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wlancehunt's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
A book much in the vein of The Phantom Tollbooth. A children’s fantasy adventure to a secondary world, yes, but one as much of concepts as things. Sure, there are beasts and users of magic, but they encompass ideas and abstract concepts. Where the boy in the Phantom Tollbooth is surrounded by puns and characters with names like Rhyme and Reason, Tom, the titular character of his adventure, is given choices between the good and not-so-good, honesty and lies and must negotiate adults who aren’t what they seem. Whose words can’t be taken at face value and often hide meanings, both sinister and honorable.
Ultimately, he is tricked into participating in something quite sinister and far over his head and must figure a way out of his predicament. It’s akin to an allegorical guidebook to the treacherous nature of real life. To not judge a book by its cover, that appearances often deceive, and intentions oft go awry. In other words, it is a peek into and suggested guide for life outside of the safety of home.
The illustrations, primarily simple line drawings, much like a child of Tom’s presumed age of ten or so would draw, fit the mood well. Being a children’s book, they do what is needed—break up the text, giving a young reader a rest while bringing the story to life. Some narrate, others emote.
A slender tome featuring easy-to-digest life lessons and a host of unique characters, including the hag Ogrida, who isn’t who she appears to be, an ancient prisoner, a flitty companion, and a hero in disguise, tastes nicely of fairytale.
thekatiestory's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
4.75
The writing has a fairy tale tone a bit like Grimm's Fairytales or James and the Giant Peach but also overtly absurd and humorous moments and some wordplay in the writing style that feels more contemporary. I’d recommend this to children who are fans of fairytales and want to be inspired in their own drawing and storytelling. Good bed time story.
Content Warnings
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
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