Storyline
Matilda or Tilly, as she is better known, is an eleven-year-old who lives with her grandparents next to their bookshop, Pages & Co. Tilly's mother left her in the care of her parents when Tilly was a baby and went missing. Tilly loves getting lost in the world of books and her best friends are the characters from various books. Despite that, she yearns for adventure and excitement in her otherwise mundane life. A chance encounter with two girls who resemble her favourite characters, Anne from Anne of Green Gables and Alice from Alice and the Wonderland in the bookshop, leaves her baffled. Soon she discovers that she belongs to a privileged group of book readers who can book wander. Tilly came from a long line of book wanderers. She could travel inside the books without causing any damage to the story. The mystery around her mother's disappearance intrigues her and, thus she begins her quest to find her mother.
My Thoughts
Growing-up middle-grade fiction was my go-to to escape into the magical world of books and fictional characters. After a rather long time, I got back to it, thanks to my little one. Tilly and the Bookwanderers took me back in time and made me nostalgic. Such were the stories that started me on my reading journey. I book wandered with Tilly to her favourite books. Having said that, I wish all of it was true and there was some way I could bring to life my favourite characters. Anna James has created an incredible world in and around books. The first half of the book unravels gradually and is all about establishing the plot. It sets the pace for more adventures to come for Tilly and Oskar. Tilly's character is well fleshed out. She is spirited, impulsive and adventurous. The Author has cleverly incorporated two of the most loved classic characters, Alice and Anne. She has preserved their original characteristics.
Tilly and the Bookwanderers reminded me why I fell in love with the books in the first place. Immersing myself in the world of books was the only way I could let my imagination fly and go wild.
"The books we love when we're growing up shape us in a special way, Tilly. The characters in the books we read help us decide who we want to be."
"Books can change minds and change worlds, open doors and open minds, and plant seeds that can grow into magical or even terrifying things"
It is a must-read for every middle grader and for that matter anyone who enjoys this genre. Another plus for me, my seven-year-old thoroughly enjoyed it.
Illustrations - 4/5
Engagement Factor - 4/5
Overall Rating - 4/5
Age - 8-12+
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