If Roald Dahl had been a woman, I think his books would have been like Eva Ibbotson's. Her novel, THE SECRET OF PLATFORM 13
reminds me of THE BFG.
I borrowed the following from Goodreads:
Under an abandoned railway platform in one of London's busiest stations is an old doorway covered with peeling posters. No one walking by (if anyone did) would guess that it is the entrance to a magical kingdom--an island where humans live happily with mermaids, ogres, feys, and wonderful creatures called mistmakers. Carefully hidden from the world, the Island is accessible only when the door opens for nine days every nine years. A lot can go wrong in nine days.
When the beastly Mrs. Trottle kidnaps the prince of the Island, it's up to a strange band of rescuers to save him. But can an ogre, a hag, a wizard, and a fey troop around London unnoticed? And what if the prince doesn't want to go back?
The story is told from a variety of viewpoints, but the predominant one belongs to Odge, a determined young hag. Have I mentioned before that I love strong female characters? Maybe it's because I was shy. At nine years old, I would never have had the nerve to approach a king and queen and convince them that I should be sent on an important rescue mission, but I'd have enjoyed reading about a girl that did. I still do. I highly recommend this one for fans of Roald Dahl, Cornelia Funke, and J.K. Rowling.
Have you read it?
If you'd like to read about more Marvelous Middle Grades, the following people would love to oblige you:
reminds me of THE BFG.I borrowed the following from Goodreads:
Under an abandoned railway platform in one of London's busiest stations is an old doorway covered with peeling posters. No one walking by (if anyone did) would guess that it is the entrance to a magical kingdom--an island where humans live happily with mermaids, ogres, feys, and wonderful creatures called mistmakers. Carefully hidden from the world, the Island is accessible only when the door opens for nine days every nine years. A lot can go wrong in nine days.
When the beastly Mrs. Trottle kidnaps the prince of the Island, it's up to a strange band of rescuers to save him. But can an ogre, a hag, a wizard, and a fey troop around London unnoticed? And what if the prince doesn't want to go back?
The story is told from a variety of viewpoints, but the predominant one belongs to Odge, a determined young hag. Have I mentioned before that I love strong female characters? Maybe it's because I was shy. At nine years old, I would never have had the nerve to approach a king and queen and convince them that I should be sent on an important rescue mission, but I'd have enjoyed reading about a girl that did. I still do. I highly recommend this one for fans of Roald Dahl, Cornelia Funke, and J.K. Rowling.
Have you read it?
If you'd like to read about more Marvelous Middle Grades, the following people would love to oblige you:
Shannon Whitney Messenger (our founding mother)
Have a Marvelous Monday!
I did read this as an audio book. I really loved it too. Great choice of a book to review. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIbottson is just marvelous. I have an ARC of the latest one, written before she died. It's just such fun.
ReplyDeleteShe is awesome.
Shelley
This looks so good. I immediately went to my library website and reserved it. Thanks, Myrna!
ReplyDeleteAmy
I've read other Ibbotson books but for some reason not this one! Another book to add to the TBR list. Great review, Myrna. Love that bit about if Roald Dahl had been a woman his books would have been like Ibbotson's!
ReplyDeleteThanks, as always, for the link. I've linked to you too.
Happy MMGM to you, too. And...yes on reading and yes you are right on the comparison, but I'd never thought of it until now!
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't read it (I'm so behind on so many lovely books!). Thanks for the review. I'll be reading it soon!
ReplyDeleteI always love these suggestions because they give me ideas for my grandkids.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
=)
I have read this and enjoyed it--and thought, hey, didn't a later and very famous writer have a magic platform in Kings Cross Station too?!
ReplyDeleteNice review!
I love doorways to other worlds. A the nine days every nine years is very cool :)
ReplyDeleteThis cover looks great! What a cool premise. I definitely want to read this one.
ReplyDeleteWe must both be channeling Ibbotson this week. I'm reading her Ogre of Oglefort right now. It also has a hag. I agree, I think she and Dahl would be great friends.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds wonderful! I've always meant to read Ibbotson, but haven't yet. Headed to goodreads to update my TBR right now!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day, Myrn! Thank you. :o)
I have not read this one. Cover and premise look great! So many books, so little time.
ReplyDelete