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Solomon Snow #1
Solomon Snow and The Silver Spoon
Poor Soloman Snow. He lives in a run-down cottage just outside the village of Boring, works for Ma and Pa Scubbin's laundry business, and has nothing to eat buy a gloppy stew known as pottage. It's a pitiful existence, but it's all Solly knows. Then, one day, a secret is revealed that changes his life forever -- a secret that happens to involve a mysterious silver spoon.
On his resulting quest, Solly is joined by a curious cast of characters: a sharp-minded girl named Prudence, a charming child called the Infant Prodigy, and a filthy (yet extremely cheerful) chimney sweep. Can Solly's new friends help him to reclaim his spoon -- and his true identity?
On his resulting quest, Solly is joined by a curious cast of characters: a sharp-minded girl named Prudence, a charming child called the Infant Prodigy, and a filthy (yet extremely cheerful) chimney sweep. Can Solly's new friends help him to reclaim his spoon -- and his true identity?
289 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2004
13 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 23, 2011
I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading anything else she writes in this series. There's a quote from the author on the back cover: "A while ago, I went on a 'reread Charles Dickens' binge. Inspired, I cried, 'I can do that!' I couldn't. What came out was Solomon Snow."
I loved the hints of Charles Dickens that showed up in Solomon Snow: in the way she titles her chapters, names of minor characters (Lazarus Pinchpenny,Irma Spindletrap, Arnold Scubbins.)Not that you should pick this book up and expect to find Dickens. I just happen to be a fan of his; so I couldn't help finding similarities. Her writing style is very nicely uncomplicated; it doesn't take itself too seriously. There were definitely "Nichoals Nickleby" references; also "Oliver Twist" and "The Old Curiosity Shoppe" - possibly more that I didn't pick up on.
Someday I hope my children will be reading Dickens - Solomon Snow will be a good stepping stone along the way. Kaye Umansky's writing just might make his books feel familiar.
I loved the hints of Charles Dickens that showed up in Solomon Snow: in the way she titles her chapters, names of minor characters (Lazarus Pinchpenny,Irma Spindletrap, Arnold Scubbins.)Not that you should pick this book up and expect to find Dickens. I just happen to be a fan of his; so I couldn't help finding similarities. Her writing style is very nicely uncomplicated; it doesn't take itself too seriously. There were definitely "Nichoals Nickleby" references; also "Oliver Twist" and "The Old Curiosity Shoppe" - possibly more that I didn't pick up on.
Someday I hope my children will be reading Dickens - Solomon Snow will be a good stepping stone along the way. Kaye Umansky's writing just might make his books feel familiar.
August 13, 2011
This is a great children's book full of adventure, with lots of twists and turns. I am glad to have discovered this author as she seems to have many, many more books and there is a follow-up to this one with the same character. She is from England and seems to be well-recognized for her work. I think the author did a wonderful job painting the characters in the story to the point. As I read, I kept want to learn more about them and follow them in their adventures.
The story follows Solomon Snow who discovers he is a "foundling". He goes out in search of his silver spoon which he hopes will enable him to find his real parents. He, of course, doesn't have any money but along the way he befriends two girls with very unique personalities. Prudence Pridy, a 12 year old, who is writing a story and wants to be a writer. Rosabella, a 5 year old girl, who runs away from the circus and can be extremely annoying. Along the way they get kidnapped, become orphans in an orphanage and finally discover Solomon's supposedly real parents. But the end has a twist that I will not share as it is quite unexpected.
I listened to the audio version of the book and think it was OK. I would suggest to read the actual book instead because it would make a good reading exercise for younger readers as there are a few tong twisters and the story is written in English pseudo Charles Dickens era.
The story follows Solomon Snow who discovers he is a "foundling". He goes out in search of his silver spoon which he hopes will enable him to find his real parents. He, of course, doesn't have any money but along the way he befriends two girls with very unique personalities. Prudence Pridy, a 12 year old, who is writing a story and wants to be a writer. Rosabella, a 5 year old girl, who runs away from the circus and can be extremely annoying. Along the way they get kidnapped, become orphans in an orphanage and finally discover Solomon's supposedly real parents. But the end has a twist that I will not share as it is quite unexpected.
I listened to the audio version of the book and think it was OK. I would suggest to read the actual book instead because it would make a good reading exercise for younger readers as there are a few tong twisters and the story is written in English pseudo Charles Dickens era.
January 15, 2018
I half read and half listened to this via text to speak in Moon+ Reader. At some point I fell asleep to the tts and had weird dreams about trying to escape a kidnapping and looking for a silver spoon except I kept getting kidnapped over and over again...
I was looking for something mind numbing, funny and cute. It delivered. It had the usual Kay Umansky sarcastic humor. My favourite character was Isabella / Prodigy obviously she is such a little upstart. Kids will love it methinks.
I was looking for something mind numbing, funny and cute. It delivered. It had the usual Kay Umansky sarcastic humor. My favourite character was Isabella / Prodigy obviously she is such a little upstart. Kids will love it methinks.
September 1, 2020
I love the Dickensian characters in this book! My boys really enjoyed it, too.
December 20, 2017
Umansky, Kaye The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow, 304 p. Candlewick -
One fateful day, Solomon Snow discovers that he truly is a foundling, left in the snow with only a napkin and a silver spoon as the keys to his origins. Along with Prudence, a girl too smart for the village, he ventures to Town in search of spoon, which his stepfather pawned more than a year earlier. Along the way they acquire a little girl, a rabbit and chimney sweep – all of whom are key to solving the mystery.
Written after the author was inspired by Dickens, the parody of old Victorian novels. I know adults would appreciate the book, but I am not so sure about children.
EL-OPTIONAL
One fateful day, Solomon Snow discovers that he truly is a foundling, left in the snow with only a napkin and a silver spoon as the keys to his origins. Along with Prudence, a girl too smart for the village, he ventures to Town in search of spoon, which his stepfather pawned more than a year earlier. Along the way they acquire a little girl, a rabbit and chimney sweep – all of whom are key to solving the mystery.
Written after the author was inspired by Dickens, the parody of old Victorian novels. I know adults would appreciate the book, but I am not so sure about children.
EL-OPTIONAL
May 25, 2014
Really cute book! :)
May 25, 2015
Cute and easy read
November 13, 2017
This book wasn't much of a thriller or all that suspenseful. It was pretty bland overall in climaxes and challenges because I predicted the ending correctly. The book might've not had any unseen events that destroy progress for the main characters but it was an overall fun and detailed journey. It even had nods to the spoon and why it couldn't have been Solly's because Solly's was a silver spoon with VIP and the perfect parents said something about the initials of their son's spoon, or how their baby was stolen and not lost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2018
I quite enjoyed this book. The characters were amusing and the story well-told. I found the "perfect parent interludes" rather boring, but I understood their purpose. The rest of the story moved along quickly, with enough twists and turns to make it interesting, and a lively sense of humor throughout.
June 15, 2025
Darling. So funny and lighthearted. The characters and cities have the most hilarious names. I really loved all the kids and their personalities shined through. Felt a lot like a Kate DiCamillo book. Fun for older elementary age kids.
February 9, 2019
An ok middle grade adventure.
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May 3, 2019Skimmed it. Got it from the Di. I was dissappointed by the ending. My questions were unanswered.
June 20, 2020
As a Dickens fan, this book was exceptionally cute and funny. I would have thought it was insanely clever as a kid, and my enthusiasm is only slightly dampened as an adult!
March 20, 2021
Glad to see this is the start of a series. Excellent story with great humor, plot and characterization. Made me think of Goose Chase by Patrice Kindl.
December 11, 2021
A young adult book. A bit too formulaic for me. A knock-off of the Prince and the pauper idea with little creativity.
February 16, 2023
This was a cute little book. The characters are fun and totally entertained me. I would be interested in reading more by Kaye Umansky.
December 22, 2025
A fun little book. Nothing particularly compelling, but it did make me chuckle out loud a few times, and I will be passing it on to my nephew.
July 9, 2016
3.5 stars
The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow is not only a funny and unique children's book, but also something of a parody of Charles Dickens' work. Having read Oliver Twist this year, I noticed several veiled allusions to it, and some of the situations that the characters encountered reminded me of events from Dickens' famous novel.
The story itself is fairly straightforward, but it takes some unexpected turns and ultimately makes for a satisfactory reading experience. All three of the main characters are very likable, but strangely I think the "Infant Prodigy" ended up being my favorite. I think she is meant as a sort of parody of the highly idealized children of Victorian-era literature, and she turned out to be a very enjoyable character. I think that, if not written well, a character like the Prodigy could be just plain annoying, but the author put just the right amount of humor into her character to make her highly entertaining to read about.
The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow proved itself to be a funny, surprising, and satisfying story. I felt that some parts of the story were skimmed over a bit too quickly, but it did remind me a bit of how quickly Oliver seems to be rushed off into different situations in Oliver Twist, so maybe this was intentional. Either way, I really enjoyed this book, and I may check out the sequel sometime.
The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow is not only a funny and unique children's book, but also something of a parody of Charles Dickens' work. Having read Oliver Twist this year, I noticed several veiled allusions to it, and some of the situations that the characters encountered reminded me of events from Dickens' famous novel.
The story itself is fairly straightforward, but it takes some unexpected turns and ultimately makes for a satisfactory reading experience. All three of the main characters are very likable, but strangely I think the "Infant Prodigy" ended up being my favorite. I think she is meant as a sort of parody of the highly idealized children of Victorian-era literature, and she turned out to be a very enjoyable character. I think that, if not written well, a character like the Prodigy could be just plain annoying, but the author put just the right amount of humor into her character to make her highly entertaining to read about.
The Silver Spoon of Solomon Snow proved itself to be a funny, surprising, and satisfying story. I felt that some parts of the story were skimmed over a bit too quickly, but it did remind me a bit of how quickly Oliver seems to be rushed off into different situations in Oliver Twist, so maybe this was intentional. Either way, I really enjoyed this book, and I may check out the sequel sometime.
April 26, 2008
a self-admitted dickens-fan, this has all the ear-marks of the poor, unfortunate soul. it’s an okay book, but one of those that i found myself reading and thinking, “i could write this.” (but of course, i haven’t written it or anythign like it so i have no right to think such things, but you get the idea.) one of the book’s habits which i couldn’t decide whether it was endearing or annoying was that each time they’d get stuck in a spot, one character would turn to the other and ask, “well, what would the hero of that book you’re writing do in this situation?” and the other character would respond and then that very thing would happen. i think it leaned more towards endearing, but might get annoying if it continues heavily in the proposed sequel. also, i got a little sick of the sickly-sweet “prodigy” character, rosabella. i realize that she was a caricature, but again, i’d be heartily sick of her by book two. let’s just say, i’m not really motivated to read the sequel, but it was okay. nice packaging.
July 7, 2016
Solomon Snow always knew he was different. His different last name, his please's and thank you's, his dislike of pottage, allergy to hay and straw, always dabbing his mouth with his crumb catching cloth, his washing his hands before he ate.....the list could go on forever. Truth is, it was staring him in the face his whole life. He was a foundling. A baby left on a doorstep and taken in because the couple needed a new washing basket. Not only did they use his basket, but they sold his fancy clothes and the precious silver spoon. The spoon with the initials V. I. P. The spoon that would lead him to his family. Solly goes on a wild adventure into town to find said spoon with bossy Prudence, and the infant prodigy Little Rosabella, meeting a grumpy pawn broker, a dishonest orphanage owner, and a street urchin that had more potential then they thought.
Super cute book! I read it in less then 3 hours. Quick read, but cute :)
Super cute book! I read it in less then 3 hours. Quick read, but cute :)
November 16, 2007
Solomon, age 10, has just discovered that he is foundling and the only link to his real parents is a silver spoon. Regretfully, his father (or who he used to think of as his father) has sold it in a pawn shop in town. Solomon leaves his world behind to find the spoon and his true destiny. Joining him on his journey is Prudence Pridy, a 12 year old, who is trying to get her book published. Along the way they also meet Rosabella , a 5 year old girl who has run away from the circus after throwing a world class tantrum. The three find themselves steeped in all kinds of trouble and turmoil, such as, getting kidnapped, becoming orphans in an orphanage and meeting strange characters. Find out if Solomon reconnects with his parents and discovers where he really belongs.
Cat.
Cat.
March 25, 2010
I liked this book. It was a bit charming. I liked that the author left some fun surprises at the end. It didn't turn out as I predicted it would. And I am glad.
Mostly this book is for younger readers, who don't do well with too much suspense stress. There is some suspense, but it really isn't very intense. The book seems pretty predictable, until the end, which wasn't too far out there.
I found this book entertaining but not something that was constantly on my mind when I was away from it. It was a SUPER easy read.
I loved the end and what Prudence tells Solly what quality she likes about him the very most. I wish someone would tell ME that I posess that same quality!
Mostly this book is for younger readers, who don't do well with too much suspense stress. There is some suspense, but it really isn't very intense. The book seems pretty predictable, until the end, which wasn't too far out there.
I found this book entertaining but not something that was constantly on my mind when I was away from it. It was a SUPER easy read.
I loved the end and what Prudence tells Solly what quality she likes about him the very most. I wish someone would tell ME that I posess that same quality!
September 8, 2009
I listened to an extremely well done audio version of this story.
I liked the quirky characters in this story. At times they almost seemed like caricatures, but for this book it worked and even added to the charm of the story.
The plot was also a bit convoluted, but again it worked in this book.
A bit reminicent of Dickens, and in fact makes veiled referrence to plot points straight out of Oliver Twist. This book is very tounge in cheek where Dickens was quite somber.
This is a witty bit of "dark comedy" well written for children.
I liked the quirky characters in this story. At times they almost seemed like caricatures, but for this book it worked and even added to the charm of the story.
The plot was also a bit convoluted, but again it worked in this book.
A bit reminicent of Dickens, and in fact makes veiled referrence to plot points straight out of Oliver Twist. This book is very tounge in cheek where Dickens was quite somber.
This is a witty bit of "dark comedy" well written for children.
January 14, 2012
My kids and I really enjoyed this book. It had interesting characters, good plot, fast pace and it was also funny and quite entertaining.
Upon learning that he is a foundling, Solomon Snow sets out with a friend to find his silver spoon he was left on the doorstep with and to find his real parents. He adds to his entourage as his quest progresses along and there are some good twists in the plot as well. My favorite character was the infant prodigy with her dumb bunny, Mr. Skippy. I want to read another book with her as the main character!
Upon learning that he is a foundling, Solomon Snow sets out with a friend to find his silver spoon he was left on the doorstep with and to find his real parents. He adds to his entourage as his quest progresses along and there are some good twists in the plot as well. My favorite character was the infant prodigy with her dumb bunny, Mr. Skippy. I want to read another book with her as the main character!
April 6, 2008
This book screamed Dickens to me. It was funny and heartwarming. The characters were so strongly developed that it made up for the predictable plot. However, there was a bit of a cliffhanger so reading the next books in the series are essential. This is a British book so I'm having issues finding copies of the rest of the series, but look forward to reading them so that I can complete Solomon's story.
June 10, 2012
What would a young boy do to find out about his parents? The answer to that is EVERYTHING. When Solly finds out he was abandoned on his current "mom" and "dad's" doorsteps and left with only a silver spoon with engravings, he feels something compelling him to find out who his real parents are. Leaving home, getting lost, going hungry, sleeping in strange places is all a part of what he goes through.
May 18, 2013
The plot of this story is a mile wide and an inch deep--the characters find themselves in pickle after pickle, but never have to stay there for long. At first I was going to excuse this lack of depth on it being a children's book...but I realized that I have read children's books that do manage to accomplish the task of being accessible to children while still having some depth to the plot. The story is enjoyable...but it lacks a certain amount of suspense as problems are solved too quickly.
December 7, 2012
This book and its sequel are great read-out-loud stories to share with your family. I read these to my children a few years ago and still joke about "Miss Bunnykins". The characters were enjoyable to read and fun to voice. My family had fun speculating on the outcome of the mysteries. We were disappointed when we came to the end of the second (and final so far) book of the series. It would be nice if Solomon Snow and his friends had some more adventures in the near future.
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December 9, 2008This book was terrible!!!!!!!!If I were you I would never read this book. It is so bad that it does not even deserve a single star. :(
P.S. In case you are wondering why I did not put up any stars - that is because this book does not deserve a single star and there is no option for zero stars. I hate this book !!!!!!!!!!!!!1
P.S. In case you are wondering why I did not put up any stars - that is because this book does not deserve a single star and there is no option for zero stars. I hate this book !!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews