Una valigia di stelle

La Bottega Battibaleno #1

by Pierdomenico Baccalario

Avete presente la scarpetta di cristallo di Cenerentola? La lampada di Aladino? Nel mondo esistono molti oggetti magici e ad Applecross, un piccolo villaggio nel cuore della Scozia, esiste un negozio che li custodisce: la Bottega Battibaleno. Ogni novantanove anni, sette famiglie se la contendono. Tra queste i terribili Askell, disposti a tutto pur di metterci le mani sopra. Ora tocca alla famiglia Lily gestire la bottega e, a causa dell’imminente riapertura, nel villaggio di Applecross cominciano a succedere cose strane.
La giovane Aiby Lily e il suo amico Finley dovranno impedire agli avversari di impossessarsi della bottega e trovare il modo di fabbricare nuovi oggetti magici… cosa che non accadeva dal 1789!

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Magic, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile, Mystery

240 pages, Hardcover

First published November 8, 2012

About the author

P.D. BACCALARIO was born in Acqui Terme, a beautiful little town in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. He grew up in the middle of the woods with his three dogs and his black bicycle. He loves seeing new places and discovering new lifestyles, although, in the end, he always returns to the comfort of familiar ones.

Reviews

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

24 DEC 2013 -- cover love! Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book for children.

28 DEC 203 -- What a fun read! I wish I could be friends with Finley, Aiby, and Patches, too. I am hoping this is the first in a series (though not an overlong series) because these three friends together with the Enchanted Emporium promise to be a reading treat.

P. S. At the end of each chapter there are drawings and an explanatory note detailing that chapter's key magical instrument. I would have enjoyed seeing the drawings because I am certain the drawings included add much to the story. However, my ereader and the proof from NetGalley were not working together to make this happen. This in no way detracted from my enjoyment of Suitcase of Stars. I only add this P.S. so you know there are neat drawings and notes.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some potential, particularly in the second half. But I only got through the first half because it moved fast. It was clever but not...particularly interesting?
I feel a little guilty saying that.
But the description of the plot on Goodreads (and the title even) promise more about the Enchanted Emporium than you actually get. The story concludes setting up for interesting adventures, but it spends the whole time setting up.
Maybe that means the rest of the series is interesting?

[mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ο Pierdomenico Baccalario είναι ένας ιδιαίτερα γνωστός συγγραφέας παιδικών βιβλίων και ειδικότερα από τη σειρά Οδυσσέας Μουρ την οποία θέλω πολύ να τη διαβάσω αν καταφέρω επιτέλους κάποια στιγμή να βρω το πρώτοβιβλίο στη βιβλιοθήκη, καθώς είναι συνεχώς δανεισμένο.Εγώ λοιπόν ξεκίνησα τη γνωριμία μου μαζί μέσα από το emporium και μπορώ να πω πως οι πρώτες εντυπώσεις είναι αρκετά θετικές.
Ο Φίνει είναι ένα νεαρο αγορί που ζεί σε ένα χωριό της Σκοτίας μαζί με την οικογένεια του.Αν και περιμένει με ανυπομονησία τις καλοκαιρινές του διακοπές, τα σχέδια του θα ανατραπούν καθώς η συχνή αουσία του από το σχολείο θα τον αφήσει στην ίδια τάξη και θα τον αναγκάσει να πιάσει δουλειά ως ταχυδρόμος του χωριού ως τιμώρια.Ο δρόμος του θα τον οδηγήσει σε ένα απομονωμένο μαγαζί έξω από το χωρό που άνοιξε πρόσφατα και το οποίο κρύβει πολλά μυστικά.Η γνωριμία του με τη κόρη του ιδιοκτήτη, την Έιμπι θα εισάγει τον Φίνλει σε ένα νέο κόσμο όπου η μαγεία και τα παραμύθια φαίνεται να γίνονται πραγματικότητα.
Ομολογώ πως ξεκινώντας το βιβλίο δεν είχα μεγάλες προσοδκίες και όσο περισσότερο συνέχιζα τόσο πιο βαρετό το έβρισκα μέχρι και τη μέση όπου οι εξελίξεις και οι ανατροπές άρχισαν να γίνονται καταιγιστικές και επιτέλους το μυθιστόρημα άρχισα να αποκτά περιεχόμενο και σκοπό.
Όπως συμβαίνει δυστυχώς στα περισσότερα βιβλία που απευθύνονται σε νεαρότερες ηλικίες, η γλώσσα είναι αρκετά απλοική και αφελείς πράγμα που το κατανοώ αλλά αυτό δεν σημαίνει πως και η δομή των παραγράφων πρέπει να ακολουθεί την ίδια ασαφή πορεία γιατί αυτό δεν ενοχλεί μόνο τους ενήλικους αναγνώστς αλλά και τουςμικρότερους.Θα ήθελα λοιπόν συνολικάη γραφή να είναι πιο μεστή γιατί πραγματικά φαίνεται πως ο συγγραφέας έχει ταλέντ και είναι κρίμα να το χαραμίζει προκειμένου να κάνει την ιστορία πιο παιδιάστικη.
Όσο αφορά τους χαρακτήρες δεν βρήκα κάτι ενδιαφέρον σε κανέναν από αυτούς, καθώς και οι μικροί και οι μεγάλοι ήρωες μοιάζουν πολύ συμβατικά πλασμενοι, περιλαμβάνουν όλα τα κλισέ που συναντούμε σε τέτοιου είδους βιβλία.Ο Φίνλει είναι ιδιαίτερα εκνευριστικός, πολλές είναι οι φορές που αισθάνθηκα ότι θα ήθελα να του χώσω ένα χαστούκι μπας και ηρεμήσει και ακούσει επιτέλους τους γύρω του.Θα ήταν πρροτιμότερο ο υγγραφέας να δημιουργήσει έναν ήρωα πιο έξυπνο , πιο ώριμο και πιο καλόκαρδο που να μπορεί να κερδίσει κιόλας την συμπάθεια των αναγνωστών.
Θα απορείτε γιατί τελικά έβαλα τρία αστεράκια εφόσον βρήκα τόσο πολλά προβλήματα στους ήρωες και την γραφή.Γιατί για μένα αυτό που μετράει περισσότερο σε ένα μυθιστόρημα είναι η ιδέα και η ιστορία κια αυτή τη βρήκα πολύ έξυπη και πρωτότυπη.Στο χώρο του φανταστικού είναι δύσκολο πλέον να βρεί κανείς ια καινούργια ιδέα, ο Baccalario όμως πλάθει ια πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα περιπέτεια,η οποιά αν και έχει κάποια κλισέ, συνεχίζει να είναι αυθεντική και φρέσκια.Ο συγγραφέας μ ε οδηγό τη φαντασία του και μόνο αποδεικνύει πως μπορεί ακόμη και μετά τη μεγάλη αναπαραγωγή του είδους να δημιουργηθεί κάτι εξίσσου απολαυστικό και πρωτότυπο!
Το emporium είναι ένα μυθιστόρημα φαντασίας που σίγουρα θα γοητεύσει τους νεαρούς ααγνώστες αλλά δεν νομίζω ότι θα καταφέρει να κερδίσει πλήρως το ενήλικο κοινό που θα παά την πρωτότυπη ιστορία θα βρεί γενικά την ιστορία αρκετά αφελή και παιδιάστικη.Εγώ πάντως πέρασα αρκετά ευχάριστα διαβάζοντας το και θα ήθελα στο μέλλον να συνεχίσω με τα επόμενα της σειράς.

[LaCitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romanzo molto carino e divertente, pieno di avventure, che introduce la serie della Bottega Battibaleno tra maghi, scritte in caratteri misteriosi che si trasformano, giganti redivivi e leggende scozzesi.
E' una lettura di puro intrattenimento, non aspettatevi grandi riflessioni, ma è davvero piacevole e credo che ne leggerò il seguito.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I get too immersed with this review, I want to ask one teeny tiny thing. Am I allowed to squeal? *looks around* Anyone objecting to that? No one? Ok, then. Please excuse me for a moment...



Ahem! Enough of that - for now. Let's get started, shall we?

Suitcase of Stars. A book full of cleverly hidden, humoristic jabs, of solving riddles, of providing a "bridge" - if you wish - between fairy tales and what we believe to be reality. In other words, a book that is quite typical of Pierdomenico Baccalario. It tells us the story of how Finley McPhee, a smart but academically uninterested boy living in a seemingly boring Scottish village - where nothing beyond the ordinary ever happens- meets and befriends Aiby Lily, the mysterious new girl in the village. Her and her father are the new owners to the Enchanted Emporium, a shop specializing in magical objects. But the Lilies are not the only newcomers to Applecross - danger seems to have followed them, a danger that is set to either destroy them, or make sure they don't open their shop successfully. Will Finley and his new friend make it out of this mess alive? Or will Aiby's secrets become enough of a burden to keep that from happening? Guess life in Applecross is about to become a whole less dull!

Reading this book proved to be an unforgettable experience. I've seen many stories of this genre, some with themes much more unique. And yet, Mr. Baccalario always manages to make me squirm in my seat with a desperate hunger for more! I should have known why that is by the 2nd book of his Ulysses Moore series, but I guess, when I'm excited about something, logic flees at the fastest pace possible. It took me almost half of this book to finally understand. Baccalario has a certain way to tell his stories. He starts out slow - that's an understatement, scratch that and make it extremely slow - and keeps it that way till you reach the final third of the book or so. He makes you keep turning the pages with his light and funny storytelling, and then grabs your ear and tugs you to the finish line - where he proceeds to throw you off the cliff behind the treacherous bush labeled as "The End", and leaves you hanging there. Meanwhile, he holds a stick with the promise for the next book tied to its end, dangling it in front of you to give you enough motivation in order to climb back up - though he's likely to push you again, but, by that moment, you couldn't care less, as long as he keeps "feeding you" with his amazing imagination and flow of words.



I am torn between cursing him for making yet another story that has me hooked and impatient and in a "oh-my-God-when-is-the-next-book-coming-out" state, and thanking him for making the time and obsession reading this actually caused so much worth it. Characters that are not always what they seem ( though I admit I had my suspicions about Meb ). Dialogues that always make sense and never bore us, no matter how much info one character dumps on another in some of them. A steady, solid plotline with no gaps and holes. And a writer who knows how to show and not just tell his story. Take all these, add the wonderful sceneries, legends and humoristic comebacks, along with Iacopo Bruno's always helpful and cute illustrations, and you have a real page-turner that promises the best of times and adventures, should you decide to pick it up.

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/

[Geneviève · Rating 4 out of 5]

Une très belle découverte, je me réjouis de lire la suite.
Outre l'histoire, le livre est un très bel ouvrage dont on prend plaisir à tourner les pages.

[Clarabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un rythme assez lent pour distiller le suspense, un jeune héros sympathique, une intrigue bien ficelée autour de vieilles légendes et des secrets enfouis, un esthétisme fabuleux et très soigné. Une belle invitation à découvrir un univers étrange et magique !

[Mati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krótka, intrygująca historia od ukochanego autora 🥰 (re-read)

[Mladoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finley, jeune garçon turbulent et peu enclin à suivre les cours, livre un jour une lettre à la jeune Aiby Lily. S'ensuivent une série d'aventures autour de la réouverture de la boutique vif-argent.
J'ai beaucoup aimé suivre ce personnage qui évolue et s'étoffe au fil des pages, me fondre avec lui dans cet univers à la fois familier et mystérieux, découvrir les inventions et les objets notamment au travers des sublimes planches illustrées tirées du GLOM (Grand Livre des Objets Magiques). Dans un style à la fois simple et parfois élaboré sur certains passages, l'auteur nous emmène dans les rues et les alentours de cette petite ville maritime du Nord de l'Ecosse, vie quelque peu chamboulée par l'arrivée de la famille Lily. Une très belle lecture jeunesse servie d'un soupçon de mécanique, de magie et d'aventure, accompagnée de personnages attachants. Un premier tome qui donne envie d'aller découvrir les suivants.

[afks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do połowy nic się nie dzieje, a jak już zaczyna się dziać to jest to bardzo, bardzo chaotyczne. W drugiej połowie jest naprawdę dużo pomysłów, które można było zrobić je tak o wiele lepiej gdyby działo się to wolniej i gdyby książka była dłuższa. Straaaasznie zmarnowany potencjał, wielka szkoda.

[Mag · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'ai été complètement enchantée par l'écriture et le décor de ce petit village en Ecosse un peu hors du temps. L'intrigue m'a happée au début. Et puis après c'est retombé comme un soufflet et j'ai dû lutter pour aller au bout, vraiment dommage. Il a manqué du rythme.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down! Wholesome fun in the world of fantasy. Magical objects and brave characters!

[Genna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure some kid at a bonfire told me that this was the best series ever and that I HAD to read it and I, feeling magnanimous, took my phone out and requested it from the library right then and there.

It is exactly the sort of thing I would have read when I was that kid's age, but I am not that kid's age now and it's hard to say for sure, one way or another, if I would have loved it as much as he did were I his age still.

Full disclosure: Despite my best attempts to the contrary, I am now officially, and have been for some time, a Grown Up, and it's impossible to read a kid's book without filtering it through the eyes of a Grown Up, and for this I am sorry, so let me tell you first that this kid at the bonfire ADORES this series and adores it enough to use the main character in a game of 20 questions AND to heartily recommend the book to a random adult who's friends with his uncle. In choosing a book for a kid, I suggest following that bonfire kid's opinion over mine.

Mine, though, was that it was too scattered to be satisfying. Perhaps it's because it was written with the intention of being the first in a long series, but it felt like an introduction rather than a book. I wanted... I wanted Bruce Coville's magic shop, which hints at things you'll never hear about beyond the hints but focuses mainly on a single thing, but this book has TONS of magical items that are all whisked out right in the nick of time, like there was a deus ex machina that couldn't stop tinkering. I was annoyed that the girl was just soooooooooooooooooo pretty and magic but, for some reason, didn't actually DO much. I was annoyed that the main kid didn't really play to his strengths as a person but instead won out because HE was somehow sparkly special. I wanted more depth to the characters. I've already mentioned Bruce Coville, but E. Nesbitt, Zilpha Keatley Snyder and Susan Cooper managed it a bit better.

But that, then, returns us to the eternal quandary. I was a kid when I read those books and I adored them. If I read them for the first time now, would I quibble as much with them as I am with this one? And if I read this one for the first time then, would I adore it as much as I do those?

This is not to say I didn't like things. The riddles were fun (I only figured out one of them). Bits made me laugh. I just want more depth.

I will say, also, that when I finished I thought "But why the he[ck] was it called "Suitcase of Stars"? There were a ton of gadgets but no suitcase of stars..." and then, a moment later, realized there HAD been, mentioned very briefly in passing, and now I am curious about the next book and if the suitcase is going to be important. Well played.

But, again, all that said, I am, alas, a Grown Up now, so the bonfire kid's opinion weighs far more heavily than mine, and he loved it.

[Erikka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received the English translation e-galley for this book, entitled "Enchanted Emporium: Suitcase of Stars."

I thought this book was cute. It wasn't the greatest book, but it was still pretty cute. Finley is a young Scottish boy who comes across a strange girl and her enchanted home while delivering mail. They go through some wacky adventures together, usually involving some of the magic items from the Enchanted Emporium that her family runs.

This book was translated from Italian, so some of the language issues and awkwardness might be attributed to that. And possibly the incredibly odd title that has nothing to do with the book, since the star-covered suitcase is only mentioned in one sentence with no connection to the rest of the plot.

The story was pretty good, albeit predictable probably even for the 3rd-4th graders this is intended for. The characters were fun, although they could have been developed more. Maybe I haven't read enough books for this age group, because it seems like every book I've read for kids this age has underdeveloped character and plot. Sue me, I work with teens, and they like development. Maybe it doesn't matter as much to little kids, but it seems like we should be nurturing a respect for plot, character, and world development from a younger age. When I finish a book and can't picture the main characters, that's a problem. Or when characters are introduced that have no purpose other than to be there.

I also wonder if the book would have been better with pictures. I think it had images, but my e-galley had gray boxes scattered throughout. Maybe books for this age group rely on images to describe the characters rather than words? Not sure, not my typical area of expertise.

All together not a terrible book though, and I think kids who are into fantasy would enjoy it. And it appears to be the start of a series, so that's also a plus for kids in this age group.

[Chicco Padovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scozia, villaggio di Applecross, oggigiorno.
Il giovane Finley McPhee non ama andare a scuola, e infatti la frequenta davvero di rado. La preside Rozenkratz non è affatto contenta: «Questo ragazzo s’ha da bocciare.» Papà McPhee, nel tentativo di raddrizzare il figlio, ordina un impiego estivo. E così Finley si ritrova postino per caso, proprio quando in paese si sta per inaugurare un misterioso emporio delle meraviglie…

Suitcase of stars, pubblicato in Italia da Piemme con il titolo Una valigia di stelle, è il secondo libro di Baccalario che leggo e conferma l’idea che mi ero fatto su di lui. Scrittura impeccabile, storie di grande intrattenimento, ma manca qualcosa. È chiaro che l’autore è un fuoriclasse nel suo genere. Sa perfettamente cosa funziona nella letteratura per ragazzi e si muove all’interno di essa con estrema disinvoltura. Questa professionalità, tuttavia, è a mio avviso la sua cifra, ma anche il suo limite. È tutto troppo studiato per piacere al pubblico di riferimento. In Suitcase of stars, inoltre, la lettura lascia un senso di incompiutezza. Dov’è questo emporio delle meraviglie di cui si parla dall’inizio alla fine? Devo comprare il secondo libro per avere una storia soddisfacente nel primo? Perché in questo volume, messe da parte le numerose trovate e qualche citazione, rimane davvero poco. Oh, il libro piacerà moltissimo ai piccoli lettori. Le illustrazioni di Iacopo Bruno, peraltro, sono splendide. E come ho detto, Baccalario scrive benissimo. Mi chiedo, però, cosa riuscirebbe a fare liberandosi di tutti i suoi paletti. Ci sono autori che con una storia fantastica sanno a raccontare ben altro.

My rating 3.5/5

[AnnaRs · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8*
A start to a new adventure 😁

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how you write a first book in the series! Mr. Baccalario is very good at world building. And he's quite a tease, too.

This is a story of Finley McPhee, who skipped one class too many at school and was forced to act as the town mailman for the summer. But that only lead to the discovery of the Enchanted Emporium - a store that sells and repairs all magical objects in the world - and Aiby, the owner's daughter. The store is about to open, but it's missing some key components, and Finley is perhaps just the man for the job.

Great story! Very smooth and fun and exciting and I want to find out more about the mysterious owner, Mr Lily, his daughter of course, and their enigmatic customers. There was plenty of fairy tale adventure in this book, and I am excited to explore this world in the books to come. There are tantalizing questions that I can't wait to have answered. Fair warning: Baccalario is a tease.

One star off for the unclear story of the Dutchman and the lack of character development for Meb, the town dressmaker, who played a bigger role than expected. Hopefully this will all be fixed in subsequent books.

-I got a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review-

[Paula Lett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different kind of story that I really enjoyed. Very quick read and fun also.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorei este livro pois fala sobre livros e ao mesmo tempo apresenta ao mesmo tempo uma aventura

[Julie Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finley is taking yet another day off school, because, really, who needs school anyway? He'd much rather be down at his favorite fishing spot, which is exactly where he is. He goes home when school lets out, thinking he's in the clear, but his principal is there, and his parents are not happy. Turns out he's missed so much school that he's flunked the grade and will have to repeat it, and his parents are fuming. His dad tells him he's going to spend the summer working, not laying about at home enjoying his summer vacation, and takes him into town. Finley tries out a couple of jobs, but keeps getting "let go", when he finally finds a job he can keep - he's the fill in for his local postman, who has hurt his ankle. It's while he's delivering mail that he discovers the Enchanted Emporium, a store full of magical items.

I liked that we got a lot of information on Finley, his life, and his town before they started in with the Emporium. It really gives you a feel for who Finley is. This also lulls you into a false sense of security before the action starts, and the whole tone of the book shifts to a darker hue. The pace definitely picks up at that point.

I enjoyed this book because of the quick pace and the likeable characters. The setting was described very well. I really got a feel for the craggy coastline of Scotland and liked that I was able to picture it as I read.

The book was recommended for ages 9 to 13, and I think that's pretty accurate. I think it would appeal to both girls and boys as well.

In summary, I enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it..

5/5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Francesca Chiara Poggioli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una valigia di stelle - Pierdomenico Baccalario ( Il battello a vapore - editrice Piemme )

Trovo sia una bellissima apertura per una saga di fantasia rivolta ai ragazzi dagli 8-9 anni... fino all’infinito.
Intelligente nella creazione del background e della trama. Invitante nella capacità di presentare personaggi accattivanti e renderne le emozioni. Per chi come me ama le ambientazioni selvagge e arcane della Scozia, il setting non può che essere il valore aggiunto. Aprendosi però a tante altre culture - attraverso l’elemento della Bottega che raccoglie, ripara e soprattutto protegge gli strumenti magici più famosi - può diventare anche un testo di lettura condivisa nella scuola primaria, un punto di partenza dal quale muoversi a esplorare insieme ai ragazzi tante leggende, mettendo in campo altre discipline. Cercherò sicuramente gli altri libri della saga e in generale i libri di questo autore e di questo bravissimo illustratore.

[Lidya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Baccalario's description as much as I love Zafon's. I guess European Authors have this detailed and beautiful way of describing things. I predicted that Baccalario was a roleplayer (and indeed he was, even though I am not sure a written or stage rolpelayer). Because he has this fondness about natural flow of writing. His descriptions about Ireland and Irish' Legends & Myths are flawless. I really enjoyed the first half of the book.

Unfortunately, the title of the book is an item that haven't been used properly as a key item. Unlike Deathly Hallows that used as center pieces in Harry Potter's Saga, this particular Suitcase of Stars weren't explained properly the whereabouts after the climax happened. So I thought the title should have been something else.

Bruno's meticulous illustrations supported the stories in the best way possible. The technical-blueprint-style is so well-fitted to be used in magical, automaton themed books. This was a pleasant surprise indeed.

[eris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Suitcase of Stars has been an incredibly confusing book for me to rate at first. I've never accounted for it to be greater than four stars, but never lower than three stars either.

This book unravels firsthand by introducing the main lead, which by the way wasn't exactly eye-catching, even though it's a middle-grade fiction. The sypnosis caught me somehow very intrigued with this book, expecting to see the same plot play out. However, the first few chapters seemed to drag and it became harder to stay focused without taking a few pauses - not in a 'I was too stunned' kind of way.

The plot has a mix of every little storybooks from childhood; it felt nostalgic, however, I wished the first few chapters were good or intriguing, but it kind of left an impression of filling up a void, just for the sake of it. The animations make up for the lack of creative writing in fantasy.

[Books Lucy King · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I expected something completely different but no matter what it turned out to be a nice story, not perfect, not 5 stars, but nice. It took me a while to get into the book as in the beggining everything was confusing and not much happened, I did not know what to think about it but in the end it turned out to be pretty interesting and the second half of the book I did not put it down until I finished it, but still it could be more detailed, the actual magical objects could make a bigger appearance.

[Martina Sanjaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Enchanting, as expected. A different world, yet happened in the very ordinary corner of the world. Short work, interesting all the way, but as the author'd written the first book of the Century series, it was mostly still dark. A bit too dark, for my taste. Barely enough to support a complete story. Thus the half star minus.
What surprised me was the naive way it ended; how the people in the vicinity just receive the existence of a magic shop in their middle with just mild curiosity and knowing smile. Too good to be true (or am I being too cynical?)

[Christine Turner]

BOOK BUNDLE DEC 2020

Series Title: Enchanted Emporium ;
Series Vol.: 1

Have you heard of Cinderella's glass slipper? What about Sinbad the Sailor's Flying Carpet? In this world, there are many magical items -- but only one place where they're safe: the Enchanted Emporium. For centuries, seven families have competed for ownership of the Emporium -- and some of them are willing to do whatever it takes to get their hands on the powerful items housed within. Only Aiby Lily and her friend, Finley, have what it takes to stop the Emporium from falling into the wrong hands.

[Sharen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book in the library quite by accident…..But, I’m very glad I did. This is a middle school age kid’s book which happened to be in the wrong section of the library. But, I guess it was there for me to find, because I quite enjoyed it. There are riddles, magick, heroic kids, secrets, messages in bottles, and just an all around good book. Curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and give it a try….or give it to a middle schooler to enjoy.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of my sixth graders have absolutely loved this book and continued to read the whole series, but I was not impressed. I think I prefer books that give me the opportunity to make inferences and predictions about what's going to happen. Each event that happened in this book felt rather random to me.

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part was when Finley managed to come up with three riddles he knew the answers to and the giant couldn't figure out, so that the giant would go home. My least favorite part was when the giant was going to destroy the enchanted emporium. The only problem I think I had with this book was how long it took to get to anything at all exciting.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

This book was... a book. Quick little story about a 13 year old who uses terms like homeric hero but missed so much school he has to repeat a grade, doesn't like reading just skips school to fish... yeah... just sorta an ok book I think I have the second one I might read but I'm not keeping this