What do you think?
Rate this book
The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol
Beryl and Carol are twelve-year-old best friends living in England in 1997. They love their river and their beautiful little town. But there is a real threat that they will soon be separated. Worse, they are constantly tormented by bullies, and one day they are cornered with no way out. To evade the bullies, they escape into the nearby Forbidden Forest, where their terrifying, exhilarating, and noble adventure begins.
PenCraft Book Winter Awards Winner for Children/Preteen (2024)
PenCraft Book Winter Awards Winner for Children/Preteen (2024)
Hardcover
First published December 1, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 2, 2023
A Mesmerizing Children Adventure
The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol is a story of the transformation of two twelve-year-old girls from being bullied to becoming heroines. When chased by bullies in their small town in England, the two friends enter the Forbidden Forest after reaching a dead end on the path and begin an adventure that will change not only their lives but the world around them.
The story has strong emotional moments, surprising turns, and an adventure that keeps readers turning the pages.
A missive from Carol's father constitutes a poem that is filled with wisdom and one that parents can pass on to their children. In the midst of crisis and uncertainty and even faced with losing their home, he writes:
"Every act of strength leads to another act of strength
Every act of weakness leads to another act of weakness
Courage begets courage
Fear begets fear....
Once decided, don't look back
Move on. Gateways will open.
At all times
The universe is unfolding as it should."
This is a wonderful story with characters that offer interesting companions on the road. I loved watching Carol and Beryl grow from one challenge to another, building strength and hope and discovering their mission as they move forward.
The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol is a story of the transformation of two twelve-year-old girls from being bullied to becoming heroines. When chased by bullies in their small town in England, the two friends enter the Forbidden Forest after reaching a dead end on the path and begin an adventure that will change not only their lives but the world around them.
The story has strong emotional moments, surprising turns, and an adventure that keeps readers turning the pages.
A missive from Carol's father constitutes a poem that is filled with wisdom and one that parents can pass on to their children. In the midst of crisis and uncertainty and even faced with losing their home, he writes:
"Every act of strength leads to another act of strength
Every act of weakness leads to another act of weakness
Courage begets courage
Fear begets fear....
Once decided, don't look back
Move on. Gateways will open.
At all times
The universe is unfolding as it should."
This is a wonderful story with characters that offer interesting companions on the road. I loved watching Carol and Beryl grow from one challenge to another, building strength and hope and discovering their mission as they move forward.
May 2, 2023
fun adventure
Age range 11+
I like it a lot. It’s about two girls who spend their summer exploring and discovering that there’s a treasure that they’re determined to find.
The book gave me Candleshoe vibes.
Age range 11+
I like it a lot. It’s about two girls who spend their summer exploring and discovering that there’s a treasure that they’re determined to find.
The book gave me Candleshoe vibes.
April 9, 2024
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
9th April 2024
TITLE: The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol
AUTHOR: Jeremy Sherr
Star Rating: 4
‘An exciting adventure for middle graders with two ‘fun to root for’ protagonists. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this ‘classic’ feeling adventure novel from the pen of talented writer Jeremy Sherr. With short chapters and an accessible writing style and vocabulary, this is a FAB story for middle graders. As I was reading it, I was reminded of the magical C S Lewis novels and even the innocent-feeling Enid Blyton, so I suspect many grandparents and parents would be delighted to see children absorbed in Beryl and Carol’s exciting adventure.
It all begins with the two protagonists being hunted by a gang of kids. With nowhere left to run, they end up in the Forbidden Forest (very Harry Potter) and from there the adventure begins. With fast pacing and two children protagonists I suspect most kids will relate to (and enjoy rooting for), this coming-of-age tale is a must for young chapter book readers. There’s a little humour, a twisting plot and plenty of speech – which, as we all know, kids love.
So, what needs work? To be honest, not a lot. The second third of the book is a tiny bit slow and, although the reader gets to know the two girls very, VERY well, the secondary characters often felt a little shallow. But, apart from that, it’s strongly plotted with a wonderful feel good ending. But, best of all, it’s the ’classic’ feel to the story which I most enjoyed. Parents, I think, can buy this book for any 8 – 12 year old and know the young reader is in safe hands.
All in all, a bit of a gem!
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
9th April 2024
TITLE: The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol
AUTHOR: Jeremy Sherr
Star Rating: 4
‘An exciting adventure for middle graders with two ‘fun to root for’ protagonists. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I very much enjoyed this ‘classic’ feeling adventure novel from the pen of talented writer Jeremy Sherr. With short chapters and an accessible writing style and vocabulary, this is a FAB story for middle graders. As I was reading it, I was reminded of the magical C S Lewis novels and even the innocent-feeling Enid Blyton, so I suspect many grandparents and parents would be delighted to see children absorbed in Beryl and Carol’s exciting adventure.
It all begins with the two protagonists being hunted by a gang of kids. With nowhere left to run, they end up in the Forbidden Forest (very Harry Potter) and from there the adventure begins. With fast pacing and two children protagonists I suspect most kids will relate to (and enjoy rooting for), this coming-of-age tale is a must for young chapter book readers. There’s a little humour, a twisting plot and plenty of speech – which, as we all know, kids love.
So, what needs work? To be honest, not a lot. The second third of the book is a tiny bit slow and, although the reader gets to know the two girls very, VERY well, the secondary characters often felt a little shallow. But, apart from that, it’s strongly plotted with a wonderful feel good ending. But, best of all, it’s the ’classic’ feel to the story which I most enjoyed. Parents, I think, can buy this book for any 8 – 12 year old and know the young reader is in safe hands.
All in all, a bit of a gem!
‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
July 29, 2026
One of the pleasures of reading middle-grade fiction is discovering stories that respect young readers enough to let them experience real danger, real choices, and meaningful growth.
The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol does exactly that.
Jeremy Sherr gives us two wonderfully believable friends whose relationship feels authentic from the very first chapter. Beryl is adventurous and impulsive; Carol is thoughtful and cautious. Together they balance each other perfectly, and their friendship becomes the emotional anchor for everything that follows.
The novel unfolds as both an adventure and a coming-of-age story. Hidden clearings, mysterious clues, treasure hunts, wilderness survival, and dangerous encounters provide plenty of excitement, but the deeper story is about learning that courage grows one decision at a time.
I especially appreciated that the girls don't suddenly become fearless. They remain scared throughout much of the story, yet continue doing what needs to be done anyway.
The novel is longer than many contemporary middle-grade books, giving readers time to truly settle into its world. Young readers who enjoy immersive adventures and families who appreciate stories celebrating friendship, perseverance, and integrity should find this a rewarding read.
A thoughtful and engaging adventure that earns its heart honestly.
The Noble Adventures of Beryl and Carol does exactly that.
Jeremy Sherr gives us two wonderfully believable friends whose relationship feels authentic from the very first chapter. Beryl is adventurous and impulsive; Carol is thoughtful and cautious. Together they balance each other perfectly, and their friendship becomes the emotional anchor for everything that follows.
The novel unfolds as both an adventure and a coming-of-age story. Hidden clearings, mysterious clues, treasure hunts, wilderness survival, and dangerous encounters provide plenty of excitement, but the deeper story is about learning that courage grows one decision at a time.
I especially appreciated that the girls don't suddenly become fearless. They remain scared throughout much of the story, yet continue doing what needs to be done anyway.
The novel is longer than many contemporary middle-grade books, giving readers time to truly settle into its world. Young readers who enjoy immersive adventures and families who appreciate stories celebrating friendship, perseverance, and integrity should find this a rewarding read.
A thoughtful and engaging adventure that earns its heart honestly.
April 12, 2023
This book is filled with details that intrigue me. I have fond memories of the 1980s and 1990s so the atmospheric prose of this time period works for me and the story delights me with nostalgia and its valuable lessons of enthusiasm for life.
This book speaks of many things we deal with in youth. We start with Beryl and Carol's escapades on their romp through the spectacular natural world.
The mention of escaping The High-Street Gang bullies and rookies and money-making schemes caught my attention.
Many open spaces were explored.
I enjoyed their walk along the river and the listing of flowers and could imagine the scents of the woods and the secret garden.
The names the girls teased each other with amused me as I recalled a time my friends and I formed a secret pact and made up words that only a few of us knew.
The story is really quite magnificent. It is filled with juxtapositions of Human nature - friendships and separations and makes one think about the beneficial and hazardous paths of life.
I received a copy of this book from the author
This book speaks of many things we deal with in youth. We start with Beryl and Carol's escapades on their romp through the spectacular natural world.
The mention of escaping The High-Street Gang bullies and rookies and money-making schemes caught my attention.
Many open spaces were explored.
I enjoyed their walk along the river and the listing of flowers and could imagine the scents of the woods and the secret garden.
The names the girls teased each other with amused me as I recalled a time my friends and I formed a secret pact and made up words that only a few of us knew.
The story is really quite magnificent. It is filled with juxtapositions of Human nature - friendships and separations and makes one think about the beneficial and hazardous paths of life.
I received a copy of this book from the author
July 20, 2023
Beautifully written adventures of two girls who triumph over bullies, old mysteries and poverty. Their challenges inspire one to be as enterprising in our own lives ! Love the references throughout to science and homeopathy, in particular the Queen’s quote “ todays magic is tomorrows science”
All ages will be entertained and inspired to think outside the box and find their own treasure in life.
All ages will be entertained and inspired to think outside the box and find their own treasure in life.
January 22, 2023
Excellent for youth and young adults
An engaging, page-turning fun read.
Many life-lessons are visited.
Homeopathy, in good light, is mentioned several times.
Another sockdolager from Mr. Sherr!
An engaging, page-turning fun read.
Many life-lessons are visited.
Homeopathy, in good light, is mentioned several times.
Another sockdolager from Mr. Sherr!
December 31, 2025
I was so disappointed to reach the halfway point and have the girls encounter someone abusing alcohol, then seeing a drug house, as well as the mention of the different pills one friend was giving another. Huge content considerations for young children.
April 25, 2023
Wonderful, heartwarming tale of friendship, adversity and adventure.
June 4, 2023
I love the story and how they put homeopathy in there Jeremy sherr should totally make more books about this concept more I love this concept and how they threw the Queen in there.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews