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A review by katykelly
Woundabout by Lev AC Rosen
4.0
4.5 stars
I had hoped this would be a 'find' for a book club I run, but on reflection, this is one for already confident readers who enjoy something a little different, rather than a group of differing abilities who may be used to something more straightforward.
This is wonderful though. In a start reminiscent of James and the Giant Peach and A Series of Unfortunate Events, our young heroes, Connor and Cordelia, are left orphaned by an unfortunate accident (not a stampeding rhino or fire) on their capybara farm. With their two fathers dead (yes, you read that right - it's never made an issue of at all, its inclusion interesting but never commented on). The two, with their one remaining capybara are sent to their aunt's house in the very strange town of Woundabout. Where all is not as it seems...
Woundabout is a dead-seeming town, devoid of life and laughter... change and questions are not permitted, by order of the Mayor.
I love this type of story - strangers arriving in a town and making changes, their newness bringing fresh air to a place. It's highly original though, with our children discovering some beautiful ways they can do something to make their own and other people's lives better.
Their grief is dealt with well - they don't just forget about their family and home, they are still suffering, which I was glad to see - too often protagonists seem to overcome death and move on into an exciting adventure.
There's a wonderful film to be had here as well, some great visuals, scenes and devices, as well as characters I'd love to see cast - the Mayor, their aunt, her servant who has a hidden past of his own.
The children learn to make a fresh start - and maybe... can Woundabout too?
The illustrations by the author's brother, black and white, suit the drabness of the town, and add to the spooky sense of the inhabitants' lives. They are also childlike and distinctive, with lots of detail older children will enjoy.
A really enjoyable read for confident upper primary children, a good mixture of sadness, mystery and adventure, with children at the heart of it all.
I had hoped this would be a 'find' for a book club I run, but on reflection, this is one for already confident readers who enjoy something a little different, rather than a group of differing abilities who may be used to something more straightforward.
This is wonderful though. In a start reminiscent of James and the Giant Peach and A Series of Unfortunate Events, our young heroes, Connor and Cordelia, are left orphaned by an unfortunate accident (not a stampeding rhino or fire) on their capybara farm. With their two fathers dead (yes, you read that right - it's never made an issue of at all, its inclusion interesting but never commented on). The two, with their one remaining capybara are sent to their aunt's house in the very strange town of Woundabout. Where all is not as it seems...
Woundabout is a dead-seeming town, devoid of life and laughter... change and questions are not permitted, by order of the Mayor.
I love this type of story - strangers arriving in a town and making changes, their newness bringing fresh air to a place. It's highly original though, with our children discovering some beautiful ways they can do something to make their own and other people's lives better.
Their grief is dealt with well - they don't just forget about their family and home, they are still suffering, which I was glad to see - too often protagonists seem to overcome death and move on into an exciting adventure.
There's a wonderful film to be had here as well, some great visuals, scenes and devices, as well as characters I'd love to see cast - the Mayor, their aunt, her servant who has a hidden past of his own.
The children learn to make a fresh start - and maybe... can Woundabout too?
The illustrations by the author's brother, black and white, suit the drabness of the town, and add to the spooky sense of the inhabitants' lives. They are also childlike and distinctive, with lots of detail older children will enjoy.
A really enjoyable read for confident upper primary children, a good mixture of sadness, mystery and adventure, with children at the heart of it all.