PublishedAffirm Press, May 2021 |
ISBN9781922419347 |
FormatSoftcover, 304 pages |
Dimensions19.8cm × 12.9cm × 2.6cm |
Pearl and Vally Cole live in a bookshop. And not just any bookshop. In 1893, Cole's Book Arcade in Melbourne is the grandest bookshop in the world, brimming with every curiosity imaginable. Each day brings fresh delights for the siblings: voice-changing sweets, talking parrots, a new story written just for them by their eccentric father.
When Pearl and Vally learn that Pa has risked the Arcade - and himself - in a shocking deal with the mysterious Obscurosmith, the siblings hatch a plan. Soon they are swept into a dangerous game with impossibly high stakes: defeat seven challenges by the stroke of midnight and both the Arcade and their father will be restored. But if they fail Pearl and Vally won't just lose Pa - they'll forget that he and the Arcade ever existed.
Sas is a WAAPA graduate with 8 years experience in bookshops, specialising in Children's and Young Adult fiction. She reads fantasy when she gets the chance but you'll also find her curled up with classic literature and Silver Screen star biographies. She loves getting kids excited about new adventures and is so enthusiastic when giving recommendations that she sometimes gets tongue-tied.
Mr Cole runs an arcade filled with a hugely decadent variety of shops in 1880's Melbourne. When the arcade starts to decay, Pearl and her brother Valley are tested by a series of mental challenges to save their father and their beloved building. This was so fun! With just a touch of magic to keep us on our toes. I loved the big family dynamic, even when they fought!
I loved this because it was well written, because it's Australian and because Mr Cole and his family really did have an arcade in Melbourne!
Perfect if you loved "A series of Unfortunate Events" Age reccomendation: 9-14
