The Emperor's Ostrich

by Julie Berry, Jayne Entwistle (Narrator)

7 Hours and 15 Minutes

Magic and mayhem abound in this fantasy adventure from the author of The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place.

Young dairymaid Begonia has lost her cow Alfalfa. So she has set off on a search across the countryside even though she has nothing but a magical map to guide her. Along the way she meets a mother and baby, a woodcutter, a very dirty young man, and an eight-foot ostrich.

Meanwhile, the emperor has gone missing from the royal palace in a most mysterious manner. Was it murder? Was it magic? It will take all of Begonia's wits to save the empire and get Alfalfa home safely.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure, Animals, Humor, Fiction, Childrens

Audio CD

First published July 18, 2017

Reviews

[Sara (sarawithoutanH) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! I'm not normally a fan of middle grade but the writing was done in a way that didn't feel dumbed down. The story itself was magical and fun and I loved it. I would highly recommended to anyone who really likes Ella Enchanted.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here it comes, my next little offering, for the young and the young at heart. I wrote this as a love letter to Lloyd Alexander. The idea emerged in a writing workshop conducted with elementary school students in Ashland, Massachusetts. I hope that you and they enjoy it. This middle grade adventure fantasy features a truly strange cast, but every one of them is dear to me. It's fun reading your reviews and thoughts so please do chime in.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun adventure story! Julie calls it her love letter to Lloyd Alexander, and it certainly reminded me of Alexander, but also of Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli films, and a little bit of The Nightingale (the only Hans Christian Anderson story I can tolerate).

But I did more than tolerate this: I loved it! I was really not expecting the twists and turns the story would take, or the fanciful characters, but I adored how they all came together in the end. This book has one of the best jailbreaks in history, and also features the only case of cow-ostrich romance that I can think of! (Hey, before you get all judgy, I dare you to try and tell an angry ostrich that he cannot be with his beloved cow!)

I swear, every one of Julie's books gets even more amazing. Just when you think she's hit the pinnacle of her talent, she finds a new level of awesome, so this book holds the current title of Julie's Best Book.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up thinking it was a graphic novel, which it wasn’t (but do you blame me? That cover screams graphic novel) but wow I am glad I did, because this was fun and absurd and hilarious. Did you watch Mulan and wish the ancestor spirits had a bigger role? Wish there were more Prince and the Pauper style books where a rich person learns to person? Think that what every book needs is a romance between a cow and an ostrich? DO I HAVE THE BOOK FOR YOU.

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a romping great time! Lol I read The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place previously, & loved that so much as well. So it’s clear to me that Julie Berry is going to be another favorite author. Begonia has lost her cow Alfalfa, & her mom sends her off to find her. All she has to guide her on her journey through the countryside is a magical map. She meets a boy named Key, & he joins her against her protests lol Key has my heart. Such a great character. They meet a woman & her baby, a woodcutter, a very dirty man, & an 8 ft ostrich on their adventure. Meanwhile, the emperor has gone missing under mysterious circumstances. It soon befalls Begonia & Key to not only get Alfalfa home, but to save the empire. This is full of the strangest, most kooky characters-& I absolutely loved each & every one of them! There were twists that I loved, & it was such a fast paced adventure. Definitely unique & creative! So funny too! The unlikely “romance” in this had me😆Also, when Song told yet another person-“Here, hold my baby.” I lost it laughing. I loved how everyone was connected in some way & all came together in the end-a full circle. I loved the ending. I loved the ancestors-they also made me laugh quite a bit. I also loved the question Begonia has at the end. Great messages & lessons that many can relate to-when “good” people seem to be punished for being so good, while the “bad” people seem to get rewarded. Loved that part at the end, & the reply to that question. & as always-kindness goes a long way. Plus, love can be found anywhere, by anyone, & between anyone. Friends are also so important, & everyone needs them. Highly recommend this! Such a beautiful cover by Yuta Onoda too!💜

[Alexa (Alexa Loves Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book and I had a shaky start, it wound up being entertaining in the way fairytales are entertaining to me. It's out of this world over the top magical whimsical and fun to read, though it takes a little time to really get going.

[Chantele Sedgwick]

I thought this was going to be super weird. Which it definitely was, but more in like a charming fairy tale kind of way. I really enjoyed the characters and how different the story was. I'll read anything Julie Berry writes. :)

[Aleshanee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinderbücher lese ich ja nicht sehr oft, aber da ich von der Autorin "Lasst uns schweigen wie ein Grab" mit großer Begeisterung gelesen hab, bin ich natürlich auch auf ihre anderen Bücher neugierig geworden.

Auch hier spielt sie viel mit Humor, der aber nicht so schwarz-skurrile Züge hat wie in dem historischen Krimi. Vielmehr ist es eine witzige und liebevolle Abenteuergeschichte mit vielen originellen Ideen und sympathischen Protagonisten!

Zum einen geht es um Begonia. Als ältere Tochter, die immer zuverlässig und pflichtbewusst ist, fällt ihr die meiste Arbeit auf dem Hof zu und deshalb ist sie immer wieder etwas neidisch auf ihre jüngere Schwester. Dennoch hegt sie keine bösen Gedanken, denn sie fühlt sich von "Mummelchen", ihre Mutter, sehr geliebt. Ein kleiner Stachel an Eifersucht bleibt aber dennoch, denn auch Begonia würde gerne mal einfach die Pflicht sausen lassen und nicht immer diejenige sein, die die Verantwortung tragen muss.
Auf ihrem Weg, die entlaufene Kuh Alfalfa wieder einzusammeln, trifft sie Key. Einen jungen, romantischen "Helden", der ihr nicht mehr von der Seite weicht, um ihr als Retter in der Not beizustehen. Ich mochte ihn sehr mit seiner liebevollen Aufdringlichkeit, mit der er seiner einsamen Wanderung entfliehen will - und schließlich entdeckt man bei ihm einige überraschende Talente!

Zeitgleich geschieht im nahen Palast in der Stadt Lotus etwas außergewöhnliches: der junge Kaiser steht kurz vor der Krönung, als er in der Nacht plötzlich verschwindet - mit einem Strauß.

Das ganze wirkt sehr eigentümlich und die Figuren sind teilweise überzeichnet, aber das passt auch perfekt in diese wunderliche Geschichte. Sie alle sind auf einer Suche und wachsen währenddessen über sich hinaus - und lernen, über ihren Tellerrand zu schauen. Freundschaft, Mitgefühl und die Chance auf Veränderungen stehen hier im Mittelpunkt und werden sehr schön rübergebracht für das vorgeschlagene Lesealter.

Es gibt auch einige wirre Verstrickungen und böse Überraschungen, vielleicht manchmal etwas zuviel, aber insgesamt hat mich diese drollige Geschichte wunderbar unterhalten.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Emperor's Ostrich, by Julie Berry, is a whimsical adventure with humor and quirky, lovable characters. While its intended audience is middle-grade readers, it will also appeal to younger readers as well as adults who are young-at-heart. Set in the Empire of Camillion, it is a fun romp through both the castle and the English countryside, and is reminiscent of both fairy and folktales of yore. Even so, this story is also both contemporary and unique in its telling.

The adventure begins when the spoiled, self-obsessed Emperor of Cendrillion goes missing from the castle. Soon after we are introduced to Begonia, who lives in the countryside and has lost her cow Alfalfa. Begonia, far from being a damsel in distress, embarks on a determined search to find Alfalfa. Along the way she encounters a mustard maker and a mapmaker that are really ancestral spirits in disguise - and a poetic, aptly self-defined "hopeless romantic" boy named Key. These characters, in addition to being both funny and kind, are helpful to her on her journey, even though Begonia is at first quite certain she will travel alone.

This is a story, then, of friendship and the power of kindness as much as it is about having a grand adventure. It is also about embracing differences and loving each other not in spite of but because of them. This is also perhaps the only book in which you will find a cow and an ostrich in love. And why not? Berry is showing young readers that love is possible anywhere, between anyone - and that life is always better enjoyed with our friends. With fast-paced, witty prose, characters that jump off the page and frolicking fun, The Emperor's Ostrich is a unique tale with a big heart sure to be enjoyed by many readers.

*I received a free copy for review from Kidlit Exchange.

[PictureBookPlaydate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.

This was an engaging, well-paced story that I really enjoyed. It starts off in the palace, where we meet the emperor's cupbearer's young second assistant, who is there to bring the emperor milk. The emperor, as it turns out, is a spoiled brat. By the end of the first chapter, both the emperor and an ostrich have gone missing (and we get the sense that something suspicious and/or magical is going on).

Meanwhile, we meet Begonia, the put-upon responsible daughter, sent off on a quest to retrieve a missing dairy cow. Along the way she meets up with Key (a boy) and other assorted characters who reappear later in the story. Eventually, Begonia and Key meet Lumi (the emperor, who has been enchanted and cannot say his name or the word "emperor"). Hijinks ensue though (of course) everything is eventually right in the end.

This was fun to read. It took me a few chapters to really find my groove but once I did, I was hooked. I wanted to find out how this crazy cast of characters would all come together and work things out. I wanted to know who the bickering spirits were - after all, they instigated the events that we follow. And I wanted to know how the horrible emperor could redeem himself. I thought the writing was very well executed and the pacing was excellent.

Finally, to fellow readers: pay attention to the chapter titles! I typically skim over them very quickly, but they really guide you through this story, so don't ignore them.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gentle adventure with lots of droll humor as the ostrich falls in love with the cow, the immortal ancestors squabble, the emperor is a whiny brat, and poor besieged practical Begonia has to put up with a boy insistent on rescuing her.

[Shoshana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more "younger middle-grade" than Berry's usual - this is sweet and funny, if perhaps lacking some of her usual wit and richness. But still very enjoyable, and great for younger readers, or as a read-aloud!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and fun with lots of laughs!

[Ginger]

Wonderful, funny, classic Julie Berry writing.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful!

[Ron Frampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of magic and mayhem in this fantasy story.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and full of shenanigans

[Rashika (is tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***This review has also been posted on Xpresso Reads

I feel like aesthetics for middle grade novels are fairly uncommon but The Emperor's Ostrich is so laugh-out loud hilarious and really just lends itself to aesthetics. It's got adventure, an unexpected romance (b/w a cow and an ostrich) & magic.





I believe that this book can best be described as The Princess Bride meets The Emperor's New Groove. What happens when a spoilt man-child is on the verge of getting control of an entire empire? Why of course, he must be taught a lesson! Magic, mayhem and adventure ensue and a young dairy maid might be the answer to all. Basically, this book will make you LOL and draw you in for a ride. READ IT or give it to people who read middle grade. Seriously.

Note that I received an advanced copy of this book for review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a light-hearted adventure very much in the style of Lloyd Alexander. (If only more books were in his style!) Loved the characters, the adventure, the full menagerie of animals, the setting, the depth, and most of all Key's self-proclaimed epithets.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So delightful. Love the different points of view and how all the stories come together. So playful and fun.

[Sara Texas Girl Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read my full review and more at www.texasgirlreads.com!

In the empire of Camellion, a 21-year-old emperor reigns supreme. He is spoiled and bratty, and even has an official person who brings him warm milk every night. One night, he is kidnapped from his bed, flung onto an ostrich, and disappears. In the same empire, a young dairymaid named Begonia sets out to find her missing cow, Alfalfa. Along the way, Begonia crosses paths with the emperor (although she does not know he is the emperor), and a light dose of magic helps both along their paths, one finding a cow, the other finding himself.
There are definitely a lot of positive things about The Emperor’s Ostrich. Begonia is a wonderfully strong and independent female character, something I am always a fan of, and of which there still aren’t enough. She questions why major responsibilities always seem to fall to her, but she doesn’t complain. Begonia gets the job done, and the story really stresses that it’s ok, and a desired character trait, to be hardworking and responsible, and that not all girls have to want hair bows and dolls. She is certainly a character to look up to. The book also has some truly funny moments in it, mostly through the character Key, a boy who becomes friends with Begonia. Berry also does a nice job of showing how money doesn’t equal happiness. The emperor has everything except friends, and that turns out to be his weakness.
The problems I had with the story were that the plot was a bit convoluted at times and I wanted a bit more, well, magic, in this magical tale. There were a few spots in the story that jumped around a bit, and I would have liked smoother transitions. And much of the magic was only hinted at. One of the major magical elements in the book, two spirits guiding the story, weren’t a big enough part of the story at the beginning, in my opinion. I would have liked a little more about them.
That being said, I do think younger middle graders who enjoy a more gentle story, with a hint of magic thrown in, will really enjoy this. Fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon will surely love this one too, and it’s a bit more accessible for younger readers.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Julie Berry's young adult fiction, especially her historical novels. the most recent being the amazing The Passion of Dolssa. From the jacket I thought The Emperor's Ostrich might be another historical, but was pleasantly transported to a whimsical land where an empathy deficient emperor is about to be crowned. Readers spy on two ghostly ancestors, one of whom decides to intervene. He realizes the dangerous consequences of a ruler locked inside a self-centered world. It has the potential to breed emotional isolation, disconnection and polarization, the real-world applications of which could be war, abuse, corruption, and cruelty. The relevance of that theme, considering today's growing stratified and polarized politics and cultures, resonates as both timely and a vehicle to teach our youth empathy. Like Lumi, they can learn by stepping into another's reality and living his or her life.

Begonia is the Emperor's foil. Industrious and dependable to the point of invisibility, she plants, tends to the animals, harvests, and does a lot of everything on her family's small farm. She has a pretty, younger sister wary of encumbering herself with chores. Or maybe she's intimidated by her older sister's competence. When their milk cow strays, though, it is Begonia who is sent to find and retrieve her. So begins a quirky road-trip with magically adaptive maps, a boy who proclaims himself the Finder of Things, a shoulder-riding grey cat, and a curiously arrogant small man mounted on an ostrich. Oh, and the ostrich and milk cow are in love with each other.

Part parable and part folk-tale, the story is sturdy stuff--a female protagonist whose compassion has the annoying habit of overriding her sensible anger. I love that effort is the desired virtue. Even if the character fails, and not necessarily upwards, making the effort was virtue in an of itself.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The young emperor of Camellion is selfish, and spoiled. On the eve of his birthday - and just before the ceremony where he would receive all the power of the empire, he mysteriously disappears. Meanwhile, young milkmaid Begonia has set off on foot to find her cow, Alfalfa who has wandered off. She never seems to catch up - how fast is the cow travelling? But, she meets people along the way who help or hinder her search. A ragtag jack-of-all-trades, who calls himself Key insists that Begonia is a damsel in distress and refuses to leave her until he has rescued her. Well, the cow has fallen in love with an ostrich who belongs to Lumi, who is probably the emperor but he refuses to reveal any information about himself. What started out as a search for a lost cow, is turning into a quest to save the kingdom.

This is such a delightful story! It is a great mix of magic and adventure, where the characters use their heads (and their hearts) to find their way and get themselves out of messes. The magic advances the plot nicely without taking over. This was a great read!

cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Emperor is about to have his 22nd birthday, which means that the scepter will be passed to him, along with control of his empire. The problem is, the Emperor is a spoiled brat, who has no idea how to even put on his own shoes, let alone lead a country. It is then that his Ancestor spirits get involved, sending him on a journey that may just be the key to getting him on the right track. And to help him out, they send along a dairy maid, a cow, and a royal ostrich. It leads to a series of bizarre, fun, and crazy adventures, but if Lumi, the emperor, can't figure out the lessons he needs to learn soon, evil men just may take over the empire while he is gone.

A fun, quirky book full of eccentric characters and a series of mishaps that teach them more about who they are, what they are capable of, and the power of friendship. I especially loved Begonia, the dairy maid, as well as her unlikely friend, Key. Cute story and a fun read.

[Charlie Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of folklore and fairytales since early childhood, The Emperor's Ostrich was a book that caught my eye and didn't disappoint. This book, featuring wacky characters from the faraway empire of Camellion, is reminiscent of all of my favorite childhood stories from fairytales to Roald Dahl. Julie Berry is also exceptional at creating strong young female characters. In The Emperor’s Ostrich, Begonia is an intelligent, caring, and quick-witted protagonist who many young girls will undoubtedly be able to see themselves in–I know I would have had Ostrich been around for my childhood.
Another reason why I love this book so much is the effortless diversity. When it comes to modern fairytales, I’ve found that most are very European in setting. Ostrich breaks that mold by establishing right out of the gate that even though this Empire of Camellion is fictional, it leans toward more Asian cultures. This is great because young Asian readers will be able to see themselves in the story, and really connect with the characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Emperor’s Ostrich, and I highly recommend it to readers of all ages!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It could be because I am partial to Lloyd Alexander (and this reminded me of his books in the best possible way), or it could be that I am partial to Julie Berry's books, and this one was another wonderful gift.

After hesitating to read this one--my to-read shelf was overflowing, and for some reason I was thinking this was a sequel though it isn't (crazy brain)--I couldn't put it down! I read it every chance I had. As a "responsible eldest" daughter, I very much identified with Begonia; the meddling ancestors kept me thoroughly amused (shades of Mulan?); everyone needs a friend like Key; and even Lumi grew on me (so very glad for the ending he was given).

What a treat this was to read, and all the bits of wisdom tucked neatly throughout make it even better.

[Becky H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny story starts with a young girl named Begonia setting off to find her missing cow. Little does she know the adventure that awaits her. She receives some magical gifts along the way including a magical map, a long scarf, magical mustard and a few new friends friends. Things get a little crazy when Begonia's cow falls in love with an ostrich. Meanwhile, in another part of the kingdom the Emperor has gone missing along with one of his ostriches. Julie Berry does a great job bringing the characters together for a great ending.

Recommend for 4th grade readers and up.

#50/50Book Quest categories= A book you think is humorous, a book with magic, book off a library display, and a book with an animal on the cover.

[Molly McCall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other reviewers have cited Lloyd Alexander and Miyazaki as influences over this clever, lightly magical adventure. I agree. They are like the ancestor spirits of the story, watching over the action with a bemused, exasperated, loving gaze. It's a 3-star book for me because I enjoyed it, but never felt the stab of excitement that would bump it up. I like Berry's Victorian murder mystery better. Having said that, this was thoroughly enjoyable.

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lloyd Alexander meets Jessica Day George, with a side of ostrich. A spoilt Emperor is snatched from his palace, along with an ostrich, due to the disapproval of an ancestor spirit. Another ancestor spirit sends a cow-- or maybe the overly responsible girl looking after the cow-- to help him. And a Romantic boy called Key inserts himself into the story. What will happen next? A good grade school fantasy.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Berry, Julie The Emperor’s Ostrich, 276 pgs. Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan) 2017. $16.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

The young emperor of Camellion is selfish, and spoiled. On the eve of his birthday - and just before the ceremony where he would receive all the power of the empire, he mysteriously disappears. Meanwhile, young milkmaid Begonia has set off on foot to find her cow, Alfalfa who has wandered off. She never seems to catch up - how fast is the cow travelling? But, she meets people along the way who help or hinder her search. A ragtag jack-of-all-trades, who calls himself Key insists that Begonia is a damsel in distress and refuses to leave her until he has rescued her. Well, the cow has fallen in love with an ostrich who belongs to Lumi, who is probably the emperor but he refuses to reveal any information about himself. What started out as a search for a lost cow, is turning into a quest to save the kingdom.

This is such a delightful story! It is a great mix of magic and adventure, where the characters use their heads (and their hearts) to find their way and get themselves out of messes. The magic advances the plot nicely without taking over. This was a great read!

EL - ESSENTIAL MS - ADVISABLE Lisa Librarian