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The Enchanted Attic #2
Saving Moby Dick
Christy award-winning author, L.L. Samson continues to introduce children to great works of literature in a fun, captivating, and creative way through the latest installment in her whimsical series for children 9-12, The Enchanted Attic
Using the mysterious powers found in their eccentric aunt and uncle's attic, Linus, Ophelia, and their friend Walter bring Captain Ahab out of Book World and into Real World. After their experiences with Quasimodo, the kids think they're meeting Ahab on their own terms. Unfortunately, they didn't realize exactly how crazy Captain Ahab really is. Through the ensuing wild adventures, kids learn to love literature and discover positive life lessons at the same time.
Packed full of creativity and humor, and featuring a unique narrative voice that speaks directly to older elementary and middle school readers, Saving Moby Dick offers a playful blend of entertainment and education. It grows children's reading skills by offering a taste of larger themes and metaphors, and also gives kids a chance to interact with iconic literary characters in the present day. An excellent choice for librarians, classroom teachers, and homeschool educators, this series is a solid offering for both Christian and mainstream markets.
Samson, the author of over twenty-five books, draws kids in through a witty narrator who never takes the job too seriously, a fun plot, and quirky characters with heart. Parents, teachers, and librarians will find The Enchanted Attic series a great tool for introducing children to classic literature and inspiring a love for great writing.
Using the mysterious powers found in their eccentric aunt and uncle's attic, Linus, Ophelia, and their friend Walter bring Captain Ahab out of Book World and into Real World. After their experiences with Quasimodo, the kids think they're meeting Ahab on their own terms. Unfortunately, they didn't realize exactly how crazy Captain Ahab really is. Through the ensuing wild adventures, kids learn to love literature and discover positive life lessons at the same time.
Packed full of creativity and humor, and featuring a unique narrative voice that speaks directly to older elementary and middle school readers, Saving Moby Dick offers a playful blend of entertainment and education. It grows children's reading skills by offering a taste of larger themes and metaphors, and also gives kids a chance to interact with iconic literary characters in the present day. An excellent choice for librarians, classroom teachers, and homeschool educators, this series is a solid offering for both Christian and mainstream markets.
Samson, the author of over twenty-five books, draws kids in through a witty narrator who never takes the job too seriously, a fun plot, and quirky characters with heart. Parents, teachers, and librarians will find The Enchanted Attic series a great tool for introducing children to classic literature and inspiring a love for great writing.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 22, 2012
I received this book for review purposes from the publisher and gave it to me nine-year-old niece to read for me. For a while, I had a hard time getting more out of her than the single word, "Awesomeness!!!" She seemed rather stuck on the idea that this was the perfect description :) She also added "cool" and "funny." Upon further questioning, she said she loved the comic author intrusion, the characters were great, and she really enjoyed learning about classic literature in this format. Evidently on the 11th of every month at 11:11 the kids can bring a story to life through some sort of magic ring. All I know for certain is that my neice loved this book and is now a huge fan of "L. L." She's reading the Hunchback book right now and wants the third a.s.a.p
October 7, 2012
This book is part of a series but can read a a complete stand alone.
Twins, Ophelia and Linus, along with their friend, Walter, have discovered that the attic in their aunt and uncle's house is magical. Once a month, at a particular time, if a book is placed in a particular spot, they are able to bring forth characters from the book into the current real world. This lasts for only 60 hours, and if they cannot get the character back to the attic in time, the character simply melts, much like the witch in Wizard of Oz. Their first try, they brought forth Quasimoto from "The Hunchback of Notradame." This story is about their next try.
When the twin's uncle decides to host a theme party about Moby Dick, our young adventures decide to call forth the Captain, Ahab, himself. When he arrives, they try to ease his transition by making it appear that he is in the hold of a ship. But what happens when Ahab manages to escape? He is less than happy about having been lied to about his location. Our quick thinking twins take the Captain to meet the local preacher, Father Lou. Just when they think they have a handle on Ahab, the creator of the magic attic brings forth Starbuck, Ahab's second in comnand. The twins do not trust the motives for bringing Starbuck to the real world, so what can or should the do?
Ok! I really liked the basic story. I would probably have given it a 5 star, if not for the constant and spurious interuptions by the narrator. It was not really helpful most of the time (a section in the back for vocabulary would have been a better idea.) However, it was not just interuptions to better define the meaning of a sentence or word. Instead, there were interuptions that began with defining a word or trope, but then turned down roads that had nothing to do with the story. I was particulary annoyed with the Narrator's need to tell us about his fetish's, especially about cleanliness and appreciation or not, by his peers.
One this this book has show me is that I will be much more careful about adding parenthetical phrases in my own writing; although I do try to ensure the comments are relevent to the story or essay.
As for a review...
The plot for the story is somewhat unique. Instead of the characters finding themselves in a fantasy land, this story brings the fictional to our world. The characters are well rounded and not perfect. They have their little secrets and misbehave, like all young adults. However, it is the themes that are central to the series. There are several moral and ethical questions raised as the twins loose control over the characters, whom they have brought forth. These questions are handled partly by natural consequences, but a few must be dealt with directly.
One interesting aspect is the question of what happens after the experience for the fictional characters. Ophelia states that the book changed after Quasimoto returned to Paris. At first, I was not entirely sure that I like the idea of changing the books. However, my daughter pointed out that I use FanFiction.com to encourage my children, students, and others to stretch their imaginations by writing about their favorite characters. This is the same thing, so I realized it was fine as the real book was never really changed.
Also, while the twins are teens, the book level is significantly younger - about 10-12 years
P.S. For those who issues with "Christian" books, this book does not quote scripture or hover over every little misbehavior. The characters' question whether lying (and other misdeeds) are really valid, since it is against a fictional character...see for yourself whether their questions are well answered.
Twins, Ophelia and Linus, along with their friend, Walter, have discovered that the attic in their aunt and uncle's house is magical. Once a month, at a particular time, if a book is placed in a particular spot, they are able to bring forth characters from the book into the current real world. This lasts for only 60 hours, and if they cannot get the character back to the attic in time, the character simply melts, much like the witch in Wizard of Oz. Their first try, they brought forth Quasimoto from "The Hunchback of Notradame." This story is about their next try.
When the twin's uncle decides to host a theme party about Moby Dick, our young adventures decide to call forth the Captain, Ahab, himself. When he arrives, they try to ease his transition by making it appear that he is in the hold of a ship. But what happens when Ahab manages to escape? He is less than happy about having been lied to about his location. Our quick thinking twins take the Captain to meet the local preacher, Father Lou. Just when they think they have a handle on Ahab, the creator of the magic attic brings forth Starbuck, Ahab's second in comnand. The twins do not trust the motives for bringing Starbuck to the real world, so what can or should the do?
Ok! I really liked the basic story. I would probably have given it a 5 star, if not for the constant and spurious interuptions by the narrator. It was not really helpful most of the time (a section in the back for vocabulary would have been a better idea.) However, it was not just interuptions to better define the meaning of a sentence or word. Instead, there were interuptions that began with defining a word or trope, but then turned down roads that had nothing to do with the story. I was particulary annoyed with the Narrator's need to tell us about his fetish's, especially about cleanliness and appreciation or not, by his peers.
One this this book has show me is that I will be much more careful about adding parenthetical phrases in my own writing; although I do try to ensure the comments are relevent to the story or essay.
As for a review...
The plot for the story is somewhat unique. Instead of the characters finding themselves in a fantasy land, this story brings the fictional to our world. The characters are well rounded and not perfect. They have their little secrets and misbehave, like all young adults. However, it is the themes that are central to the series. There are several moral and ethical questions raised as the twins loose control over the characters, whom they have brought forth. These questions are handled partly by natural consequences, but a few must be dealt with directly.
One interesting aspect is the question of what happens after the experience for the fictional characters. Ophelia states that the book changed after Quasimoto returned to Paris. At first, I was not entirely sure that I like the idea of changing the books. However, my daughter pointed out that I use FanFiction.com to encourage my children, students, and others to stretch their imaginations by writing about their favorite characters. This is the same thing, so I realized it was fine as the real book was never really changed.
Also, while the twins are teens, the book level is significantly younger - about 10-12 years
P.S. For those who issues with "Christian" books, this book does not quote scripture or hover over every little misbehavior. The characters' question whether lying (and other misdeeds) are really valid, since it is against a fictional character...see for yourself whether their questions are well answered.
November 30, 2012
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Guys, this series is growing on me. A lot. I had a few problems with the first book, Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and I'm pleased to say those problems have all but vanished in this sequel. Twins Linus and Ophilia Easterday have been shipped off to live with their aunt and uncle (also twins) while their parents hunt butterflies on a remote island in the South Pacific. Their good friend Walter resides in the nearby boarding school after more than his share of picked locks back home in London.
Aunt Portia owns a bookshop and in its attic the trio discovered an enchanted circle that can bring literary characters into our world. Naturally this comes with some rules: they have sixty hours before they need to return, the circle only opens once a month, etc. In their previous adventure with the circle, they met Quasimodo. This time around they set the bar a bit higher: Moby Dick's Captain Ahab.
Every single character is great. They're funny, they're flawed, they have their own distinct personality and I love it. I'm also very pleased to say that Walter's love of exercising isn't shown to the extent it was in the previous book (during a pretty important scene in the first book, Walter randomly started doing push-ups.
Whereas Quasimodo was sweet and kind, Ahab is anything but. He's a man on a mission and is blinded by his revenge. He also doesn't take too kindly to being ordered around by three 14-year olds. That said, his fascination with modern technology (indoor plumbing, computers) is hilarious and I loved the scenes where he's wrecking havoc on message boards on a whaling website.
We also see more of Cato Grubbs, the mad scientist who previously owned the house/bookshop before suddenly disappearing. In Saving Moby Dick we discover a bit more about him and his relationship to the twins.
The only drawback to this book (and this series as a whole) is the narrator. Bartholomew Inkster works in the English Department of Kingscross University and while I enjoy him 90% of the time, his constant need to define words can be a bit grating. This series is targeted toward the 9-12 crowd. I highly doubt they need words like ingest, clear-cut, or fumble explained.
Saving Moby Dick is a wonderful display of what a sequel should be. It's issues have all been ironed over and since the world-building and magical rules have already been introduced in the first book, the story can finally get down to business. Short chapters and a quick pace make this book a breeze. Also, one of the characters is a bounty-hunter-turned-hippie-priest. How could you pass that up??
Linus and Ophelia had roped poor Walter into serving hors d'oeuvres with them, believing fully in the old adage that misery loves company. In other words, if you have something you'd rather not do, you might as well bring your best friend along and let him suffer as well.
Guys, this series is growing on me. A lot. I had a few problems with the first book, Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and I'm pleased to say those problems have all but vanished in this sequel. Twins Linus and Ophilia Easterday have been shipped off to live with their aunt and uncle (also twins) while their parents hunt butterflies on a remote island in the South Pacific. Their good friend Walter resides in the nearby boarding school after more than his share of picked locks back home in London.
Aunt Portia owns a bookshop and in its attic the trio discovered an enchanted circle that can bring literary characters into our world. Naturally this comes with some rules: they have sixty hours before they need to return, the circle only opens once a month, etc. In their previous adventure with the circle, they met Quasimodo. This time around they set the bar a bit higher: Moby Dick's Captain Ahab.
Meanwhile, Aunt Portia didn't care about the Moby Dick theme at all. She figured it was a water party and mermaids live in the water, so it stood to reason that she could fudge a little bit.
Every single character is great. They're funny, they're flawed, they have their own distinct personality and I love it. I'm also very pleased to say that Walter's love of exercising isn't shown to the extent it was in the previous book (during a pretty important scene in the first book, Walter randomly started doing push-ups.
Whereas Quasimodo was sweet and kind, Ahab is anything but. He's a man on a mission and is blinded by his revenge. He also doesn't take too kindly to being ordered around by three 14-year olds. That said, his fascination with modern technology (indoor plumbing, computers) is hilarious and I loved the scenes where he's wrecking havoc on message boards on a whaling website.
We also see more of Cato Grubbs, the mad scientist who previously owned the house/bookshop before suddenly disappearing. In Saving Moby Dick we discover a bit more about him and his relationship to the twins.
The only drawback to this book (and this series as a whole) is the narrator. Bartholomew Inkster works in the English Department of Kingscross University and while I enjoy him 90% of the time, his constant need to define words can be a bit grating. This series is targeted toward the 9-12 crowd. I highly doubt they need words like ingest, clear-cut, or fumble explained.
"Curse that foul tome!" he roared. "I curse the day it was ever written, this Herman Melville reaching down into my soul and displaying it for all the world to see."
Saving Moby Dick is a wonderful display of what a sequel should be. It's issues have all been ironed over and since the world-building and magical rules have already been introduced in the first book, the story can finally get down to business. Short chapters and a quick pace make this book a breeze. Also, one of the characters is a bounty-hunter-turned-hippie-priest. How could you pass that up??
June 26, 2013
I received this book through a Library Thing giveaway, and thank the author and Zondervan Books for this opportunity.
I certainly didn't hate it, but I feel a tad indifferent about this book. Perhaps if I had read the first book in the series I might have had a greater appreciation for the workings of the situation, but this was sadly not the case.
It felt like it was always lacking, like there were holes, or things were going in too much of an expected way. I really didn't appreciate all the hand-holding done by the author. I think you should allow the reader, even a young one, to seek out the meaning of a word or phrase or to grasp it based on the text that it is within. Don't just make the assumption that everything needs to be broken down and explained. You offend your reader who, however young, might be following along just fine but now they feel belittled.
I did appreciate some of the side notes as it seems to be part of the authors humor, but at some points it was like, "Yeah, okay, we get it, haha..."
The story is interesting but sort of far fetched, which is really something because I enjoy that sort of thing. I'm an avid reader, so characters coming to life outside of their books will obviously interest me, but something just felt so off and illogical about everything; unbelievable and a lack of even really wanting to believe.
It is an uncorrected proof that I read, and so many of these things were hopefully improved upon. The only other thing was the illustrations. They are terrible. And grainy. And frankly look unfinished, which I dearly hope was the case and that the final book has sharper and more visually interesting images, which is really what you hope for after seeing the cover, which is magnificent! More action oriented or even funny pictures would have really helped the book along. As it is, there aren't very many and the ones that exist in the novel just don't do anything for the story/reader.
I certainly didn't hate it, but I feel a tad indifferent about this book. Perhaps if I had read the first book in the series I might have had a greater appreciation for the workings of the situation, but this was sadly not the case.
It felt like it was always lacking, like there were holes, or things were going in too much of an expected way. I really didn't appreciate all the hand-holding done by the author. I think you should allow the reader, even a young one, to seek out the meaning of a word or phrase or to grasp it based on the text that it is within. Don't just make the assumption that everything needs to be broken down and explained. You offend your reader who, however young, might be following along just fine but now they feel belittled.
I did appreciate some of the side notes as it seems to be part of the authors humor, but at some points it was like, "Yeah, okay, we get it, haha..."
The story is interesting but sort of far fetched, which is really something because I enjoy that sort of thing. I'm an avid reader, so characters coming to life outside of their books will obviously interest me, but something just felt so off and illogical about everything; unbelievable and a lack of even really wanting to believe.
It is an uncorrected proof that I read, and so many of these things were hopefully improved upon. The only other thing was the illustrations. They are terrible. And grainy. And frankly look unfinished, which I dearly hope was the case and that the final book has sharper and more visually interesting images, which is really what you hope for after seeing the cover, which is magnificent! More action oriented or even funny pictures would have really helped the book along. As it is, there aren't very many and the ones that exist in the novel just don't do anything for the story/reader.
November 28, 2012
First, I have to admit I won this book in a first-reads giveaway after not reading the description closely enough to realize it was a book for children ages 9-11. My expectations were pretty low when I realized my mistake, but I have to say I didn't hate it. The narration gets pretty annoying and the author spends way too much time defining words rather than letting the reader figure it out through context. It's distracting to the story and kids in that age range don't really need things dumbed down.
The story was interesting enough, although I don't think Moby Dick is a book most children are going to be reading. I'm also not thrilled about the idea of being able to change the endings of classics. I think the idea should be to appreciate them for what they are and not try to stick a happy ending on Herman Melville's literary masterpiece.
Overall, it's a quick read that doesn't get TOO cheesy. The characters are engaging and if you can get past the narrator's vocabulary lessons, you might enjoy it...especially if you're a 9-11 year old.
The story was interesting enough, although I don't think Moby Dick is a book most children are going to be reading. I'm also not thrilled about the idea of being able to change the endings of classics. I think the idea should be to appreciate them for what they are and not try to stick a happy ending on Herman Melville's literary masterpiece.
Overall, it's a quick read that doesn't get TOO cheesy. The characters are engaging and if you can get past the narrator's vocabulary lessons, you might enjoy it...especially if you're a 9-11 year old.
November 18, 2013
The second book in the Enchanted Attic series, Ophelia, Linus and Walter are back! After bringing Captain Ahab out of "Moby Dick", they quickly realize that Captain Ahab is crazier than expected. Trying to control a revenge seeking captain is not as easy as it sounds! And with a crazy cousin trying to cause trouble along the way, it makes it even harder to control the situation. One thing I like about this series is that each book uses the same characters, but have a different plot and problem, which makes them all the more interesting. The ending is wrapped up nicely, and
I love how even though this is third person writing, the author picks one character and tells you what they are thinking, and moves on to another. The transition between characters went by almost unnoticeable. This book was just as great as the first, and even though the books are thin, the details and writing is great.
I love how even though this is third person writing, the author picks one character and tells you what they are thinking, and moves on to another. The transition between characters went by almost unnoticeable. This book was just as great as the first, and even though the books are thin, the details and writing is great.
November 19, 2012
This was good story for young readers. It has an interesting plot and it may raise some interest in well-known classics. It also allows young readers to improve their writing and vocabulary because the narrator uses a diversity of words and writing styles, then explains what they mean. Unfortunately the narrator does ramble sometimes. This book was received through first reads.
December 27, 2012
Good series for upper elementary kids who like to read and will get the historical figures like Captain Ahab and The Three Musketeers . Has a Lemony Snicket style narrator who interrupts the action to define words or make funny asides. The defining words thing was too heavy handed but the narrator could be funny and some reader’s like that very conversational tone.
October 10, 2012
We received the book today and my daughters have dived right in to reading it! They so far love it and give it a 4 star rating. They are 9 and 10 years old.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews