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Freja Peachtree #1
The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome
He's the world's vaguest novelist. She's a shy and unusual child. Together, they're travelling the world, one book a time.'QUITE SIMPLY THE BEST SORT OF READING PLEASURE FROM THE FIRST PAGE TO THE LAST'- Raven's Parlour BookstoreFor the first ten years of Freja's life, she and her mother Clementine have roamed the Arctic in search of zoological wonders. Happy, content, together. Freja and Clem. Clem and Freja.But now, everything is changing, and Clementine must send Freja away to live with her old friend Tobias, a bestselling crime writer and, quite possibly, the most absent-minded man on earth.Tobias isn't used to life with a child, and Freja isn't used to people at all, but together they'll stumble into an Italian adventure so big that it will change things forever ...Award-winning Australian author Katrina Nannestad returns with a delicious new series about family, friendship and finding yourself.AWARDSNotable Book - CBCA Book of the Year AwardsShortlisted - 2018 Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2017
82 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Nannestad
43 books201 followersKatrina Nannestad is an award-winning Australian author. Her books include The Girl Who Brought Mischief, the Girl, the Dog and the Writer series, the Olive of Groves series, the Red Dirt Diaries series, the Lottie Perkins series and Bungaloo Creek.
Katrina grew up in country New South Wales in a neighborhood stuffed full of happy children. Her adult years have been spent teaching, raising boys, perfecting her recipe for chocolate-chip bickies and pursuing her love of stories. She now lives near Bendigo with her family and an exuberant black whippet called Olive.
Katrina grew up in country New South Wales in a neighborhood stuffed full of happy children. Her adult years have been spent teaching, raising boys, perfecting her recipe for chocolate-chip bickies and pursuing her love of stories. She now lives near Bendigo with her family and an exuberant black whippet called Olive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 18, 2020
What a sweet & delightful read this was!
Freja Peachtree and her mother Clemintine, share a strong bond. Clemintine is Freja's entire world until one day when they must be separated for a time.
That's when Freja is placed in the care of the absent-minded, best-selling crime writer Tobias Appleby and an adventure unfolds as they take a trip to Rome and become tangled up in mystery and Italian culture.
There were many things I liked about this book.
It was funny, had me smiling and giggling and feeling warm and fuzzy.
Clemintine and Freja's mother-daughter relationship was very sweet. But I loved the budding friendship between Tobias & Freja even more!
Tobias was a hoot! He was oh so absent-minded and yet endearing at the same time. It is left unsaid what the connection between him and Freja's mother is, but I look forward to figuring out the little mystery in the next books.
I loved seeing how Freja came out of her shell and made so many friends throughout the book. She is a wonderful 10-yr old with many quirks which make her all the more lovable.
The writing was entertaining, descriptive in a charming way and cheerful. I was pulled in from the beginning and very much enjoyed following along with their little adventure in Rome.
Freja Peachtree and her mother Clemintine, share a strong bond. Clemintine is Freja's entire world until one day when they must be separated for a time.
That's when Freja is placed in the care of the absent-minded, best-selling crime writer Tobias Appleby and an adventure unfolds as they take a trip to Rome and become tangled up in mystery and Italian culture.
There were many things I liked about this book.
It was funny, had me smiling and giggling and feeling warm and fuzzy.
Clemintine and Freja's mother-daughter relationship was very sweet. But I loved the budding friendship between Tobias & Freja even more!
Tobias was a hoot! He was oh so absent-minded and yet endearing at the same time. It is left unsaid what the connection between him and Freja's mother is, but I look forward to figuring out the little mystery in the next books.
I loved seeing how Freja came out of her shell and made so many friends throughout the book. She is a wonderful 10-yr old with many quirks which make her all the more lovable.
The writing was entertaining, descriptive in a charming way and cheerful. I was pulled in from the beginning and very much enjoyed following along with their little adventure in Rome.
September 10, 2021
I so wanted to really like this sweet book, but I couldn't get over how Tobias was suppose to be such a loveable charming endearing man when in reality his obliviousness to anyone else around him, and utter thoughtless carelessness caused frequent misery which he never faced any real consequences for. I found it hard to see him as anything but rather a jerk. Plus some character appearance descriptions seemed needlessly derogatory given I suspect the story wanted to be empathy building.
May 31, 2021
Beautiful book I read with my daughter
August 10, 2018
The girl, the dog and the writer in Rome is a fun story about ten-year-old Freja who has spent all her life with her mother, Clementine. Freja’s mother conducts research for ten months every year in the Arctic regions of the world, investigating wildlife and habitats. Freja enjoys her unusual life style, however, when her mother is found to be unwell, Freja is left in the care of Tobias Appleby. A man she has never met before but seems to be a relative.
Freja is quite unaccustomed to being with other people and Tobias has never taken care of a child before, so between the two of them, they muddled their way through domesticity. Tobias is very kind and Freja doesn’t want to admit how much she misses her mother. One day in a desperate attempt to distract Tobias’ attention from her homesickness, she blurts out that she would like to go to Rome. Tobias immediately agrees and soon after they find themselves living in Rome.
A mystery develops and along the way Freja discovers she is able to make friends with a wide variety of people. The story ends with Freja and Tobias about to move to France which prepares the way for further books in the series.
The book finishes without explaining how Freja is related to Tobias, though it is hinted that he is her uncle. Presumably this become clear in future books. However, I found it a little disappointing to get to the end of a good length novel and not be rewarded with information about the biological connection between Tobias and Freja.
Overall, Katrina Nannestad has done a great job. The story is well-told, humorous and moves at a good pace. It contains a subtle encouragement for children to be brave about making friends.
Thanks to Christian School Supplier for providing a free book for review.
Freja is quite unaccustomed to being with other people and Tobias has never taken care of a child before, so between the two of them, they muddled their way through domesticity. Tobias is very kind and Freja doesn’t want to admit how much she misses her mother. One day in a desperate attempt to distract Tobias’ attention from her homesickness, she blurts out that she would like to go to Rome. Tobias immediately agrees and soon after they find themselves living in Rome.
A mystery develops and along the way Freja discovers she is able to make friends with a wide variety of people. The story ends with Freja and Tobias about to move to France which prepares the way for further books in the series.
The book finishes without explaining how Freja is related to Tobias, though it is hinted that he is her uncle. Presumably this become clear in future books. However, I found it a little disappointing to get to the end of a good length novel and not be rewarded with information about the biological connection between Tobias and Freja.
Overall, Katrina Nannestad has done a great job. The story is well-told, humorous and moves at a good pace. It contains a subtle encouragement for children to be brave about making friends.
Thanks to Christian School Supplier for providing a free book for review.
February 3, 2022
Fave book
Recommended
Recommended
August 19, 2021
Such a delightful, sweet read. My niece Piper recommended it and I’m so glad I read it. I wish it had existed when I was 10. It’s just gorgeous. Toby with his ability ‘to take something troubling and turn it into something good’, Vivi’s ability to look ‘wonderful..like fairy glass and spearmint’, Finnegan’s ability to eat whole packets of chocolate biscuits…it was just perfect. The message that you must be true to yourself was just lovely and the fact that sad things do happen was just so appreciated. Freja is just absolute delightfulness, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series 💕
February 25, 2018
An endearing story beautifully told. Elements of surprise in both plot and language are peppered throughout. My daughter (8) and I read it in tandem in a sort of race to the finish and we can’t wait for the next instalment when perhaps the most intriguing parts of the backstory will be developed. I particularly liked that it encouraged self-motivated learning laid down by the example of the girl, Freya, but also in the content of the book itself. It makes the reader curious about the Spanish Steps, for example, so off we go to investigate. Freya’s development as a character is warming and there are many LOLs along the way.
October 1, 2023
I had trouble rating this and while it was delightful in many aspects, I ended up on a 3.
First, the good news, this is a charming idea for a story with a strong emotional core. Freja and her mother's relationship is really good and makes you wish you could have a relationship like that. Freja is "different" but in the way that celebrates being different and makes people who've ever been called different or felt a little weird, feel this is absolutely fabulous. A fun dog, a story about a writer who has a childlike heart, and set in Rome? Sure to be a winner.
There's lots of fun just running about Rome - a fantastic setting - and it's great for learning about Italy. Like Freja points out, you're just getting an education. The story about the villain priests is a bit silly but it's funny and the cheese wheel game is also a bit silly but fun.
In the background, we have a more serious mystery going on - what is the secret of Freja's past?
OK, the bad news. I hope it's not a spoiler to say that we don't find out. It annoys me somewhat because I was thinking so much that we're just running about Italy somewhat amusingly but there doesn't seem to be much moving with the main plot. Isn't the main plot the secret of Freja's family? Actually that wasn't the main plot because we never find out. This seems to be one of those series where the secret may lurk in the background and not be revealed, to try to trick you into coming back over and over.
There were times it seemed it may almost be revealed and it wasn't. However I think there are some fairly obvious hints and if they aren't going the way I think they are, then it's weird.
I really didn't understand why Freja was continuously referred to as an angel. There seemed to be some attempt to go on about how her golden hair made her better than everyone else. I am not sure why but it seemed jarring rather than cute.
However truly the most jarring thing was Tobias himself and how everyone kept protecting him. I realise that often it's good to have an adult with a somewhat childish personality in a children's book but Tobias was over the top, so over the top that he was truly an 'idiota'. I can understand why people couldn't stand him. Daydreamy is one thing, but having no personal accountability as an adult is another - and we as readers are supposed to think this is sweet and sympathetic?
He approaches a complete stranger in a restaurant, tries to not only turn them off their food but grabs their food (unasked) and dumps it on their body then weaves a story about trying to "save the person". He encourages people to pollute the Trevi fountain, including throwing cats - live animals - into it.
Later on his answer is "Oh, did I say that?" and then ducks and weaves and thinks others are wrong to be upset.
This isn't someone who's just a bit absent-minded, has a mildly weird sense of humour or is whimsical and forgetful but only affects himself, like someone who stupidly wears odd shoes out or forgets to heat up his dinner and always eats it cold, or is constantly misplacing his car keys.
He's thoughtless and then he thinks it doesn't matter.
Now while some may think "Oh gosh, who cares, it's just a bit of fun in a children's story!" ... the problem is that adults who don't take much accountability for their actions and don't grow up do exist and they are really pains. They actually do hurt people's feelings and make life difficult for others and it's not something that is a big barrel of laughs or should be encouraged as "it's good to be childlike and people who are more adult are boring!"
Everyone's flawed in some way - sure. But the problem with Tobias's obvious flaws as they are presented to the readers as something we should almost aspire to rather than something Tobias should learn to change. It's hard to read the book without wanting to give "The Writer" a damn good shake.
I felt that what had made me feel the story was at this strongest - with the relationship between Clem and Freja, and the threat that could lead to a range of emotions and a mystery - was cast aside and merely used as a set up for a much lighter romp where much of that more meaningful core was set aside. Freja and Tobias's more deep connection is hinted at but never really comes into being. Tobias is instead cast as a rather annoying person that Freja keeps saving. Freja is spunky, strong and quick thinking but I found it annoying that instead of just thinking that we have a strong character it seems to be laboured that this must be because she's an angel and has something to do with her hair colour - as if trying to take some really good character building and turn them into a cartoon.
First, the good news, this is a charming idea for a story with a strong emotional core. Freja and her mother's relationship is really good and makes you wish you could have a relationship like that. Freja is "different" but in the way that celebrates being different and makes people who've ever been called different or felt a little weird, feel this is absolutely fabulous. A fun dog, a story about a writer who has a childlike heart, and set in Rome? Sure to be a winner.
There's lots of fun just running about Rome - a fantastic setting - and it's great for learning about Italy. Like Freja points out, you're just getting an education. The story about the villain priests is a bit silly but it's funny and the cheese wheel game is also a bit silly but fun.
In the background, we have a more serious mystery going on - what is the secret of Freja's past?
OK, the bad news. I hope it's not a spoiler to say that we don't find out. It annoys me somewhat because I was thinking so much that we're just running about Italy somewhat amusingly but there doesn't seem to be much moving with the main plot. Isn't the main plot the secret of Freja's family? Actually that wasn't the main plot because we never find out. This seems to be one of those series where the secret may lurk in the background and not be revealed, to try to trick you into coming back over and over.
There were times it seemed it may almost be revealed and it wasn't. However I think there are some fairly obvious hints and if they aren't going the way I think they are, then it's weird.
I really didn't understand why Freja was continuously referred to as an angel. There seemed to be some attempt to go on about how her golden hair made her better than everyone else. I am not sure why but it seemed jarring rather than cute.
However truly the most jarring thing was Tobias himself and how everyone kept protecting him. I realise that often it's good to have an adult with a somewhat childish personality in a children's book but Tobias was over the top, so over the top that he was truly an 'idiota'. I can understand why people couldn't stand him. Daydreamy is one thing, but having no personal accountability as an adult is another - and we as readers are supposed to think this is sweet and sympathetic?
He approaches a complete stranger in a restaurant, tries to not only turn them off their food but grabs their food (unasked) and dumps it on their body then weaves a story about trying to "save the person". He encourages people to pollute the Trevi fountain, including throwing cats - live animals - into it.
Later on his answer is "Oh, did I say that?" and then ducks and weaves and thinks others are wrong to be upset.
This isn't someone who's just a bit absent-minded, has a mildly weird sense of humour or is whimsical and forgetful but only affects himself, like someone who stupidly wears odd shoes out or forgets to heat up his dinner and always eats it cold, or is constantly misplacing his car keys.
He's thoughtless and then he thinks it doesn't matter.
Now while some may think "Oh gosh, who cares, it's just a bit of fun in a children's story!" ... the problem is that adults who don't take much accountability for their actions and don't grow up do exist and they are really pains. They actually do hurt people's feelings and make life difficult for others and it's not something that is a big barrel of laughs or should be encouraged as "it's good to be childlike and people who are more adult are boring!"
Everyone's flawed in some way - sure. But the problem with Tobias's obvious flaws as they are presented to the readers as something we should almost aspire to rather than something Tobias should learn to change. It's hard to read the book without wanting to give "The Writer" a damn good shake.
I felt that what had made me feel the story was at this strongest - with the relationship between Clem and Freja, and the threat that could lead to a range of emotions and a mystery - was cast aside and merely used as a set up for a much lighter romp where much of that more meaningful core was set aside. Freja and Tobias's more deep connection is hinted at but never really comes into being. Tobias is instead cast as a rather annoying person that Freja keeps saving. Freja is spunky, strong and quick thinking but I found it annoying that instead of just thinking that we have a strong character it seems to be laboured that this must be because she's an angel and has something to do with her hair colour - as if trying to take some really good character building and turn them into a cartoon.
March 21, 2020
This amazing book is whimsical and wonderfully funny. The way it describes Freja when she has to leave her mother's side is absolutely filled with sad emotions. The way the three priest's act is so funny and creepy when they say "I know who you are and I know what your trying to do". The way Freja disobeys Tobais just to help Giuseppe to take Pazzo to their next concert place was so disobedient but also very kind. The way Tobias acted when he was pretending to be Donald Dawking and Freja pretended to be his niece as Daisy Dawking was very funny. When Tobais was Donald Dawking it was hilarious when he said to the men "If you want a pretty lady to kiss you on the cheek you should throw in one sock into the fountain", and then said "If you want a pretty lady to kiss you on the lips you have to throw in two socks into the Trevi Fountain". I highly recommend this book for all kids and for adventurous teenagers.
January 7, 2023
Book 2: The girl, the dog and the writer in Rome
Spiffing! Fun, lovely and heart-felt. And full of wonderful, hilarious descriptions and colourful moments. Some sentences are good enough to eat, especially those that use alliteration.
I loved the special quiet at the start of the book, with shy Freya and intriguing Clementine studying animals in the wild. Then there’s the craziness of Rome and the eclectic group of friends Tobias and Freya make while they live and adventure there. Freya becomes less shy and braver with every page, as her friendship circle widens and her love for the slobbering but gorgeous dog, Finnigan, deepens.
A lovely start to a trilogy- and absolutely readable for all ages! Do yourself a favour and dive into this magical world, full of playful writing, packed with heart and special scenes. I’ll need to find the next book and head to Provence …
In the me meantime, I’ll never look at raspberry gelato the same again.
8.5/10
#bookreview #trilogy #amreading #youngadult
Spiffing! Fun, lovely and heart-felt. And full of wonderful, hilarious descriptions and colourful moments. Some sentences are good enough to eat, especially those that use alliteration.
I loved the special quiet at the start of the book, with shy Freya and intriguing Clementine studying animals in the wild. Then there’s the craziness of Rome and the eclectic group of friends Tobias and Freya make while they live and adventure there. Freya becomes less shy and braver with every page, as her friendship circle widens and her love for the slobbering but gorgeous dog, Finnigan, deepens.
A lovely start to a trilogy- and absolutely readable for all ages! Do yourself a favour and dive into this magical world, full of playful writing, packed with heart and special scenes. I’ll need to find the next book and head to Provence …
In the me meantime, I’ll never look at raspberry gelato the same again.
8.5/10
#bookreview #trilogy #amreading #youngadult
December 24, 2024
I think I would've enjoyed it more if I was younger so it was a bit childish for me. It is still wholesome and the protagonist, Freja, in spite of being very young I found endearing to read of her ventures. The many unique characters living in Rome created a new and warm atmosphere.
My only main problem is Tobias. The quirky writer was intended to be seen as funny/silly and loveable because of his constant daydreams and obliviousness. Though he had sweet moments he annoyed me a lot as he caused many problems and committed many morally strange acts yet received no problems or consequences from it.
My only main problem is Tobias. The quirky writer was intended to be seen as funny/silly and loveable because of his constant daydreams and obliviousness. Though he had sweet moments he annoyed me a lot as he caused many problems and committed many morally strange acts yet received no problems or consequences from it.
April 16, 2020
Another adventure for the girl, the dog and the writer but in a new city.
This book had everything you would expect. There was action, comedy and lots of mysteries.
My mum got me the girl, the dog and the writer in Lucerne, Switzerland and I loved it. I could not wait to read the one set in Rome, Italy. As I predicted the one in Rome was fabulous. I can't wait to read the one set in Provence, France.
I loved this book It was wonderful, awesome and amazing.
There's always a challenge and delicious food!!!!
This book had everything you would expect. There was action, comedy and lots of mysteries.
My mum got me the girl, the dog and the writer in Lucerne, Switzerland and I loved it. I could not wait to read the one set in Rome, Italy. As I predicted the one in Rome was fabulous. I can't wait to read the one set in Provence, France.
I loved this book It was wonderful, awesome and amazing.
There's always a challenge and delicious food!!!!
March 13, 2023
4.5 stars
This is just the book I would have loved as a tween. A quiet, painfully shy, book and nature loving girl has to deal with changes in her life and learn how to open up to new people. All while visiting Rome and solving a mystery.
The writer, Tobias, may have been a little too over the top and the people of Rome's acceptance of his terrible behaviour and that of his dog may have been unrealistic (I think in reality there would have been more anger and less laughing!) but this is a charming story and all the characters are a delight.
This is just the book I would have loved as a tween. A quiet, painfully shy, book and nature loving girl has to deal with changes in her life and learn how to open up to new people. All while visiting Rome and solving a mystery.
The writer, Tobias, may have been a little too over the top and the people of Rome's acceptance of his terrible behaviour and that of his dog may have been unrealistic (I think in reality there would have been more anger and less laughing!) but this is a charming story and all the characters are a delight.
January 18, 2020
Shy, smart, ten-year-old Freja lives with her mother who does research in the Arctic; when her mother becomes sick, Freja is sent to live with a mysterious and eccentric writer called Tobias and his dog. The girl, the dog and the writer end up in Rome, making new friends and getting caught up in a crime caper. This is a really lovely junior fiction novel. If child me had read it, it would have been five stars; adult me thought it was charming.
November 20, 2022
The title andncover of 'The Girl, the Dog and the Writer in Rome' hooked me first. Then I had trouble putting the book down.
Nannestad has great pacing for how the story reveals itself. I enjoyed exploring Rome again, though through Freja's eyes. There is a delightful humour throughout, from Finnegan's antics to Tobias's absent-mindedness. Freja's strength, compassion and love is beautiful. It was lovely watching her character grow.
Nannestad has great pacing for how the story reveals itself. I enjoyed exploring Rome again, though through Freja's eyes. There is a delightful humour throughout, from Finnegan's antics to Tobias's absent-mindedness. Freja's strength, compassion and love is beautiful. It was lovely watching her character grow.
December 18, 2020
This book was extremely light and full of adventure. What I was expecting to be a very light and simple novel, it evolved into a story with a plot line and had me on the edge of my seat at the turn of every page. For a kids book, it was amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a light but intriguing read.
May 11, 2019
A delightful story about family, friendship and the importance of being comfortable with who you are. Lots of adventure and mystery. Gorgeous description of Rome - the culture, people, food, sights. Can’t wait to read more in the series.
May 17, 2020
I thought this was such a lovely children’s book, we need more like it. Well written, great characters (even though their individual gimmicks get somewhat repetitive), good plot with the right amount of humour and intrigue. Perfect for kids 7-11.
October 25, 2025
I remember reading this when I was about 11 and it was the most heartfelt, wholesome, whimsical representation of life I'd ever read lol. A really cute story that appeals to those with an aversion to reality... or those still in primary school:)
February 11, 2018
Spiffing! Topnotch! All round Terrific! - Great characters and a fantastical fun story but also a lovely message of belonging and coping and overcoming fears.
May 4, 2019
A really nice feel-good story
June 22, 2019
Delightful! Sweet, likeable characters and a rollicking adventure!
July 16, 2019
A wonderful romp through Rome through the eyes of a headstrong and confident lead character in Freja. Plenty of fun descriptions and quirky action to keep you reading til the end.
May 27, 2020
LOVE THIS BOOK! it makes you feel so warm and fuzzy and you can’t help but giggle at the absent-minded Tobias Appleby.
Want to read
September 18, 2020Well I haven’t read it yet!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2020
I loved this book. The characters are charming and the Roman setting is full of life and fun. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
July 8, 2021
I found this book fun and upbeat :) there's lots of excitement and I love the characters! So many things I can't wait to find out too 👀
January 28, 2022
This is a brilliantly descriptive, and all together really spiffing novel.
November 17, 2022
i want to go to there
January 13, 2023
"Scusa, Mamma Spaghettiosa!" -Tobias Appleby
LOL.
This book was enchanting and so humorous (I'm laughing as I type this), and I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
LOL.
This book was enchanting and so humorous (I'm laughing as I type this), and I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews