What do you think?
Rate this book
Mara and the Magic Sketchbook
—
Do you dream of a beautiful future?
When Auntie tries to stuff all of human history into a single house, Mara learns that things don't always go as planned.
Rooms are bursting with kingdoms and oceans, Cavemen are hanging out with cowboys, and the greedy Lady Banks is rampaging through the house trying to steal the future.
But Mara's discovered something amazing about her sketchbook, and if she can learn to use her power, maybe she can save Auntie, maybe she can save the whole world...
—
Reviews:
5 Stars from Readers' Favorite!
"Written primarily for the middle-grade readership, but also suitable for the young at heart, we follow the intrepid heroine Mara as she tries to undo the chaos of her aunt's wish to cram all of human history into a single house using magic. So begins an imaginative and highly enjoyable crossover adventure as we see a young lady discover her talents and grow into her strengths to make friends, foes, peace, and creativity and ultimately save the day.
Author J. P. Goorjian has crafted a fantastic middle-grade novel that fantasy adventure fans will be certain to fall in love with from its very opening pages. One of the things which particularly impressed me about the work was the commitment to vivid settings and memorable characters, which brings the tale to life in a cinematic fashion. Thanks to bold use of descriptive language, spritely dialogue, and a constant sense of action, this tale carries an exciting level of adventure and atmosphere from chapter to chapter, from each daring situation to an amazing conclusion. Add to this the loveable Mara as the central heroine and her amazing skills, and you have a stunning world that young readers will want to dive into again and again. Overall, I would highly recommend Mara and the Magic Sketchbook for young independent readers, schools, and social groups alike." - 5 Star Review By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
"John-Paul Goorjian has written an amazing reality meets fantasy story that people of all ages can appreciate and enjoy. I look forward to seeing more of the author's work." - 5 Star Review By Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite
"Goorjian creates an original and unique world that blends reality and imagination with layers of history, philosophy, friendship, bullying, fear, and courage. A great read for children that will push them to expand their imaginations, Mara and the Magic Sketchbook is a compelling, original, creative, and magical story that weaves imagination, discovery, history, and the encouragement to foster love and curiosity." - 5 Star Review By Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Do you dream of a beautiful future?
When Auntie tries to stuff all of human history into a single house, Mara learns that things don't always go as planned.
Rooms are bursting with kingdoms and oceans, Cavemen are hanging out with cowboys, and the greedy Lady Banks is rampaging through the house trying to steal the future.
But Mara's discovered something amazing about her sketchbook, and if she can learn to use her power, maybe she can save Auntie, maybe she can save the whole world...
—
Reviews:
5 Stars from Readers' Favorite!
"Written primarily for the middle-grade readership, but also suitable for the young at heart, we follow the intrepid heroine Mara as she tries to undo the chaos of her aunt's wish to cram all of human history into a single house using magic. So begins an imaginative and highly enjoyable crossover adventure as we see a young lady discover her talents and grow into her strengths to make friends, foes, peace, and creativity and ultimately save the day.
Author J. P. Goorjian has crafted a fantastic middle-grade novel that fantasy adventure fans will be certain to fall in love with from its very opening pages. One of the things which particularly impressed me about the work was the commitment to vivid settings and memorable characters, which brings the tale to life in a cinematic fashion. Thanks to bold use of descriptive language, spritely dialogue, and a constant sense of action, this tale carries an exciting level of adventure and atmosphere from chapter to chapter, from each daring situation to an amazing conclusion. Add to this the loveable Mara as the central heroine and her amazing skills, and you have a stunning world that young readers will want to dive into again and again. Overall, I would highly recommend Mara and the Magic Sketchbook for young independent readers, schools, and social groups alike." - 5 Star Review By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
"John-Paul Goorjian has written an amazing reality meets fantasy story that people of all ages can appreciate and enjoy. I look forward to seeing more of the author's work." - 5 Star Review By Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite
"Goorjian creates an original and unique world that blends reality and imagination with layers of history, philosophy, friendship, bullying, fear, and courage. A great read for children that will push them to expand their imaginations, Mara and the Magic Sketchbook is a compelling, original, creative, and magical story that weaves imagination, discovery, history, and the encouragement to foster love and curiosity." - 5 Star Review By Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
- GenresMiddle Grade
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2020
3 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 13, 2021
This was a fun read, full of adventure & imagination! Mara goes to visit her Auntie, but her Auntie has been captured by some bad guys. It’s up to her & a ragtag bunch of friends(my favorite kind lol)she meets along the way to save Auntie. But Aunties house isn’t any ordinary old house. It’s FULL of human history, & bigger then even imaginable. From dinosaurs, cavemen, cowboys, & things that even seem futuristic-she encounters way more than she bargained for, or ever even thought possible. She also discovers something amazing about her sketchbook. Maybe if she can learn to use her power, & believe in herself she can save Auntie. This was such an imaginative & atmospheric world. I loved all the eccentric & quirky characters too. I also loved the different parts of the house-how different they were from one another & what they represented or the history they represented. Also, the underlying message of the importance of believing in yourself. I think younger MG readers would really love this especially! As I’ve said before-beautiful cover by Leticia Ramirez as well!💜
November 2, 2020
My niece absolutely loved mara and her sketchbook!
Aunties house allowed her to tip toe thru new ideas and let her mind wander as she followed mara thru her adventure and the chapeters weren't too long. Its an ideal read before bed.
Aunties house allowed her to tip toe thru new ideas and let her mind wander as she followed mara thru her adventure and the chapeters weren't too long. Its an ideal read before bed.
October 20, 2020
Looking for an epic fantasy with an innovative beastiary? An adventure in space with twists and turns and scientific inventions? A tale of teamwork, family, and love with a brave young woman questing to overcome incredible adversity in a magical world?
Look no further than this incredible new story of rollicking fun and wizadry called "Mara and the Magical Sketchbook" by brilliant new author JP Goorjian.
This fantastic new fiction falls in the young adult or middle grade category, but it is a thrilling ride for readers of all ages, captivating the senses and imagination for any audience.
With elements of science fiction, futurism, folklore, and myth, the protagonist Mara discovers friends and foes in her arduous pursuit of salvation for her beloved Auntie, the world creator. This story is bursting with creativity, and it is hard to put down without reading just a bit more! The narrative voice this new author assumes is truly unique, innovative, and mystical.
Readers will feel a sense of awe, spiced with well timed humor, and thrilling escape into a magical new world as this story unfolds and sweeps you away into an exuberant wordscape. 2020 just got a whole lot better with the addition of this original new work of literature by this talented new author into the world of reading opportunities. Don't miss out on the magic and fun of this new literary treasure!
Look no further than this incredible new story of rollicking fun and wizadry called "Mara and the Magical Sketchbook" by brilliant new author JP Goorjian.
This fantastic new fiction falls in the young adult or middle grade category, but it is a thrilling ride for readers of all ages, captivating the senses and imagination for any audience.
With elements of science fiction, futurism, folklore, and myth, the protagonist Mara discovers friends and foes in her arduous pursuit of salvation for her beloved Auntie, the world creator. This story is bursting with creativity, and it is hard to put down without reading just a bit more! The narrative voice this new author assumes is truly unique, innovative, and mystical.
Readers will feel a sense of awe, spiced with well timed humor, and thrilling escape into a magical new world as this story unfolds and sweeps you away into an exuberant wordscape. 2020 just got a whole lot better with the addition of this original new work of literature by this talented new author into the world of reading opportunities. Don't miss out on the magic and fun of this new literary treasure!
December 27, 2020
A lively and fun read, full of imagination, and a hefty dose of mystery. I loved the concept of the magic sketchbook bringing things to life. Mara's aunt is missing, and Mara is led on a grand adventure to find her. Talking animals and mythical beings make appearances in this romp. The writing style wasn't my favorite, yet the plot was engaging and the characters endearing. A great read for kids!
October 25, 2020
What a fun read! The world Mara enters is highly original. Set in a house that seems to contain all of human history, Mara joins a team of friends to stop the greedy baddies. She shines as a precocious artist not yet sure of her own abilities. The book's ending serves as an aspirational call to it's young readers. No spoiler alert here, you'll have to read it yourself! Goorjian has created a briskly paced, fun read that is satisfying on many levels. His writing respects the young reader's intellect. Recommended for readers 9 and up.
October 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It's really non-stop and the characters are cool. Each part of the house Mara goes through is totally different. There's a really funny scene in this kingdom place which I liked a lot. Overall it's a lot of fun. And Mara really struggles with herself as an artist which felt pretty real. The ending is solid. I definitely recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews