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Sky Chasers
The race is on to be the first to discover the secret of flight! Magpie is soon caught up in a world of science, spies, and unruly animals to be the first to passenger in a hot air balloon. Yesterday, Magpie was one of the best thieves in all of France. But an encounter with a boy dangling from the sky will change her life forever. And even though it ends in disaster, Magpie becomes enthralled by the idea of flying over the rooftops of Paris like the dangling Pierre. His family, the Montgolfiers, are desperate to be the first to discover the secret of flight. And Magpie has ideas, but she also has secrets. Together with Pierre, she'll need to help the Montgolfiers accomplish their dream before her past gets the best of them all. In a test of bravery, imagination, science, and friendship--Magpie, Pierre, and their pet birds are in a race against time to get the Montgolfier's in the air before the King and Queen. It'll take two children, a chicken, a duck, and a sheep to help them find the answers. But others, too, are determined to discover the Montgolfiers' invention...
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 4, 2018
28 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Emma Carroll
30 books599 followersAfter years of teaching English to secondary school students, Emma now writes full time. She graduated with distinction from Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing For Young People. In another life Emma wishes she’d written ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne Du Maurier. She lives in the Somerset hills with her husband and three terriers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 21, 2020
This book is SO good. I honestly don't know why I put it down for a month. This book gave me the chills every time Magpie was in the air. This book is all the way from Year 6/ Grade 8 (kinda stole the book from the school library) but I still read it and I still love it. I liked it so much, I wrote a song based on it. I usually write songs based on things I've seen or what I feel like but nah, this deserves some clout!
Totally recommend to people who like adventure, drama, comedy and history based books.
Also I was about to ship Magpie with Pierre but then the book referred them as brother and sister like figures, so I was so confused xD
Totally recommend to people who like adventure, drama, comedy and history based books.
Also I was about to ship Magpie with Pierre but then the book referred them as brother and sister like figures, so I was so confused xD
February 24, 2021
Another Emma Carroll book I’ve fallen in love with! I really love her writing! This was such a heartwarming adventure. Magpie is a pickpocket & an orphan. 1 day she sees a boy dangling from the sky & it changes her life. “His family, the Montgolfiers, are desperate to discover the secret of flight. Together w/Pierre, Magpie is caught up in a world of inflatable bloomers, spies & unruly animals in a race to be the 1st to fly a hot air balloon - in front of the King & Queen of France.” That’s what the back of the books says, which isn’t much-so I don’t want to give away more. This is set in southern France in 1783. It’s based on real events that actually happened, & some of the characters are real, like the Montgolfiers trying to obtain the secret of flight. To read what it’s about, you wouldn’t realize how at its core, it’s the importance of women. Our strength, smarts, & always having to fight to be given the credit we deserve. Back then it was 100 times worse. Women were thought of as simpering fools basically. We couldn’t learn much-maybe because we weren’t allowed to. All opportunities were given to men. When a woman had a brilliant idea either no 1 believed her, or they stole the idea & claimed it as their own. Orphan girls & girls/women of color were treated even worse. Like they were diseased or something. Being an orphan & a girl of color, Magpie was treated horribly. It always baffles me reading historical fiction how these children were treated. They really were too. They treated CHILDREN like dirt if considered beneath them. Makes me sick. Magpie couldn’t read/write, but boy was she smart. We see how unbeknownst to the world, how many accomplishments by men, may have really been done or heavily influenced by a woman/women behind the scenes. Breaks my heart for those women, & makes me thankful for everything I have that they weren’t allowed to. Anyway! Lol Magpie is strong, loyal, no nonsense, & full of adventure. This is fast paced, & never lags. There’s a looming threat always lurking that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The twist towards the end shocked me. Magpie helped this family so much, & they helped her. All such amazing characters-INCLUDING Lancelot(sheep), Coco(rooster), & Voltaire(duck). Coco has my heart. I love that rooster. He was Magpies only family for so long. The villain is truly evil-b/c she could be a real person. There’s no magic, just pure human evil that is very real. The author was asked to write this story from Neal Jackson’s idea. Quoting the author about Neal-“..whose eye for good story potential won him The Big Idea Competition..” I love history, & I love when authors weave real history in w/fiction. Highly recommend. Such a beautiful cover by David Litchfield as well. Love it!💜
January 10, 2018
'What an adventure! Orphans and queens and inventors and rakes, this story does not flag for a second. Magpie is a smart and strong hero who stands for no nonsense (especially not from the men and boys around her) and the cast of supporting characters is wonderful - not merely human ("'What possessed you to do something so dangerous?' Poultry, mostly', I admit."...). Original description that takes the reader all the way to 1793 France but never gets in the way of the pace of the narrative and a strong message of the power of friendship and loyalty. I loved it. And credit too, to Neal Jackson and The Big Idea Competition.
Perdita
Perdita
January 1, 2018
Uplifting! Loved it!
January 27, 2018
Having been excited for this book since the day it was announced, I was absolutely thrilled when it came through my door. I was gripped by the story of Magpie, a young orphan/pickpocket living in France as she becomes unexpectedly involved in a bid to become the first country to fly a hot air balloon. Emma Carroll`s writing is as beautiful and lyrical as ever, and never falls down the trap of going too far with this in favour of advancing the plot. I also adored Magpie as a character as she was so brave, clever and really deserving of the happiness she finds by the end, as well as her friend Pierre and the incredibly sweet animals; Coco, Voltaire and Lancelot. I got through this in two sittings despite having very little time to read at the time, as I couldn`t wait to see what would happen next. I`m so excited for Emma`s next book already! 5/5
November 16, 2019
This was just adorable! Always love when there are animal sidekicks and I really liked this middle grade take on historical fiction with children lending a hand in the first hot air balloon invention.
January 10, 2018
This is a delightful story based on the struggles of the Montgolfier family to win the race to create a hot air balloon, to satisfy the command of King Louis XVI. It was written by one of my favourite authors, Emma Carroll, based on a story idea which won Chicken House's "big idea" competition.
As always, Emma has used her unique talent to create an entirely believable voice for her main protagonist, and weaves a spell-binding tale that transports you back to 18th century France. From the first page I loved the resourceful, brave and intelligent Magpie, a girl who has survived the death of her mother and disappearance of her father. She is thrust into the centre of the Montgolfiers' quest when, first she is sent to steal from their home and subsequently she daringly rescues the kind young Pierre from a flyaway prototype.
The plot which involves English spies, the threat of the guillotine, a couple of comic but essential pet fowl and just the right amount of jeopardy, absolutely rockets along. As with all the best children's books, there is a lovely underlying theme of the redemptive power of kindness, written with the lightest of touches.
I think this book would appeal equally to girls and boys throughout KS2, and could imagine it being used as a class reader to accompany DT or Science topics. I will certainly be taking a copy into my school.
Emma Carroll, je vous salue!
As always, Emma has used her unique talent to create an entirely believable voice for her main protagonist, and weaves a spell-binding tale that transports you back to 18th century France. From the first page I loved the resourceful, brave and intelligent Magpie, a girl who has survived the death of her mother and disappearance of her father. She is thrust into the centre of the Montgolfiers' quest when, first she is sent to steal from their home and subsequently she daringly rescues the kind young Pierre from a flyaway prototype.
The plot which involves English spies, the threat of the guillotine, a couple of comic but essential pet fowl and just the right amount of jeopardy, absolutely rockets along. As with all the best children's books, there is a lovely underlying theme of the redemptive power of kindness, written with the lightest of touches.
I think this book would appeal equally to girls and boys throughout KS2, and could imagine it being used as a class reader to accompany DT or Science topics. I will certainly be taking a copy into my school.
Emma Carroll, je vous salue!
April 5, 2018
Emma Carroll is brilliant. I love all her books. She writes fabulous adventure books for children and this one is no exception. Magpie is a courageous main character, an inspirational female character.
July 29, 2018
Excellent book, based on fact and woven into an intricate story.
June 5, 2019
Nachdem mir bereits Emma Carroll's Buch "Nacht über Frost Hollow Hall" so gut gefallen hatte, freute ich mich sehr auf diese als Abenteuerroman angekündigte Geschichte rund um die Brüder Montgolfier und die erste Ballonfahrt in der Weltgeschichte. Und wie in der Kurzbeschreibung versprochen, beginnt das Buch schon sehr spannend und als Leser begleiten wir die zwölfjährige Elster, die sich alleine als Diebin durchs Leben schlägt, bei einem Einbruch in eine Villa, in der sie im Auftrag einer geheimnisvollen Dame eine rote Schatulle stehlen soll. Dieser Einbruch läuft jedoch nicht ganz nach Plan und soll somit Elsters Leben komplett auf den Kopf stellen. Mehr will ich an dieser Stelle auf keinen Fall verraten. Auch wenn man ahnt, dass die Villa den Brüdern Montgolfier gehört und die Erfindung des Heissluftballons kurz bevorsteht, erlebt man als Leser zusammen mit Elster, die dann Elsa genannt wird, und ihrem Hahn Coco (den sie aus der Kampfhahnszene gerettet hatte) so manche Überraschung und mal mehr oder weniger unerwartete Wendungen.
An den Zauber von "Nacht über Frost Hollow Hall" kommt die Autorin meiner Meinung mit diesem Buch nicht ganz heran. Dennoch ist ihr wieder eine spannende Lektüre für junge und junggebliebene Leser gelungen. Die Sprache ist rund, flüssig und altersgerecht. Mir haben vor allem die liebevoll beschriebenen Figuren gefallen - die menschlichen wie auch die tierischen, die keine unbedeutende Rolle in der Geschichte spielen.
Ich finde es wichtig zu betonen, dass es sich um einen Roman handelt, da sich die Autorin historisch gesehen, doch einige Freiheiten heraus genommen hat. Trotzdem hat sie mich auf das Thema neugierig gemacht und es hat mir Spass gemacht nachzulesen, wie das mit dem ersten Flug eines Heissluftballons tatsächlich war und war doch überrascht welche Details aus Elsters Geschichte sich tatsächlich zugetragen hatte.
Für mich ist dieses Buch eine spannende Lektüre, um spielerisch auf die Geschichte rund um den Heissluftballon heranzuführen. Ich habe mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt und freue mich auf weitere Werke der Autorin.
An den Zauber von "Nacht über Frost Hollow Hall" kommt die Autorin meiner Meinung mit diesem Buch nicht ganz heran. Dennoch ist ihr wieder eine spannende Lektüre für junge und junggebliebene Leser gelungen. Die Sprache ist rund, flüssig und altersgerecht. Mir haben vor allem die liebevoll beschriebenen Figuren gefallen - die menschlichen wie auch die tierischen, die keine unbedeutende Rolle in der Geschichte spielen.
Ich finde es wichtig zu betonen, dass es sich um einen Roman handelt, da sich die Autorin historisch gesehen, doch einige Freiheiten heraus genommen hat. Trotzdem hat sie mich auf das Thema neugierig gemacht und es hat mir Spass gemacht nachzulesen, wie das mit dem ersten Flug eines Heissluftballons tatsächlich war und war doch überrascht welche Details aus Elsters Geschichte sich tatsächlich zugetragen hatte.
Für mich ist dieses Buch eine spannende Lektüre, um spielerisch auf die Geschichte rund um den Heissluftballon heranzuführen. Ich habe mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt und freue mich auf weitere Werke der Autorin.
December 29, 2017
I loved the science in this book and it would fit in perfectly with studying a forces topic. The characters are likeable and the story is one I wanted to read on. The first two chapters are delicious, which leads on for the rest of the book. I love Magpie and Coco, and I love that they have each other through thick and thin!
June 1, 2019
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/i...
I cacciatori del cielo di Emma Carroll, romanzo di narrativa per ragazzi pubblicato da Il battello a vapore il 14 maggio.
Un vero gioiellino che non può mancare nelle librerie dei nostri ragazzi. Una trama avvincente che vi permetterà di mettere un piede nella storia e di conoscere come nacque la prima mongolfiera e chi furono i suoi primi passeggeri.
Mi sono davvero divertita durante la lettura di I cacciatori del cielo e non vedevo l’ora di poterlo consigliare a tutti. Se avete figli tra la quinta elementare e le medie questo libro non potete lasciarvelo sfuggire, sono certa che lo ameranno e ve ne parleranno fino a sfinirvi.
Perché Emma Carroll ha sì narrato un evento storico, ma lo ha fatto con grande maestria ideando dei personaggi a cui tutti i giovani lettori finiranno per affezionarsi.
La protagonista è lei, Gazza, una ladruncola dalla pelle scura e dall’aspetto mascolino, senza una famiglia che si prenda cura di lei. Gazza vive alla giornata, ruba solo cibo e qualche moneta, perché in qualche modo deve pur sopravvivere, e si prende cura di Coco il suo gallo da compagnia che le sta sempre appiccicato addosso e non emette un suono.
Una sera però la sua routine viene scombussolata da una donna che le mette una paura incredibile, Madame Delacroix. Questa donna spaventosa le promette cinque monete d’oro per impossessarsi di uno scrigno. Il lavoro sembra semplice, se non fosse che, per colpa di un’anatra, Gazza viene colta in castagna ed è costretta a fuggire arraffando solo un po’ di fogli contenuti in questo scrigno. Peccato che alla Madame non interessino particolarmente questi fogli svolazzanti, lei voleva lo scrigno e intima a Gazza di muoversi a recuperarlo altrimenti ci saranno delle conseguenze.
Il destino le fa incontrare nuovamente il giovane che l’aveva sorpresa a rubare, Pierre Montgolfier. Gazza lo aiuta mentre cerca di trattenere a terra uno strano aggeggio panciuto che si gonfia grazie al vento. Nel tentativo di aiutarlo D’un tratto, mi stacco da terra e saliamo tutti verso il cielo, sì, sempre più su… il mio stomaco compreso. Sgambetto per aria. Purtroppo l’atterraggio non sarà dei migliori e la vedrà costretta ad accettare le cure dei Montgolfier. La famiglia di Pierre accoglierà a braccia aperte questa ragazza così coraggiosa e Gazza troverà per la prima volta dopo tanto tempo una famiglia.
I pericoli però sono dietro l’angolo, perché la corsa all’invenzione del primo pallone aerostatico è iniziata e potrebbero esserci spie inglesi ovunque. A mettere pressione ai fratelli Montgolfier interverrà addirittura il Re di Francia, Luigi XVI, e faremo anche conoscenza con la capricciosa Regina, Maria Antonietta. Vi avevo avvertito che ne avremmo viste delle belle e che questo libro era intriso di storia.
Gazza e Pierre diverranno inseparabili e insieme avranno i loro bei grattacapi da risolvere perché, se c’è una cosa a non mancare in I cacciatori del cielo, questa è l’azione. Ogni pagina vi regalerà qualche emozione e non potrete far altro che tifare per questi due ragazzi e per i loro bizzarri animali da compagnia.
Mi sono molto divertita e appassionata durante la lettura e spero di poter presto scoprire altre opere di questa bravissima autrice di narrativa per ragazzi. La sua scrittura è fluida e molto incisiva. Se la storia fosse sempre raccontata con così tanto pathos sono certa che i nostri ragazzi diverrebbero tutti degli esperti.
I cacciatori del cielo di Emma Carroll, romanzo di narrativa per ragazzi pubblicato da Il battello a vapore il 14 maggio.
Un vero gioiellino che non può mancare nelle librerie dei nostri ragazzi. Una trama avvincente che vi permetterà di mettere un piede nella storia e di conoscere come nacque la prima mongolfiera e chi furono i suoi primi passeggeri.
Mi sono davvero divertita durante la lettura di I cacciatori del cielo e non vedevo l’ora di poterlo consigliare a tutti. Se avete figli tra la quinta elementare e le medie questo libro non potete lasciarvelo sfuggire, sono certa che lo ameranno e ve ne parleranno fino a sfinirvi.
Perché Emma Carroll ha sì narrato un evento storico, ma lo ha fatto con grande maestria ideando dei personaggi a cui tutti i giovani lettori finiranno per affezionarsi.
La protagonista è lei, Gazza, una ladruncola dalla pelle scura e dall’aspetto mascolino, senza una famiglia che si prenda cura di lei. Gazza vive alla giornata, ruba solo cibo e qualche moneta, perché in qualche modo deve pur sopravvivere, e si prende cura di Coco il suo gallo da compagnia che le sta sempre appiccicato addosso e non emette un suono.
Una sera però la sua routine viene scombussolata da una donna che le mette una paura incredibile, Madame Delacroix. Questa donna spaventosa le promette cinque monete d’oro per impossessarsi di uno scrigno. Il lavoro sembra semplice, se non fosse che, per colpa di un’anatra, Gazza viene colta in castagna ed è costretta a fuggire arraffando solo un po’ di fogli contenuti in questo scrigno. Peccato che alla Madame non interessino particolarmente questi fogli svolazzanti, lei voleva lo scrigno e intima a Gazza di muoversi a recuperarlo altrimenti ci saranno delle conseguenze.
Il destino le fa incontrare nuovamente il giovane che l’aveva sorpresa a rubare, Pierre Montgolfier. Gazza lo aiuta mentre cerca di trattenere a terra uno strano aggeggio panciuto che si gonfia grazie al vento. Nel tentativo di aiutarlo D’un tratto, mi stacco da terra e saliamo tutti verso il cielo, sì, sempre più su… il mio stomaco compreso. Sgambetto per aria. Purtroppo l’atterraggio non sarà dei migliori e la vedrà costretta ad accettare le cure dei Montgolfier. La famiglia di Pierre accoglierà a braccia aperte questa ragazza così coraggiosa e Gazza troverà per la prima volta dopo tanto tempo una famiglia.
I pericoli però sono dietro l’angolo, perché la corsa all’invenzione del primo pallone aerostatico è iniziata e potrebbero esserci spie inglesi ovunque. A mettere pressione ai fratelli Montgolfier interverrà addirittura il Re di Francia, Luigi XVI, e faremo anche conoscenza con la capricciosa Regina, Maria Antonietta. Vi avevo avvertito che ne avremmo viste delle belle e che questo libro era intriso di storia.
Gazza e Pierre diverranno inseparabili e insieme avranno i loro bei grattacapi da risolvere perché, se c’è una cosa a non mancare in I cacciatori del cielo, questa è l’azione. Ogni pagina vi regalerà qualche emozione e non potrete far altro che tifare per questi due ragazzi e per i loro bizzarri animali da compagnia.
Mi sono molto divertita e appassionata durante la lettura e spero di poter presto scoprire altre opere di questa bravissima autrice di narrativa per ragazzi. La sua scrittura è fluida e molto incisiva. Se la storia fosse sempre raccontata con così tanto pathos sono certa che i nostri ragazzi diverrebbero tutti degli esperti.
January 23, 2018
Review originally shared on my book blog - Reading with Jade
Born from an idea by Neal Jackson, winner of Chicken House's The Big Idea Competition, Emma Carroll has written another marvellous middle grade book that transports you to another time, takes you on an adventure and enchants you with a medley of characters... Including three animals in the case of Sky Chasers!
As the story begins, we meet Magpie, an orphan girl living on the streets, as she is tasked with
stealing a very important box from a household in France. Magpie is known for stealing, however she is a pickpocket and so breaking and entering a house is new territory for her, but the lure of some coins seals the deal... Except things don't quite to plan. Not too long after, Magpie finds herself employed by the very same people she previously tried to steal from, and makes a friend in the form of Pierre.
Magpie and Pierre soon find themselves helping Pierre's father and uncle (the Montgolfier brothers) in inventing the world's first hot air balloon, and this is where the story really gets interesting. Adventure ensues, of the fun but also dangerous variety, with the best friend duo even finding themselves prisoners of the King and Queen of France at one point!
Elements I really enjoyed in Sky Chasers (that often run through Emma Carroll's novels in general) include: a strong female protagonist, the beauty of friendship, a hint of mystery to keep you page turning, the wonderful way in which history & adventure are combined, and not to mention Emma's amazing way with words... The added addition of the common 'One for Sorrow' nursery rhyme, which pertains to the sighting of magpies, running throughout the book was a noted and appreciated detail also.
If you're a regular reader of my blog then I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this (again) - but go and pick up a book by Emma Carroll; you won't be disappointed!
Born from an idea by Neal Jackson, winner of Chicken House's The Big Idea Competition, Emma Carroll has written another marvellous middle grade book that transports you to another time, takes you on an adventure and enchants you with a medley of characters... Including three animals in the case of Sky Chasers!
As the story begins, we meet Magpie, an orphan girl living on the streets, as she is tasked with
stealing a very important box from a household in France. Magpie is known for stealing, however she is a pickpocket and so breaking and entering a house is new territory for her, but the lure of some coins seals the deal... Except things don't quite to plan. Not too long after, Magpie finds herself employed by the very same people she previously tried to steal from, and makes a friend in the form of Pierre.
Magpie and Pierre soon find themselves helping Pierre's father and uncle (the Montgolfier brothers) in inventing the world's first hot air balloon, and this is where the story really gets interesting. Adventure ensues, of the fun but also dangerous variety, with the best friend duo even finding themselves prisoners of the King and Queen of France at one point!
Elements I really enjoyed in Sky Chasers (that often run through Emma Carroll's novels in general) include: a strong female protagonist, the beauty of friendship, a hint of mystery to keep you page turning, the wonderful way in which history & adventure are combined, and not to mention Emma's amazing way with words... The added addition of the common 'One for Sorrow' nursery rhyme, which pertains to the sighting of magpies, running throughout the book was a noted and appreciated detail also.
If you're a regular reader of my blog then I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this (again) - but go and pick up a book by Emma Carroll; you won't be disappointed!
January 26, 2018
A fun re-imagining of the first hot air balloon flight in the C18th, Sky Chasers tells the story of Magpie, a poor, black, female thief with the odds stacked against her. When a job goes wrong, she finds herself caught up in events bigger and better than she could ever have hoped.
As I've said before, I'm a fantasy/adventure freak. As such, and despite my love of historical fact, I am not drawn so much to these kinds of books naturally. Carroll is, however, a writer of great experience and more than deserved repute and if you enjoyed her straight-historical novels such as Letters of the Lighthouse, you could do far worse than Sky Chasers. Already a popular novel among teachers, and, more importantly, several members of my class who have already begun queuing to borrow it from me!
As I've said before, I'm a fantasy/adventure freak. As such, and despite my love of historical fact, I am not drawn so much to these kinds of books naturally. Carroll is, however, a writer of great experience and more than deserved repute and if you enjoyed her straight-historical novels such as Letters of the Lighthouse, you could do far worse than Sky Chasers. Already a popular novel among teachers, and, more importantly, several members of my class who have already begun queuing to borrow it from me!
June 28, 2020
This was a fun and quick read. The story centers around the construction of the first hot air balloon that successfully carried people, in 18th century France. The characters are all well fleshed out and I adored the animals in here, and that they played such a big role. They definitely brought a lot of funny moments :)
The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars was the scene with the gun duel. I found it quite inappropriate to include it in a book for children, and I didn't really understand why it had to be there (it didn't serve much purpose and could've been substituted with something else). Otherwise, I felt that it was an enjoyable read for younger but also older readers, who enjoy middle grade books.
The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars was the scene with the gun duel. I found it quite inappropriate to include it in a book for children, and I didn't really understand why it had to be there (it didn't serve much purpose and could've been substituted with something else). Otherwise, I felt that it was an enjoyable read for younger but also older readers, who enjoy middle grade books.
April 11, 2018
This is the second book I have read by Emma Carroll and I really enjoyed it. been looking at buying some more of her books to read :)
I enjoyed the idea behind the story. The way it was written you really are able to feel what flight would have been like for those that were experiencing it for the first time.
Working in a school library, i think this would be a good book for the children to read either for pleasure or as part of a topic in class. And as well as donating this book to our school library for more children to read I will be recommending it to our upper key stage 2 class teacher for future reference.
I enjoyed the idea behind the story. The way it was written you really are able to feel what flight would have been like for those that were experiencing it for the first time.
Working in a school library, i think this would be a good book for the children to read either for pleasure or as part of a topic in class. And as well as donating this book to our school library for more children to read I will be recommending it to our upper key stage 2 class teacher for future reference.
March 18, 2018
Fantastic decent read that had me gripped thoroughly enjoying each chapter.
A lovely descriptive story with lots of personality. A story I wouldn't have thought to have picked up myself, but certainly a book I'd recommend to all.
Thoroughly enjoyable!
A lovely descriptive story with lots of personality. A story I wouldn't have thought to have picked up myself, but certainly a book I'd recommend to all.
Thoroughly enjoyable!
January 17, 2018
Historical adventure with a touch of mystery and lots of engaging characters- human and animal! 🐓🐏🐤
January 20, 2018
Loved it! A fantastic story.
September 26, 2023
This was an interesting story, with the real history of hot air balloons in France mixing with a fictional account of a thief trying to find a forever family.
February 7, 2018
I loved Emma's previous book Letters from the Lighthouse, so she had a tough act to follow, but with Sky Chasers she certainly managed to keep up the high quality of story telling. I loved the character of Magpie, and the adventure told about the Montgolfier's aim to fly a hot air balloon. Set against am historic setting again, the story unfolds with a couple of unexpected twists towards the end.
Lovely story telling for any age, a definite 5 stars from me.
Lovely story telling for any age, a definite 5 stars from me.
January 21, 2020
This book was good although I did not really enjoy it too much
May 16, 2019
Elsa ist 12 Jahre alt und lebt als Diebin. Ihr neuer Auftrag ist die rote Schatulle aus einer herrschaftlichen Villa zu stehlen. Doch Elsa ahnt nichts von dem Inhalt, der sich in der Schatulle befindet.
Gemeinsam mit meiner Tochter (10 Jahre) habe ich dieses Buch gelesen und wir bestätigen beide, dass uns die Autorin auch in diesem Roman wieder bestens unterhalten hat.
Die Charaktere sind ausgesprochen bildlich und real beschrieben. Meine Tochter fühlte schnell mit Elas mit und schloss mit ihr Freundschaft.
Mir als Mutter gefiel die Phantasie und und das leicht mystische Umfeld der Geschichte sehr gut, ebenso wie der Schreibstil. Dieser ist sehr angenehm gehalten, so , dass auch meine Tochter keine Probleme hatte, der Geschichte zu folgen, eher drängte sie immer zu, dass wir weiterlesen, da die Geschichte sie so sehr fesselte.
Die Handlung selbst gefiehl uns beiden sehr gut, kindgerecht und anschaulich wurde die Vergangenheit beleuchtet und Phantasie und Wirklichkeit verschmolzen ineinander.
Auch die Spannung kommt nicht zu kurz, überraschende Wendungen , spannende Situationen, lustige Vorkommnisse und eine angenehme Länge der einzelnen Kapiteln bilden ein tolles Werk für kleine und große Leser.
Gemeinsam mit meiner Tochter (10 Jahre) habe ich dieses Buch gelesen und wir bestätigen beide, dass uns die Autorin auch in diesem Roman wieder bestens unterhalten hat.
Die Charaktere sind ausgesprochen bildlich und real beschrieben. Meine Tochter fühlte schnell mit Elas mit und schloss mit ihr Freundschaft.
Mir als Mutter gefiel die Phantasie und und das leicht mystische Umfeld der Geschichte sehr gut, ebenso wie der Schreibstil. Dieser ist sehr angenehm gehalten, so , dass auch meine Tochter keine Probleme hatte, der Geschichte zu folgen, eher drängte sie immer zu, dass wir weiterlesen, da die Geschichte sie so sehr fesselte.
Die Handlung selbst gefiehl uns beiden sehr gut, kindgerecht und anschaulich wurde die Vergangenheit beleuchtet und Phantasie und Wirklichkeit verschmolzen ineinander.
Auch die Spannung kommt nicht zu kurz, überraschende Wendungen , spannende Situationen, lustige Vorkommnisse und eine angenehme Länge der einzelnen Kapiteln bilden ein tolles Werk für kleine und große Leser.
May 31, 2018
I've loved every one of Emma Carroll's books that I've read so far, and this one was no different. Her books are always adventurous and funny, and full of friendship, showcasing upbeat writing and fun but conflicted, realistic characters. She's the best children's historical fiction writer I've read in a long time, and getting to chat with her about her process at a signing was uplifting and inspiring.
Sky Chasers is about Magpie, a street kid who gets accidentally involved with the Montgolfier family who are trying to be the first to conquer the mysteries of hot air balloon flight. Based on the true story of the first balloon flight, crewed only by three animals, this is another fast-paced and fun historical adventure, with kidnappings and fights, French royalty, unusual pets, thievery and mischief, spies, and a fair amount of escaping and scientific theory.
The characters are great, as ever. Magpie is strong-willed and inquisitive, taking no nonsense from any of the men/boys, and showing her resourcefulness and independence at every opportunity. Her voice is full of personality and she feels quite different to the characters in Carroll's other books. Pierre is also a lovely character and I really enjoyed how his friendship with Magpie developed throughout the story, building on strong themes of the importance of kindness. Together they make an interesting team when faced with saboteurs, spies, and puzzles. What I loved most about them though was how real their emotions felt. Pierre's self-doubt of living up to his family's expectations and Magpie not really feeling like she belongs anywhere. Even Pierre's family and the people they meet on their adventures were fleshed out with their own problems, emotions, and lives. Carroll really brings the period alive while keeping a tight focus on the characters and the story. The ending is as satisfying as you could hope. Overall, it's another wonderful Emma Carroll book packed full of heart, humour, and adventure.
Sky Chasers is about Magpie, a street kid who gets accidentally involved with the Montgolfier family who are trying to be the first to conquer the mysteries of hot air balloon flight. Based on the true story of the first balloon flight, crewed only by three animals, this is another fast-paced and fun historical adventure, with kidnappings and fights, French royalty, unusual pets, thievery and mischief, spies, and a fair amount of escaping and scientific theory.
The characters are great, as ever. Magpie is strong-willed and inquisitive, taking no nonsense from any of the men/boys, and showing her resourcefulness and independence at every opportunity. Her voice is full of personality and she feels quite different to the characters in Carroll's other books. Pierre is also a lovely character and I really enjoyed how his friendship with Magpie developed throughout the story, building on strong themes of the importance of kindness. Together they make an interesting team when faced with saboteurs, spies, and puzzles. What I loved most about them though was how real their emotions felt. Pierre's self-doubt of living up to his family's expectations and Magpie not really feeling like she belongs anywhere. Even Pierre's family and the people they meet on their adventures were fleshed out with their own problems, emotions, and lives. Carroll really brings the period alive while keeping a tight focus on the characters and the story. The ending is as satisfying as you could hope. Overall, it's another wonderful Emma Carroll book packed full of heart, humour, and adventure.
September 20, 2018
Originally posted at ragdollreads.co.uk
A fun little book that got me reading again!
TL;DR - The story of two children (and a duck, a rooster and a lamb) taking to the skies.
RAGDOLL RATING: 5/5 BUTTONS
What I thought:
I spent a whole week completely unable to read anything for more than a minute until one evening I picked this book off my shelf and just read. It came easily.
The book follows Magpie, child thief turned aviator. After a series of accidents, Magpie finds herself in the employ of the Montgolfier family, who happen to be attempting to achieve the first powered flight by use of a hot air balloon. What follows is a tale of adventure, discovery and excitement.
I loved this book. I always say that age ratings in books aren't good for much. Just because you're older (and in my case WAY older) than the age range for a book doesn't mean you can't enjoy it and get a lot out of reading it. Reading should be for fun, and that's what this book is. Fun. It's a well written easy read, with lovable characters and an exciting plot.
___________________________________________
Please note: I am in no way affiliated with the author or publishers. The opinions contained within are my own and have not been influenced by any external entity!
A fun little book that got me reading again!
TL;DR - The story of two children (and a duck, a rooster and a lamb) taking to the skies.
RAGDOLL RATING: 5/5 BUTTONS
What I thought:
I spent a whole week completely unable to read anything for more than a minute until one evening I picked this book off my shelf and just read. It came easily.
The book follows Magpie, child thief turned aviator. After a series of accidents, Magpie finds herself in the employ of the Montgolfier family, who happen to be attempting to achieve the first powered flight by use of a hot air balloon. What follows is a tale of adventure, discovery and excitement.
I loved this book. I always say that age ratings in books aren't good for much. Just because you're older (and in my case WAY older) than the age range for a book doesn't mean you can't enjoy it and get a lot out of reading it. Reading should be for fun, and that's what this book is. Fun. It's a well written easy read, with lovable characters and an exciting plot.
___________________________________________
Please note: I am in no way affiliated with the author or publishers. The opinions contained within are my own and have not been influenced by any external entity!
May 14, 2018
Hats off for Emma Carroll who has, yet again, lyrically woven a tale of history and adventure which will inspire a cacophony of wonderful cross-curricular ideas in the classroom. Beautiful storytelling and a creative teacher’s playground. Thank you Emma!
July 27, 2021
I read the Dutch Version Wolkenjagers
Wolkenjagers' is de waargebeurde race met de ballonvaart dat prachtig vertaald is in een kinderboek vol warmte dat iedereen zijn hart zal veroveren.
Emma Carroll heeft de historische gebeurtenissen over de wedloop in de tijd tussen de Engelsen en Fransen knap verpakt in een fijne en boeiende vertelling.
'Wolkenjagers' betovert je onmiddellijk met een waanzinnig mooie en op waarheid gebaseerde cover.
De broers Montgolfiers hadden nooit kunnen weten welk avontuur hun familie nog te wachten stond toen ze probeerden net als een vogel in de lucht te zweven.
In 1783 vlogen een haan, schaap en eend met een luchtballon. Dit was in feite een test om te zien of deze dieren in de lucht bleven hangen omdat men geen mensenlevens wou riskeren. Rond deze opmerkelijke feiten is ‘Wolkenjagers’, een avontuur vol humor en spanning, geweven.
Elk hoofdstuk begint met een zinnetje uit een Engels kinderrijmpje over de voorspellingen van eksters. Deze zin zet dadelijk de toon voor elk hoofdstuk in dit amusante verhaal over nieuwe uitvindingen waarbij spionage en vriendschap belangrijke thema's zijn.
Wanneer Ekster, een straatboefje in het Franse Annonay, ongewild terecht komt in een hachelijke situatie, wordt ze door haar slimme en heldhaftige actie al snel deel van het gezin van Pierre.
Deze rustige jongen vertoeft in een heel andere wereld dan die van het meisje Ekster. Zij is namelijk alleen en heeft enkel haar tamme haan Coco als bondgenoot. Bij het gezin Montgolfiers leert dit meisje wat je familie kan betekenen voor je.
Jammer genoeg lijkt het erop dat ze geen andere keuze heeft dan een nare opdracht uitvoeren omdat zij en haar bijzondere huisdier anders in gevaar zijn.
Gaat de intelligente Ekster zich uit deze situatie redden of moet ze haar nieuwe thuis toch bedriegen? Kan ze iedereen voor zich winnen met haar charme of zorgt haar verleden nog voor problemen?
Door hun onbezonnenheid en kinderlijke enthousiasme komen Pierre en Ekster uiteindelijk in een heel apart avontuur terecht.
‘Wolkenjagers’ heeft in het schattige en spannende verhaal ook enkele subtiele lessen verwerkt rond vertrouwen en kansen die je krijgt in het leven. Ook al zijn sommige situaties misschien wat ongeloofwaardig, ze passen perfect in dit mooie boek.
Met humor, emotie, spanning en weetjes over het leven in die tijd zal ‘Wolkenjagers’ de doelgroep van 10- 15 jarigen zeker aanspreken. Door de uitwerking van het verhaal zal het ook leuk lezen zijn voor jongens en meisjes. De aparte dieren die ook echte personages zijn maken het verhaal grappig en hun band met de kinderen zorgt voor aandoenlijke taferelen.
Eigenlijk is ‘Wolkenjagers’ een aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van een heerlijk verhaal waarin fictie en realiteit prachtig gemixt zijn.
4 Inktpotjes
Door Fany
Wolkenjagers' is de waargebeurde race met de ballonvaart dat prachtig vertaald is in een kinderboek vol warmte dat iedereen zijn hart zal veroveren.
Emma Carroll heeft de historische gebeurtenissen over de wedloop in de tijd tussen de Engelsen en Fransen knap verpakt in een fijne en boeiende vertelling.
'Wolkenjagers' betovert je onmiddellijk met een waanzinnig mooie en op waarheid gebaseerde cover.
De broers Montgolfiers hadden nooit kunnen weten welk avontuur hun familie nog te wachten stond toen ze probeerden net als een vogel in de lucht te zweven.
In 1783 vlogen een haan, schaap en eend met een luchtballon. Dit was in feite een test om te zien of deze dieren in de lucht bleven hangen omdat men geen mensenlevens wou riskeren. Rond deze opmerkelijke feiten is ‘Wolkenjagers’, een avontuur vol humor en spanning, geweven.
Elk hoofdstuk begint met een zinnetje uit een Engels kinderrijmpje over de voorspellingen van eksters. Deze zin zet dadelijk de toon voor elk hoofdstuk in dit amusante verhaal over nieuwe uitvindingen waarbij spionage en vriendschap belangrijke thema's zijn.
Wanneer Ekster, een straatboefje in het Franse Annonay, ongewild terecht komt in een hachelijke situatie, wordt ze door haar slimme en heldhaftige actie al snel deel van het gezin van Pierre.
Deze rustige jongen vertoeft in een heel andere wereld dan die van het meisje Ekster. Zij is namelijk alleen en heeft enkel haar tamme haan Coco als bondgenoot. Bij het gezin Montgolfiers leert dit meisje wat je familie kan betekenen voor je.
Jammer genoeg lijkt het erop dat ze geen andere keuze heeft dan een nare opdracht uitvoeren omdat zij en haar bijzondere huisdier anders in gevaar zijn.
Gaat de intelligente Ekster zich uit deze situatie redden of moet ze haar nieuwe thuis toch bedriegen? Kan ze iedereen voor zich winnen met haar charme of zorgt haar verleden nog voor problemen?
Door hun onbezonnenheid en kinderlijke enthousiasme komen Pierre en Ekster uiteindelijk in een heel apart avontuur terecht.
‘Wolkenjagers’ heeft in het schattige en spannende verhaal ook enkele subtiele lessen verwerkt rond vertrouwen en kansen die je krijgt in het leven. Ook al zijn sommige situaties misschien wat ongeloofwaardig, ze passen perfect in dit mooie boek.
Met humor, emotie, spanning en weetjes over het leven in die tijd zal ‘Wolkenjagers’ de doelgroep van 10- 15 jarigen zeker aanspreken. Door de uitwerking van het verhaal zal het ook leuk lezen zijn voor jongens en meisjes. De aparte dieren die ook echte personages zijn maken het verhaal grappig en hun band met de kinderen zorgt voor aandoenlijke taferelen.
Eigenlijk is ‘Wolkenjagers’ een aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van een heerlijk verhaal waarin fictie en realiteit prachtig gemixt zijn.
4 Inktpotjes
Door Fany
July 23, 2024
Emma Carroll has written a book detailing the interactions of a homeless street girl (Magpie) and the Mongolfier family in France as they work to create the first hot air balloon. Many of the interactions revolve around Magpie and a Mongolfier son, Pierre.
In many ways, this story reminds me of the book, Ben and Me, by Robert Lawson. In that book, Benjamin Franklin's pet mouse, Amos, tells a brief biography of Benjamin Franklin and manages to take credit for most of the discoveries of the great early American. In this story, Magpie manages to be the hero and help with the invention of the balloon as well as encourage the Mongolfiers when their energy is flagging.
The real life Mongolfier brothers were from a large family (they had 14 siblings). They were inventors, having invented devices having to do with paper milling and even a type of transparent paper. This story is focused on their work relating to the invention of the hot air balloon.
The tale is adequately told and my children enjoyed it.
I give the story only two stars because of a couple of glaring historical inaccuracies. In this story, as told by Emma Carroll, the Mongolfiers have a brilliant (but suppressed) sister who is significantly smarter and more brilliant inventor than they are. Due to a misogynistic father, she is unable to achieve anything like her brother's success and spent her time creating a device that became the guillotine. Of course, that device was stolen from her too (I'm not sure how much fame or money there is in such a device -- the reality is that no one person invented the guillotine).
All of this is really odd to have as a back drop in a children's story. It is fine to have inventors be bumbling (which I don't think the Mongolfiers were) and to have their inventions actually come from the mind's of others, but introducing such a dark character whose big invention is a beheading machine is problematic and leaves the reader with more questions than answers. On top of that, there is the knowledge that in just a few years Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette will go to the chopping block to have their heads deposited in a bucket with all of the others.
I didn't think that aspect of the story needed to be there and surely the author could have found some other way of creating mystery and tension. It felt like this aspect of the plot was simply present to let us know about how poorly treated women were in the past -- and I suppose still are today. True enough, but this particular character is a fairly dark way to do that.
I suppose if you can overlook this plot point, the story is well written. I think it would be best for children in the 10 to 12 year old age range.
In many ways, this story reminds me of the book, Ben and Me, by Robert Lawson. In that book, Benjamin Franklin's pet mouse, Amos, tells a brief biography of Benjamin Franklin and manages to take credit for most of the discoveries of the great early American. In this story, Magpie manages to be the hero and help with the invention of the balloon as well as encourage the Mongolfiers when their energy is flagging.
The real life Mongolfier brothers were from a large family (they had 14 siblings). They were inventors, having invented devices having to do with paper milling and even a type of transparent paper. This story is focused on their work relating to the invention of the hot air balloon.
The tale is adequately told and my children enjoyed it.
I give the story only two stars because of a couple of glaring historical inaccuracies. In this story, as told by Emma Carroll, the Mongolfiers have a brilliant (but suppressed) sister who is significantly smarter and more brilliant inventor than they are. Due to a misogynistic father, she is unable to achieve anything like her brother's success and spent her time creating a device that became the guillotine. Of course, that device was stolen from her too (I'm not sure how much fame or money there is in such a device -- the reality is that no one person invented the guillotine).
All of this is really odd to have as a back drop in a children's story. It is fine to have inventors be bumbling (which I don't think the Mongolfiers were) and to have their inventions actually come from the mind's of others, but introducing such a dark character whose big invention is a beheading machine is problematic and leaves the reader with more questions than answers. On top of that, there is the knowledge that in just a few years Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette will go to the chopping block to have their heads deposited in a bucket with all of the others.
I didn't think that aspect of the story needed to be there and surely the author could have found some other way of creating mystery and tension. It felt like this aspect of the plot was simply present to let us know about how poorly treated women were in the past -- and I suppose still are today. True enough, but this particular character is a fairly dark way to do that.
I suppose if you can overlook this plot point, the story is well written. I think it would be best for children in the 10 to 12 year old age range.
September 22, 2019
My name is Magpie, and I can't let the Montgolfier family discover who I really am. They don't know I'm the one who broke into their home and stole the secrets for a flying prototype. Through a twist of fate, I'm now living under their roof with my rooster Coco, but I know an English spy is watching my every move. I won't break the Montgolfiers' trust, but the spy is threatening to reveal the truth about me. It feels good to do honest chores around the estate, and I'm very interested in helping with the flying project. I'm good at noticing things, and I've made a couple of helpful suggestions. The race with England is heating up, and France's King Louis is pressuring the Montgolfier brothers to finish first. I know it's dangerous to stay, but I feel like I need to see this project to the end.
The book was historical fiction, as it chronicled the history of the first balloon flight. I read a short summary about the event and discovered this book included many of the actual facts. The locations, discovery of hot air, and the animals used were true. Fictional liberties included Magpie's contributions and her role on the day of the flight. It was interesting to see the inventors' struggles to find the right designs and materials to create something capable of remaining off the ground. As 21st century readers, it might be hard to appreciate concepts the characters had not yet discovered, like hot air rising being an important factor. Some ideas seemed silly, like putting fire under paper, but Magpie's observations of her surroundings were ingenious. The author created a plot by using Magpie's past as a thief to maintain a constant threat to her character. The woman threatening Magpie created a bit of a mystery, since her motives were unknown. If she was a spy, why didn't she seem more interested in the stolen plans? I don't often read historical fiction, but I enjoyed this book. If you're into that genre, give it a shot.
The book was historical fiction, as it chronicled the history of the first balloon flight. I read a short summary about the event and discovered this book included many of the actual facts. The locations, discovery of hot air, and the animals used were true. Fictional liberties included Magpie's contributions and her role on the day of the flight. It was interesting to see the inventors' struggles to find the right designs and materials to create something capable of remaining off the ground. As 21st century readers, it might be hard to appreciate concepts the characters had not yet discovered, like hot air rising being an important factor. Some ideas seemed silly, like putting fire under paper, but Magpie's observations of her surroundings were ingenious. The author created a plot by using Magpie's past as a thief to maintain a constant threat to her character. The woman threatening Magpie created a bit of a mystery, since her motives were unknown. If she was a spy, why didn't she seem more interested in the stolen plans? I don't often read historical fiction, but I enjoyed this book. If you're into that genre, give it a shot.
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