Pages & Co - Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James

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+

 

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J.Klune

The House in the Cerulean Sea is a book that will take you on a delightful journey into the enchanted world of Linus Baker and ostensibly dangerous children. Especially in today's dark and dreary times, it will give you an escape from your daily grind. I usually steer clear of fantasy fiction but picked this one up after reading some amazing reviews on Goodreads. And how befitting they proved to be and so much more.

Setting

The story is set in a fantasy world where a Department in Charge of Magical Youth(DICOMY) was required to safeguard those who were extraordinary. 

Storyline

Linus Baker worked for Department in Charge of Magical Youth(DICOMY) as a caseworker. He lived alone with only a cat named Calliope for company. He was asked by the Extremely Upper Management to travel to Marsyas Island and report about the orphanage and its master, Arthur Parnassus. He is asked because he presents an objective view without getting involved. But what he unearths there was something he could never envisage. He meets six dangerous children -Talia(gnome), Phee(a sprite), Theodore(a wyvern), Chauncey(a green blob), Sal(shapeshifting Pomeranian) and lastly Lucy/Lucifer(the antichrist). Despite the cautious approach, Linus and the kids gradually accept each other once they let their guards down. He also stumbles across Arthur's closely guarded secret. It gives a new dimension to the relationship between Linus and Arthur. 

My Thoughts 

Linus discovers friendship and love. He ends up learning important life lessons from unexpected sources. The kids with their distinctive traits are the life of this book. I loved their conversations with Linus. I don't want to delve any further without giving away the plot. In short, it's a story of acceptance. Accepting yourself as you are even though you don't fit into any socially acceptable and approved mould. Accepting others as they are without any preconceived prejudices. Go for it if you want a little cheer in your life. 

Star Rating - 5/5

Recommend - Go grab it now!!