Otherworld: The Book of Things That Are

by Naomi Jackson

Desperately tired of being bed-ridden, Mavis wishes she could go on an adventure. That very night, a ticket appears on her pillow. Train 627 is departing the garden shed at midnight—or so it appears. The destination?
Otherworld.
Otherworld is better than Mavis or even Roger could have imagined. There’s the train station and the Gullumgall’ad’s Cave and the Moon. There are Lady Agatha and Esperanza and Harnswiggle and Bollygoggle. Even better, there are so many stops left to explore!
Unfortunately, Mavis makes a dangerously careless wish. And Roger does a very brave and yet very foolish thing to save her. Will they be able to find The Book of Things That Are and change what is written in time?

202 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2018

About the author

Naomi Jackson lives in southern Florida with her parents, three sisters, two cats, and fourteen houseplants. When Naomi is not writing, reading, or pulling her hair out due to editing, she can be found running wild in the Florida wilderness. She also enjoys hanging out with the kids from her local church. Her first children’s book, Hobo Stew, was published in April of 2017.
You can find Naomi’s short stories on her website, naomijacksonwrites.com.

Reviews

[J.D. Sutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun, charming, and heartwarming tale! Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Heartily recommend it for all ages.
Full review coming on the Bookworm Banquet podcast soon.

[Nameless · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Mew," said Sir Fluffy McFuzzbutt.

I think this is the first time a cat had a dialogue in a book instead of the author just writing it off as the little kitten meowed at the human 😂

Children might love this book and despite being a 21 year old, I also enjoy children's books but this one was not for me.
Writing is not an easy task, only those who do know the struggle.

The book is good, the writing is cool and interesting but the story...

▪It felt like a wanna be Narnia or Harry Potter with that other world behind a closed door and train station thing. I couldn't stop comparing it to Narnia which ruined it for me.

▪There was no plot twist (sorry but couldn't help recalling the part in Narnia with Aslan and the stone table, it was intense unlike what happens in "Otherworld" )

▪The cover art is great but children don't usually buy books with dull or boring colors.

That being said I'd also like to mention that the author has potential. The book is good, the idea of "The Book Of Things That Are" & "The Book Of Things That Might Be" was new to me, very creative 👌

I won a free copy of this book so I felt like I owed the author a review (an honest one but I feel bad for the criticism because tbh Naomi Jackson is such a nice person, from what I know of her through instagram, she helped a cute skinny little black cat back to health)

[Emily Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun read. Original, exciting, and imaginative.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I've been hoping that someone would write since I found out that Lewis had passed away and there would be no more Narnia!! Filled with real, relatable characters and places that make me proud to be a Floridian, Otherworld: The Book of Things That Are will have you laughing and crying all the way through. This book would be excellent to read aloud in installments before bed or on a long car trip. The prose is easy enough for a second or third grader to read on their own, and the story is engaging enough to be enjoyed by anyone, no matter their age! My favorite characters are Mavis, Roger, and Harnswiggle; but you can't help but relate to Bollygoggle. Oh, and there's a bonus story in the back that is SO ADORABLE!! I simply don't have the words to explain how much I love this story. Read this book, people! You'll never regret it!

[Maegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first found out about this book on the author's blog, where she was posting a chapter a week. I was so taken with this story that I followed her on Instagram and have been following her writing journey.
This story about a brother and sister who find a train station in their garden shed is wonderful, sweet, funny, and heartfelt. The fantasy world found at the train station is unique, inventive, and is definitely next on my fantasy world road trip! I love the characters, they feel real, flawed, and wonderful.
This book is great to read aloud to kids or just read to yourself, no matter your age!

[H.L. Roethle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Otherworld is such a beautiful book! It transports you to a crazy and delightful world, that mirrors our own, and yet is different in every way. It has a very Narnian feel to it, and I absolutely fell in love with it! It's simply written, so anyone can read and understand and enjoy it, yet there's a depth to it that makes it feel like an old classic, or an old friend. I've read it at least five times already, it's /that/ good! Do yourself a favor and buy this book, and then cuddle up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate, or coffee, or tea, and lose yourself in the beauty of Otherworld...I dare you to put this book down!

[Millie Florence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi Jackson has created a wonderful modern fairytale adventure of Alice in Wonderland meets The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

In all honesty, the pacing and wording of the prose could use some work, being awkward in some places. And the references to classic books feels just a tad bit cheesy, although maybe that’s the point. ;)

Nevertheless, the humor is on point, the characters lively and real, and Naomi’s quirky imagination bursts from each page.

Otherworld would be a great family read aloud, and proves a truly charming story.

[Julia Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so interesting and sweet. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it or not, but as I flipped page after page I just became more absorbed into the story. I love Harnswiggle and Bollygoggle! Hehe, they are amazing😄 and I love the deep sister/brother relationship between Mavis and Roger. I found that so sweet and heart touching. Fantasy is one of my absolute favorite genres to read so I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!! Thank you, Naomi Jackson, for such an adventurous journey!

[Naomi King · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I really enjoyed this book! It was just what I needed to get out of a reading slump.

Otherworld reminded me of a Wonderland meets Narnia. The world was creative and full of fun. I was laughing out loud at times and gasping at others. I loved the constant book references between Mavis and Roger, it reminded me a lot of my siblings and I.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great story with a childlike feel to it.

[Marsi Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was a delightful and charming book! Although it's a children's novel I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm an adult. I look forward to reading more of Naomi's work in the future.

[HeatherS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book out loud to my girls (ages 11 & 13). They both enjoyed it. The ending seemed a bit abrupt and could’ve used a bit more closure but overall an enjoyable and cute story!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book! Highly recommended