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Trunk No. 3
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26From the New York Times-bestselling author of Olivetti, here is the story of a magical—and lifechanging—correspondence.
Trunk No. 3, a worn, wrinkled suitcase with a secret, was perfectly fine with staying closed forever. Until she’s stolen by a despondent boy with plans to run away. When a strange note appears in the trunk, however, an accidental correspondence begins to throw everything off course—and toward something, someone, entirely unexpected.
Eleven-year-old Earl Grey has been raised at the Repertorium—a rare library that holds once-forgotten items, each with a tangible memory tied to their very being. She longs to discover life outside of the library, and to find answers about her Before. Little does Earl Grey know that the mysterious pen pal she starts writing to will lead to a life-changing friendship and the unraveling truth of her past.
New York Times-bestselling author Allie Millington weaves together a poignant, uniquely delivered story about connection, worth, and seeing more in the seemingly ordinary—including ourselves.
Trunk No. 3, a worn, wrinkled suitcase with a secret, was perfectly fine with staying closed forever. Until she’s stolen by a despondent boy with plans to run away. When a strange note appears in the trunk, however, an accidental correspondence begins to throw everything off course—and toward something, someone, entirely unexpected.
Eleven-year-old Earl Grey has been raised at the Repertorium—a rare library that holds once-forgotten items, each with a tangible memory tied to their very being. She longs to discover life outside of the library, and to find answers about her Before. Little does Earl Grey know that the mysterious pen pal she starts writing to will lead to a life-changing friendship and the unraveling truth of her past.
New York Times-bestselling author Allie Millington weaves together a poignant, uniquely delivered story about connection, worth, and seeing more in the seemingly ordinary—including ourselves.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 20, 2026
About the author
Allie Millington
10 books268 followersAllie first wrote her debut novel, OLIVETTI, on her own antique typewriter--who turned out to have an awful lot to say. She lives with her husband, their dog Crumpet, and a collection of clacking machines. You can find her on instagram (@allieinink) or possibly in her pillow fort.
Allie's second Middle Grade novel, ONCE FOR YES, releases with Macmillan Publishers in 2025. She has two picture books that will quickly follow, WHEN YOU FIND A HOPE and WHEN YOU FIND A QUESTION (Hachette Book Group).
Allie's second Middle Grade novel, ONCE FOR YES, releases with Macmillan Publishers in 2025. She has two picture books that will quickly follow, WHEN YOU FIND A HOPE and WHEN YOU FIND A QUESTION (Hachette Book Group).
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What worked:
The first thing readers will appreciate is the author’s masterful ability to tell a story. They can feel the desperate emotions of Earl Grey and Cleo as they try to find their places in the world. Earl loves living with Oswald, but she longs to know who she belonged with Before Oswald. Cleo believes he is a failure, so he wants to run away. No one will miss him. The narrator explains, “And sometimes, you started breaking rules when you started breaking inside too.” An old, battered trunk is the center of attention, and it supplies footnotes with explanations from its point of view. It had to say something when Cleo commented that it smelled “… like bad breath that had been held in for too long.”
Oswald and his deceased wife used to mine for memories, and his Repertorium contains objects holding strong, emotional experiences. “It’s like the expression of walking a mile in another person’s shoes.” Guests can touch the items and experience moments that leave them feeling thrilled, curious, or surprised. Oswald’s never shown Earl how to mine, but she discovers that she gets visions and emotions just from touching other people. This ability will have readers wondering more about Earl and where she came from. How can her ability be explained?
It turns out, there’s more than one trunk. Cleo steals Trunk No. 3 from Earl, but he doesn’t realize how his theft will bring them together. Earl finds another trunk, Trunk No. 2, and the two characters discover the trunks are “magically” connected. Earl’s bunny climbs in her trunk, and the lid closes, and it immediately appears in Cleo’s trunk. This begins their “pen pal” correspondence, even though they’re unaware of each other’s identity. Readers will anticipate the moment they figure out their paths have already crossed. Also, readers may wonder if there’s a Trunk No. 1.
What didn’t work as well:
Earl seems to have a better handle on the whole situation than is believable. She’s struggling to learn about her past, but she somehow manages to offer Cleo sage advice about his situation. The eloquence of her messages to him seemed more mature than her character should have been.
The final verdict:
The book shares a tender, budding friendship between two characters who are trying to understand their places in the world. I recommend that middle-grade readers try it for themselves.
The first thing readers will appreciate is the author’s masterful ability to tell a story. They can feel the desperate emotions of Earl Grey and Cleo as they try to find their places in the world. Earl loves living with Oswald, but she longs to know who she belonged with Before Oswald. Cleo believes he is a failure, so he wants to run away. No one will miss him. The narrator explains, “And sometimes, you started breaking rules when you started breaking inside too.” An old, battered trunk is the center of attention, and it supplies footnotes with explanations from its point of view. It had to say something when Cleo commented that it smelled “… like bad breath that had been held in for too long.”
Oswald and his deceased wife used to mine for memories, and his Repertorium contains objects holding strong, emotional experiences. “It’s like the expression of walking a mile in another person’s shoes.” Guests can touch the items and experience moments that leave them feeling thrilled, curious, or surprised. Oswald’s never shown Earl how to mine, but she discovers that she gets visions and emotions just from touching other people. This ability will have readers wondering more about Earl and where she came from. How can her ability be explained?
It turns out, there’s more than one trunk. Cleo steals Trunk No. 3 from Earl, but he doesn’t realize how his theft will bring them together. Earl finds another trunk, Trunk No. 2, and the two characters discover the trunks are “magically” connected. Earl’s bunny climbs in her trunk, and the lid closes, and it immediately appears in Cleo’s trunk. This begins their “pen pal” correspondence, even though they’re unaware of each other’s identity. Readers will anticipate the moment they figure out their paths have already crossed. Also, readers may wonder if there’s a Trunk No. 1.
What didn’t work as well:
Earl seems to have a better handle on the whole situation than is believable. She’s struggling to learn about her past, but she somehow manages to offer Cleo sage advice about his situation. The eloquence of her messages to him seemed more mature than her character should have been.
The final verdict:
The book shares a tender, budding friendship between two characters who are trying to understand their places in the world. I recommend that middle-grade readers try it for themselves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Trunk No. 3 | Allie Millington
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
✨Ratings✨
Plot 3/5
Setting 3/5
Characters 3/5
Writing 4/5
I had so much fun getting to read this book! The plot is super creative. Basically, a girl lives in a museum-of-sorts that houses a collection of objects. When touched, theses objects can temporarily draw you into the memories they were a part of. The girl, Earl Grey, is quirky and charming. She lives with her adoptive father and longs to know the secrets of her past.
I loved the idea behind the book and the writing was smooth and enjoyable. I also loved getting to see how the characters developed throughout the story.
What I didn't like so much is the narration style/footnotes. The entire thing is supposedly compiled by the trunk itself. It was an interesting idea, but ultimately didn't really add to the story and made things more clunky. I also felt like Earl Grey's antics were sweet, but sometimes toed the line between cute and cringey. She felt too immature to have some of the deep thoughts/feelings that she did.
✨Final Thoughts✨
Despite this book not being a major favorite of mine, I would definitely recommend it to younger children to check out. Fans of magical realism and wordplay might really enjoy this.
I want to give a huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
✨Ratings✨
Plot 3/5
Setting 3/5
Characters 3/5
Writing 4/5
I had so much fun getting to read this book! The plot is super creative. Basically, a girl lives in a museum-of-sorts that houses a collection of objects. When touched, theses objects can temporarily draw you into the memories they were a part of. The girl, Earl Grey, is quirky and charming. She lives with her adoptive father and longs to know the secrets of her past.
I loved the idea behind the book and the writing was smooth and enjoyable. I also loved getting to see how the characters developed throughout the story.
What I didn't like so much is the narration style/footnotes. The entire thing is supposedly compiled by the trunk itself. It was an interesting idea, but ultimately didn't really add to the story and made things more clunky. I also felt like Earl Grey's antics were sweet, but sometimes toed the line between cute and cringey. She felt too immature to have some of the deep thoughts/feelings that she did.
✨Final Thoughts✨
"𝚂𝚑𝚎'𝚍 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚍 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚐𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚢𝚋𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎'𝚜 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜, 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍."
Despite this book not being a major favorite of mine, I would definitely recommend it to younger children to check out. Fans of magical realism and wordplay might really enjoy this.
I want to give a huge thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Millington continues her middle grade writing trajectory with stories centering inanimate objects as the central characters that showcase the range of human emotion, understanding, and connection.
In this case, a trunk, a piece of luggage, is the narrator and the two human characters (though there are more) are Cleo, a boy whose family has fallen apart, and Earl Grey, a gift with a unique look at life and of course, a curious story to her name. And this luggage connects them both and has a magical quality to preserve and relive memories. The sentimental discussion around memories, remembering people and things, and what the past/present/future look like are the core feature of this elegant middle grade.
I love her addition of the footnotes when Trunk No 3 has things to share outside of the narrative.
"The beginning of what" "Of belonging with each other," she said. They began that night, swapping their sides of the story. It was the perfect day to find a friend, showed up first. It was the perfect day to run away, was sent back. Number 3 received and delivered each sentence, as The Crafter had created her to do, remembering every single word. And as the scribbled parts and pieces passed through her frame, she put them together in proper order. Someone had to make sense of things, you see. You can tell a lot about a person by what they pass through a trunk. But have you ever considered, perhaps, that some stories are meant for a trunk to tell?"
In this case, a trunk, a piece of luggage, is the narrator and the two human characters (though there are more) are Cleo, a boy whose family has fallen apart, and Earl Grey, a gift with a unique look at life and of course, a curious story to her name. And this luggage connects them both and has a magical quality to preserve and relive memories. The sentimental discussion around memories, remembering people and things, and what the past/present/future look like are the core feature of this elegant middle grade.
I love her addition of the footnotes when Trunk No 3 has things to share outside of the narrative.
"The beginning of what" "Of belonging with each other," she said. They began that night, swapping their sides of the story. It was the perfect day to find a friend, showed up first. It was the perfect day to run away, was sent back. Number 3 received and delivered each sentence, as The Crafter had created her to do, remembering every single word. And as the scribbled parts and pieces passed through her frame, she put them together in proper order. Someone had to make sense of things, you see. You can tell a lot about a person by what they pass through a trunk. But have you ever considered, perhaps, that some stories are meant for a trunk to tell?"
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Feiwel and Friends, and Macmillan Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book.
What if the wonderous power of Stephen King's Needful Things brought the community together? What if a Vanishing Cabinet had only good vibes?
I'm a horror reader at heart, but I really enjoyed reading Trunk No. 3 by Allie Millington. We jump right into the story of two children feeling out of place, out of control and very outside the considerations of the adults in their lives. Through this, Trunk No. 3 still perfectly balances the action with the world-building. Reading through any given universe's special rules can sometimes feel like stereo instructions, but with the titular trunk acting as our narrator (complete with cheeky footnotes) the story flows so naturally. And it's so easy to read! It really feels like someone casually telling you a fun story in a cozy living room. I think it uses the ever popular POV switches very smartly. It works really well up against the epistolary elements. I will also always cheer for cleverly named animals and pets.
I would absolutely recommend this one as well Allie's other works - Olivetti and Once For Yes.
What if the wonderous power of Stephen King's Needful Things brought the community together? What if a Vanishing Cabinet had only good vibes?
I'm a horror reader at heart, but I really enjoyed reading Trunk No. 3 by Allie Millington. We jump right into the story of two children feeling out of place, out of control and very outside the considerations of the adults in their lives. Through this, Trunk No. 3 still perfectly balances the action with the world-building. Reading through any given universe's special rules can sometimes feel like stereo instructions, but with the titular trunk acting as our narrator (complete with cheeky footnotes) the story flows so naturally. And it's so easy to read! It really feels like someone casually telling you a fun story in a cozy living room. I think it uses the ever popular POV switches very smartly. It works really well up against the epistolary elements. I will also always cheer for cleverly named animals and pets.
I would absolutely recommend this one as well Allie's other works - Olivetti and Once For Yes.
June 20, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
This is a beautiful story of two children, Earl Gray (love that name) and Cleo, who each feel alone, but are brought together by a magical trunk. As they begin passing letters back and forth through the trunk, their connection and friendship deepens.
What worked really well for me in this book were the deep emotions of both children. You could really feel it coming through from the author. We’ve all felt like we were the only one before, and out of place. This was an easily identifiable emotion that was beautifully written. As well some of the different turns of phrases “Til Soon” being atop that list.
What didn’t work so well for me were the footnotes told by the trunk. I think it would have worked much better to have the thoughts of the trunk be told only through a change of POV, which sometimes happens, but not all the time.
Overall a very touching read that I’m sure most middle grade readers would enjoy and identify with.
This is a beautiful story of two children, Earl Gray (love that name) and Cleo, who each feel alone, but are brought together by a magical trunk. As they begin passing letters back and forth through the trunk, their connection and friendship deepens.
What worked really well for me in this book were the deep emotions of both children. You could really feel it coming through from the author. We’ve all felt like we were the only one before, and out of place. This was an easily identifiable emotion that was beautifully written. As well some of the different turns of phrases “Til Soon” being atop that list.
What didn’t work so well for me were the footnotes told by the trunk. I think it would have worked much better to have the thoughts of the trunk be told only through a change of POV, which sometimes happens, but not all the time.
Overall a very touching read that I’m sure most middle grade readers would enjoy and identify with.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a beautiful story. Beautiful people and beautifully crafted-writing. One of those books that you're a little sad when it ends because you totally get pulled into it.
Which is really interesting because at the beginning of the book I was so confused. If I had not already read Olivetti and Once for Yes, I may have given up on this one. So I'm here to tell you to keep going. It's so worth it.
Readers are going to love meeting the girl named Earl Gray and the boy named Cleo. Their unique personalities and growth throughout the book are just so great.
Throw together a little bit of Rooftoppers and a little bit of Right Back at You and you have a wonderful story of two kids who have not met in person, but are able to help each other with assistance from the magic of Trunk No.3.
Thank you to publisher for offering an advanced copy of this book on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Which is really interesting because at the beginning of the book I was so confused. If I had not already read Olivetti and Once for Yes, I may have given up on this one. So I'm here to tell you to keep going. It's so worth it.
Readers are going to love meeting the girl named Earl Gray and the boy named Cleo. Their unique personalities and growth throughout the book are just so great.
Throw together a little bit of Rooftoppers and a little bit of Right Back at You and you have a wonderful story of two kids who have not met in person, but are able to help each other with assistance from the magic of Trunk No.3.
Thank you to publisher for offering an advanced copy of this book on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Parental Warning: A kid has a secret conversation with someone they can't identify and feels like that person is the only one who understands them.
I wanted so much to love this book. It's whimsical, clever, and speaks to deep truths of life.
I just couldn't get past the premise that felt like a magical equivalent of a grooming conversation.
To be fair, the secret conversation is between two innocent children and the lessons they learn are real and good. The book is written from both perspectives, so the reader never questions who the other conversation partner is.
If your kid reads this book, be sure to teach them that spilling secrets to someone you've never met and don't know who they are is not safe.
I wanted so much to love this book. It's whimsical, clever, and speaks to deep truths of life.
I just couldn't get past the premise that felt like a magical equivalent of a grooming conversation.
To be fair, the secret conversation is between two innocent children and the lessons they learn are real and good. The book is written from both perspectives, so the reader never questions who the other conversation partner is.
If your kid reads this book, be sure to teach them that spilling secrets to someone you've never met and don't know who they are is not safe.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a clever book! That title, book cover and premise drew me in immediately - what couch potato doesn't dream about travelling trunks that can transport messages (and things!) across time and space? Earl Grey and her father Oswald's museum of Memories, and the whole concept of Memory mining was fascinating, This is a sepia-tinged, emotional mystery, at the heart of which is the growing friendship between sheltered Earl Grey and miserable Cleo, guided by the wry, charming and unique voice of Trunk No.3, Young readers and adults alike will be intrigued to discover the hidden secret of Trunk No.3, and the quiet but magical world of Earl Grey and the Repertorium. Keep tissues handy for the ending though!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is an excellent read. I highly recommend it for middle grade readers, teachers, and adults alike.
It follows a girl, named Earl Gray (like the tea) and the adventures she sets out on with her family and new friends. The metaphors throughout likening the girl to the tea are perfect. Earl Gray constantly mixes up common idioms, which is both hilarious and a teaching opportunity for those using this book in the classroom.
This book tackles themes that can be heavy (absent parents, belonging, etc.) with grace that makes it appropriate and relatable for a middle grade audience. Bits of humor, mystery, and cozy adventure throughout make this book a five star for me.
It follows a girl, named Earl Gray (like the tea) and the adventures she sets out on with her family and new friends. The metaphors throughout likening the girl to the tea are perfect. Earl Gray constantly mixes up common idioms, which is both hilarious and a teaching opportunity for those using this book in the classroom.
This book tackles themes that can be heavy (absent parents, belonging, etc.) with grace that makes it appropriate and relatable for a middle grade audience. Bits of humor, mystery, and cozy adventure throughout make this book a five star for me.
March 5, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for allowing me to read the book prior to publication. I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The story centers around a mysterious trunk, Number 3, and the secrets tied to her. I really enjoyed how the mystery slowly unfolded– each clue added another layer and kept me curious about what would happen next. The characters are memorable, and their dynamics add a lot of heart to the story. If you enjoyed The Mirror Visitor Quartet by Christelle Dabos, give this book a try ✨🕯️ 5/5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Two young teens, both searching for answers to their past, meet through a pair of magical trunks. One, Earl Grey, lives in a museum of memories and has an adorably eccentric way of viewing the world. The other, Cleo, is suffering through the fracture of his family and blames himself for his father leaving. Together, they find answers, heal each other, and reinvigorate the adults around them. All of this, within a world where memories can be saved and relived over and over again.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review copied from NetGalley:
Charming! I am betting middle graders would enjoy this more than I did. I liked the twist of having the trunk as a narrator at first, but the footnotes quickly became tiresome. I feel the opposite about the other characters. I was off-put by Early Grey in the beginning, but grew to appreciate her quirkiness. Cleo's self reflection would have been relatable to me as a child (though it is still relatable to me as an adult!). I liked the light magic within the novel and the cover is beautiful!
Charming! I am betting middle graders would enjoy this more than I did. I liked the twist of having the trunk as a narrator at first, but the footnotes quickly became tiresome. I feel the opposite about the other characters. I was off-put by Early Grey in the beginning, but grew to appreciate her quirkiness. Cleo's self reflection would have been relatable to me as a child (though it is still relatable to me as an adult!). I liked the light magic within the novel and the cover is beautiful!
March 6, 2026
Trunk No. 3 by Allie Millington is a sweet, and quietly magical middle-grade story. The idea of a place that stores forgotten immediately pulled me in.
The story explored belonging, identity, and what it means to feel seen. It is a heartfelt look at friendship.
If you enjoy middle-grade books with a touch of magic and a lot of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story explored belonging, identity, and what it means to feel seen. It is a heartfelt look at friendship.
If you enjoy middle-grade books with a touch of magic and a lot of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus.
Somewhat similar to Olivetti and Once for Yes, but has characters and a setting that seem more fairy tale like than the previous two books. The trunk seems to communicate less than the typewriter or apartment building.
I'm not sure how middle school readers will respond to the whimsical names (like Earl Grey for the female main character) and the magic of the Repertorium.
Millington has a singular style, and the covers are great.
Somewhat similar to Olivetti and Once for Yes, but has characters and a setting that seem more fairy tale like than the previous two books. The trunk seems to communicate less than the typewriter or apartment building.
I'm not sure how middle school readers will respond to the whimsical names (like Earl Grey for the female main character) and the magic of the Repertorium.
Millington has a singular style, and the covers are great.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A quirky and delightful middle grade novel with magical elements at its core. The writing style is a bit odd, but it fits the story well. Two lonely pre-teens help each other while gradually uncovering the secrets of the magical properties in their world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the eArc. Sorry, this just didn't engage me enough to finish it. Millington's first book was not a favorite either. When other books kept jumping the line, I gave up. Fans of Olivetti may enjoy this, though.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Great story of an unexpected correspondence and developing friendship between two pen pals, Earl Grey and Cleo. Themes of experiencing the memories contained in personal belongings, and accepting one's circumstances due to change. Interesting and absorbing read.
August 12, 2026
Another Millington masterpiece. Unique storytelling and tons of heart. A story you will think about for a long time. Great for kids, but also great as a family or classroom read together! I absolutely loved it!
Did Not Finish
July 28, 2026I had a hard time focusing on this book. It was boring and not well written. I can’t imagine a kid reading this or enjoying it.
July 31, 2026
Granddaughter will be the true test of this middle school book.
More to come
More to come
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Such a quirky and cute coming-of-age story about friendship — with magic that feels like it belongs!
August 10, 2026
A surprisingly deep and thought provoking tale told from the perspective of two children struggling with loneliness and a lack of sense of belonging, and the magical trick which connects them.
I thought this story was very charming. One of the primary settings for the story is the museum which holds hundreds of objects, each capturing an emotion and memory. Needless to say I found this concept fascinating, I also thought it tied in very well with Earl Grey and her story.
Cleo’s story was touching and sad especially considering that his situation is likely that of many children. I think this could be a particularly meaningful book for children whose parents are getting divorced.
Wonderful and amusing relationship building, with an emphasis on the power of friendship and above all love.
A very very sweet book which made me ugly cry.
Would recommend. I love being surprised at how much I like a book.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this story was very charming. One of the primary settings for the story is the museum which holds hundreds of objects, each capturing an emotion and memory. Needless to say I found this concept fascinating, I also thought it tied in very well with Earl Grey and her story.
Cleo’s story was touching and sad especially considering that his situation is likely that of many children. I think this could be a particularly meaningful book for children whose parents are getting divorced.
Wonderful and amusing relationship building, with an emphasis on the power of friendship and above all love.
A very very sweet book which made me ugly cry.
Would recommend. I love being surprised at how much I like a book.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
What a sweet little book. Super quick read. I love the magical elements in this world and the two main characters trying to find themselves at a really difficult age. They are both struggling with their family and their place in it and together along with Trunk 3 & 2 they have a wonderful adventure that gives them some answers.
I love that we also get to hear from trunk 3 here and there when they want to chime in. Think this is the perfect story for young adults and maybe grown ups will love it too!
What a sweet little book. Super quick read. I love the magical elements in this world and the two main characters trying to find themselves at a really difficult age. They are both struggling with their family and their place in it and together along with Trunk 3 & 2 they have a wonderful adventure that gives them some answers.
I love that we also get to hear from trunk 3 here and there when they want to chime in. Think this is the perfect story for young adults and maybe grown ups will love it too!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⋆｡‧˚ʚ 3.5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Allie Millington for this opportunity!
01:24 ━━♡───── 03:14
If this review was just a standard review I would say “A very delightful cozy book with an excellent concept.” But, as this is a review in which I am supposed to say ‘my honest opinion’ I shall do just that.
𓇢𓆸 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐃
✧ the trunks
✧ the footnotes
✧ earl grey < 3
✧ the memory thing
✧ the ending
𓇢𓆸 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐃𝐍'𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄
✧ the writing or the characters or smth about it
✧ I didn’t realize that the memory thing was legit magical at first
✧ some elements of the characters
𓇢𓆸 𝐕𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐒
✧ letters
✧ words
✧ nostalgia
✧ emotions
✧ friends
✧ tea
𓇢𓆸 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
yeah okay so the concept: 5 stars
the execution: 3.5
I wanted so badly to like this books (esp because of the cover like MAJOR POINTS FOR THE COVER OKAY—) but there was smth wrong with it. I can’t rly pin point it but I just didn’t like it.
1 ) I knew the characters emotions — not because I sow it — but because they told me exactly how they felt.
2 ) These kids were much more in-tune to their ‘emotions’ than I feel a regular 11-12 year old would be.
3 ) There were some moments that felt like “let’s work through our CoMpLeX EmOtIoNs” and this very therapist approach. Emotions are not in control of us and we shouldn’t treat them that way. They are gifts to be ruled over, not ‘accepted’.
overall: The characters felt like a mixed bag; there were some good and some that wasn't my fav.
Now, don’t get me wrong this was just the most wonderful concept and it had a lot of good things, but the execution wasn’t the best in some ways.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ !!! 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 !!! ⊹ ࣪ ˖
none!! it is slightly heavy for like an 8 year old tho
╰┈➤ pre read
ahhh yes allie millington I am so excited yesss
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Allie Millington for this opportunity!
01:24 ━━♡───── 03:14
If this review was just a standard review I would say “A very delightful cozy book with an excellent concept.” But, as this is a review in which I am supposed to say ‘my honest opinion’ I shall do just that.
𓇢𓆸 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄𝐃
✧ the trunks
✧ the footnotes
✧ earl grey < 3
✧ the memory thing
✧ the ending
𓇢𓆸 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐃𝐍'𝐓 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄
✧ the writing or the characters or smth about it
✧ I didn’t realize that the memory thing was legit magical at first
✧ some elements of the characters
𓇢𓆸 𝐕𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐒
✧ letters
✧ words
✧ nostalgia
✧ emotions
✧ friends
✧ tea
𓇢𓆸 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
yeah okay so the concept: 5 stars
the execution: 3.5
I wanted so badly to like this books (esp because of the cover like MAJOR POINTS FOR THE COVER OKAY—) but there was smth wrong with it. I can’t rly pin point it but I just didn’t like it.
1 ) I knew the characters emotions — not because I sow it — but because they told me exactly how they felt.
2 ) These kids were much more in-tune to their ‘emotions’ than I feel a regular 11-12 year old would be.
3 ) There were some moments that felt like “let’s work through our CoMpLeX EmOtIoNs” and this very therapist approach. Emotions are not in control of us and we shouldn’t treat them that way. They are gifts to be ruled over, not ‘accepted’.
overall: The characters felt like a mixed bag; there were some good and some that wasn't my fav.
Now, don’t get me wrong this was just the most wonderful concept and it had a lot of good things, but the execution wasn’t the best in some ways.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ !!! 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 !!! ⊹ ࣪ ˖
none!! it is slightly heavy for like an 8 year old tho
╰┈➤ pre read
ahhh yes allie millington I am so excited yesss
Review of advance copy
Two lonely tweens and a weathered trunk find connection via a magical correspondence.
11-year-old Earl Grey lives with her adoptive father, Oswald, who owns a library for objects that store tangible memories, and longs to make friends and understand why she was abandoned as a baby with nothing but a tea tag tied to her toe. 12-year-old Cleo blames himself for his parents' recent separation and is determined to run away--until Earl Grey's letters mysteriously appear in the trunk that he's stolen, changing their lives--and that of the sentient trunk--forever.
Cozy charm, timeless vibes, and footnotes from a cheeky trunk make this a heartwarming read.
11-year-old Earl Grey lives with her adoptive father, Oswald, who owns a library for objects that store tangible memories, and longs to make friends and understand why she was abandoned as a baby with nothing but a tea tag tied to her toe. 12-year-old Cleo blames himself for his parents' recent separation and is determined to run away--until Earl Grey's letters mysteriously appear in the trunk that he's stolen, changing their lives--and that of the sentient trunk--forever.
Cozy charm, timeless vibes, and footnotes from a cheeky trunk make this a heartwarming read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This magical realism book was special. Told in 3 points of view: Earl Grey, a young girl living in a magical library; Cleo, a young boy who is new to town; and Trunk No. 3, a magical trunk that has a secret of its own. It is definitely a character driven story, with the reader wanting to help our young protagonists and learn the secrets hidden within the book, that will suck in readers who love emotional reads.
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