A review by moonytoast
The Apartment House on Poppy Hill by Nina LaCour

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Thank you to Chronicle Books and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!

The Apartment House on Poppy Hill is an absolutely charming and sweet chapter book focused on following the life of nine-year-old Ella, who lives in Apartment E with her mothers, Abby and Livy. Whether it be introducing the new neighbors to the tricks they need to know of their new home, juggling chores and teatime with her neighbor, or being invited to Apartment A to finally meet the elusive Robinsons, Ella shows her deep love and care for her community. 

The writing style is easy to read and great small comedic beats, along with some genuinely heartfelt ideas about time and community. Ella’s personality and interactions with her neighbors reminds me of Eloise from Eloise at the Plaza, which brought a fun energy to this book and gave me a sense of nostalgia. I also adored all the illustrations by Sònia Albert. 

This book is brimming with aspects that I love to see in children’s fiction, including intergenerational friendships and inclusive depictions of different couples and family dynamics. I’m excited to read more of Ella’s daily adventures in the apartment house on Poppy Hill as this series continues!