sequel, but if not, still a very nice novel. My favorite quote of the book, “it’s not possible to fail more times than you try.”
For those who enjoyed the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series, Rooftoppers by Rundell. For similar titles for older children try the Wildwood series by Meloy, The Keepers series by Tanner or Boundless by Oppel.