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Tom Trueheart #1
The Secret History of Tom Trueheart
Tom's six older brothers take after their father. Tom does not. The brothers are adventurers who go on dangerous quests in the Land of Stories. Tom stays home with his mother. Tom's brothers are famous for the exciting endings they discover for the tales the Story Bureau assigns to them. Tom worries he will never have a story of his own. But when his brothers fail to return from their adventures in time to celebrate Tom's twelfth birthday, a letter from the Story Bureau arrives . . . addressed to Tom. It is up to him to find out why his brothers haven't completed their missions. Tom packs his bags and kisses his mother good-bye. It turns out that he has his own story after all—and you are about to read it.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
16 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Ian Beck
177 books84 followersIan Archibald Beck (born 1947 in Brighton) is an English children's illustrator and author. In addition to his numerous children's books, he is also most famous for his cover illustration on Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. He has sold more than a million copies of his books worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 9, 2025
Tom comes from a family of adventurers in the Land of Stories. He has six burly older brothers, all named Jack, and when they receive a commission from the Story Bureau, they follow their instructions and complete a daring adventure, awakening cursed maidens with a kiss, defeating giants up a beanstalk, or outwitting evil witches. But Tom is still too young to go on adventures like his brothers do. One day, the brothers all receive a new story commission and set off on new adventures, but they are each lost in the Land of Stories and they never return. Tom is assigned to find them and return them to their assigned stories. Tom begins to retrace their steps and finds that all their stories have been halted right in the middle, waiting for the hero to arrive and save the day. As Tom investigates, he must find the courage to go on his own adventure and save his brothers, so that his brothers can save the rest of the Land of Stories!
This was such a fun adventure! I loved Tom's character. He is very anxious about performing well in his adventure. He worries that he might not have the courage to continue, but when he is faced with a true crisis, he doesn't think about himself, and he doesn't worry about having courage. He just does what needs to be done. He discovers that true courage is not about posturing with big muscles; it's about caring for others.
I liked the world-building of the Land of Stories, since we get to see some well-known fairy tales like Snow White, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, the Frog Prince, and Hansel and Gretel. Each of these stories have their own silly twist that makes for a really funny look into the "inner workings" of the stories. Rapunzel is getting very impatient waiting around up in her tower. Sleeping Beauty is not quite asleep all the time and whispers clues to Tom. The Frog Prince actually hates eating slimy flies. It was delightful to see these fairy tale characters "breaking character" to ask if the hero is on the way to finish their story.
Such a fun book, and it received a "Nothing Found" rating on the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/the-se...
This was such a fun adventure! I loved Tom's character. He is very anxious about performing well in his adventure. He worries that he might not have the courage to continue, but when he is faced with a true crisis, he doesn't think about himself, and he doesn't worry about having courage. He just does what needs to be done. He discovers that true courage is not about posturing with big muscles; it's about caring for others.
I liked the world-building of the Land of Stories, since we get to see some well-known fairy tales like Snow White, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, the Frog Prince, and Hansel and Gretel. Each of these stories have their own silly twist that makes for a really funny look into the "inner workings" of the stories. Rapunzel is getting very impatient waiting around up in her tower. Sleeping Beauty is not quite asleep all the time and whispers clues to Tom. The Frog Prince actually hates eating slimy flies. It was delightful to see these fairy tale characters "breaking character" to ask if the hero is on the way to finish their story.
Such a fun book, and it received a "Nothing Found" rating on the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/the-se...
May 7, 2021
This fast-paced young reader’s adventure was filled with (Disney-ized) fairy-tale motifs. The author did a wonderful job of conveying a theme of courage without being too unrealistic. However, there were LOTS of things going on in this very brief and simplistic novel. The result felt moderately rushed and underdeveloped (granted, I’m not in the target audience). Ultimately best suited for a child graduating from chapter books who is looking for a good quest.
March 15, 2020
The map makes no sense, and wouldn't be helpful if it did. The title doesn't, either, as there's nothing about 'secrecy' in the story (except that Jollity the crow isn't to reveal to Tom that he's really a sprite). However, it's a neat fairy tale for 'boys' who like fairy tales but don't want to be seen reading 'girly' books.
"Hope makes a bad supper but a good breakfast."
The Jacks do know how to cook.
There is some ambiguity about the bad guy. He created the sprite gold, the giants, the goose... indeed the Truehearts did steal his creations, especially the father is to fault for killing the first giant, no?
I will not read the sequels.
"Hope makes a bad supper but a good breakfast."
The Jacks do know how to cook.
There is some ambiguity about the bad guy. He created the sprite gold, the giants, the goose... indeed the Truehearts did steal his creations, especially the father is to fault for killing the first giant, no?
I will not read the sequels.
March 10, 2023
Tom is the youngest of the Trueheart brothers, all six of the others are adventurers who go on quests in The Land of Stories. Tom can't wait until he's old enough to join them. But when all six do not return from their current quests Tom gets a letter from the Story Bureau sending him on a quest to find his brothers and help them to finish their quests. This is aimed at the younger end of middle grade. The plot keeps moving forward at a steady pace and the fairy tales that are "written" on the quests are cute. However, there is no character development at all leaving them very flat and two-dimensional. We hardly even know what Tom is like apart from being suitable adventurer material. And while cute the plot is boring.
July 1, 2012
I listened to this book as an audiobook- great performance by John Curless - it took a little while to "get into" the story, but once we were in, we were hooked. Loved the adventure and connection to fairy tales. I think that if I was reading vs. listening, I might have skimmed some fairy tale wrap-ups, but enjoyed the audio so much, it didn't matter. My son loved this book as well and we're both planning to read the next book when we have time!
May 21, 2013
Young Tom comes from a line of storybook heroes. And by that I mean the actual heroes of such stories as "Jack the Giant Killer" and "The Frog Prince." Whether a clever tailor or a charming prince, the hero in each of your favorite fairy tales was most likely a member of the Trueheart clan, acting on instructions from the staff at the Story Bureau, and with a little help from sprites who carry messages and throw in a little magic now and then.
Here's how it works: Either Tom's father Jack (missing these last several years) or one of his six elder brothers (all named Jack, or some variation thereof), on receiving a memo from the Story Bureau, marches out of the family cottage and into either the north, south, east, or west gate of the Land of Stories—a place where all the ingredients are in place for an adventure with trolls, giants, fairy godmothers, wicked witches, and what you will. After completing their adventure, they come home and tell the story, and this is what gets published in our world. So the Truehearts serve a vital function, keeping tales of imagination and enchantment flowing into the world of hard facts and harsh realities.
But now, something has gone wrong. One of the idea men at the Story Bureau has gone rogue, embedding traps in a series of story-beginnings that are sent to Tom's older brothers. As the boy's twelfth birthday approaches, and his apprenticeship as a storybook hero is set to begin, all of his role models are obliged to march away, promising to return on time for his birthday party. Instead, Tom's birthday brings a message from the Story Bureau, ordering him to set out on a rescue mission to find his lost brothers, and by any means possible to help them complete their assignments.
And so Tom becomes the unsung hero in the untold part of the stories of Cinderella, the Sleeping Beauty, the Frog Prince, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Snow White. And readers familiar with Chris Colfer's The Wishing Spell are treated to another "Land of Stories"—same name, different map—based on quite a different principle. While I'm not sure the concept behind this tale stands up to any scrutiny, there's no denying that it sets the stage for a thrilling adventure in which one small boy rights many wrongs, confronts a full-grown villain, experiences an interesting "behind the scenes" version of several well-known stories, and forms an endearing bond with a talking crow. It's a growing experience for a boy who worries about whether he will find his courage. It's wholesome fun for readers of most any age. And finally, it hints at a darker mystery that Tom must face in subsequent books.
Ian Beck is an artist and illustrator best known for his work on album covers, an animated telefilm, and over a dozen children's picture-books. His other titles include Pastworld, The Hidden Kingdom, The Haunting of Charity Delafield, and a book for "reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers" titled Samurai; plus a collection of fairy tales, a retelling of The Little Mermaid, and two sequels to this book. Their titles are Tom Trueheart and the Land of Dark Stories and Tom Trueheart and the Land of Myths and Legends.
Here's how it works: Either Tom's father Jack (missing these last several years) or one of his six elder brothers (all named Jack, or some variation thereof), on receiving a memo from the Story Bureau, marches out of the family cottage and into either the north, south, east, or west gate of the Land of Stories—a place where all the ingredients are in place for an adventure with trolls, giants, fairy godmothers, wicked witches, and what you will. After completing their adventure, they come home and tell the story, and this is what gets published in our world. So the Truehearts serve a vital function, keeping tales of imagination and enchantment flowing into the world of hard facts and harsh realities.
But now, something has gone wrong. One of the idea men at the Story Bureau has gone rogue, embedding traps in a series of story-beginnings that are sent to Tom's older brothers. As the boy's twelfth birthday approaches, and his apprenticeship as a storybook hero is set to begin, all of his role models are obliged to march away, promising to return on time for his birthday party. Instead, Tom's birthday brings a message from the Story Bureau, ordering him to set out on a rescue mission to find his lost brothers, and by any means possible to help them complete their assignments.
And so Tom becomes the unsung hero in the untold part of the stories of Cinderella, the Sleeping Beauty, the Frog Prince, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Snow White. And readers familiar with Chris Colfer's The Wishing Spell are treated to another "Land of Stories"—same name, different map—based on quite a different principle. While I'm not sure the concept behind this tale stands up to any scrutiny, there's no denying that it sets the stage for a thrilling adventure in which one small boy rights many wrongs, confronts a full-grown villain, experiences an interesting "behind the scenes" version of several well-known stories, and forms an endearing bond with a talking crow. It's a growing experience for a boy who worries about whether he will find his courage. It's wholesome fun for readers of most any age. And finally, it hints at a darker mystery that Tom must face in subsequent books.
Ian Beck is an artist and illustrator best known for his work on album covers, an animated telefilm, and over a dozen children's picture-books. His other titles include Pastworld, The Hidden Kingdom, The Haunting of Charity Delafield, and a book for "reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers" titled Samurai; plus a collection of fairy tales, a retelling of The Little Mermaid, and two sequels to this book. Their titles are Tom Trueheart and the Land of Dark Stories and Tom Trueheart and the Land of Myths and Legends.
June 22, 2014
I didn't like this book at all. I don't want to bash this author because it was their first book. I've heard lots of parents liked reading this to their younger children, and that's great. But this is actually geared in the middle grade section for people 10-12. And this book doesn't belong in that age range.
This book is not aimed at anyone. For young children it's too complicated. Once your older it's too simplistic.
The story was not very original at all, with fairytale stories we all know. But that doesn't mean it couldn't have been fun. The adventuring idea was interesting, and if it was worked on could have been an amazing improvement.
But it wasn't worked on.
The plot was very straight-forward. Rescue all your brothers.We kept meeting new fairy tale characters for each chapter, with their own problems. Geez, don't we have enough things to do?
The writing isn't very good, it seems to choppy for me.
Tom Trueheart is 12-in this book he seems much younger. He is very childish. And, talking of characters, no character is written well. I couldn't understand, sympathize, feel how the characters felt. They all just seemed bland and uninteresting. Especially the villain. Brother Ormestone isn't very evil at all. He says some very predictable phrases, repeats 'evil' things over and over again. This is an insult to all villains around the world. Villains can't just be evil, evil, evil. I like villains because they can be so complicated and mysterious. When I read about a villain like this, I feel like punching the book. He could have been so much better.
I do not recommend this. I think I'll read the next books, because I like writing bad reviews.
This book is not aimed at anyone. For young children it's too complicated. Once your older it's too simplistic.
The story was not very original at all, with fairytale stories we all know. But that doesn't mean it couldn't have been fun. The adventuring idea was interesting, and if it was worked on could have been an amazing improvement.
But it wasn't worked on.
The plot was very straight-forward. Rescue all your brothers.We kept meeting new fairy tale characters for each chapter, with their own problems. Geez, don't we have enough things to do?
The writing isn't very good, it seems to choppy for me.
Tom Trueheart is 12-in this book he seems much younger. He is very childish. And, talking of characters, no character is written well. I couldn't understand, sympathize, feel how the characters felt. They all just seemed bland and uninteresting. Especially the villain. Brother Ormestone isn't very evil at all. He says some very predictable phrases, repeats 'evil' things over and over again. This is an insult to all villains around the world. Villains can't just be evil, evil, evil. I like villains because they can be so complicated and mysterious. When I read about a villain like this, I feel like punching the book. He could have been so much better.
I do not recommend this. I think I'll read the next books, because I like writing bad reviews.
December 2, 2009
My husband is reading this to the boys as their bedtime story. So far they're all enjoying it. I need to sneak the copy out of their room so I can read it during the day.
Updated -
I read this book and really liked it. It was cute and funny and clever and suspenseful and around every turn you met a new fairy tale character. I enjoyed how Tom went from doubting himself to being a true hero - and even heroes are scared sometimes.
The boys in my family just finished reading it with their day. I asked them what they thought and they said, "Amazing". They also want to read the sequel. Both the 9-yr-olds and the 5-yr-old loved this. When they'd meet a new character I'd hear shouts from upstairs, "Hey, that's Cinderella," or "Rapunzel!!!".
Overall a fun read-aloud with a nice little message out courage and family love. There is a bad guy and he is bad, but not wicked. He's not too scary for little kids.
Highly recommended.
Updated -
I read this book and really liked it. It was cute and funny and clever and suspenseful and around every turn you met a new fairy tale character. I enjoyed how Tom went from doubting himself to being a true hero - and even heroes are scared sometimes.
The boys in my family just finished reading it with their day. I asked them what they thought and they said, "Amazing". They also want to read the sequel. Both the 9-yr-olds and the 5-yr-old loved this. When they'd meet a new character I'd hear shouts from upstairs, "Hey, that's Cinderella," or "Rapunzel!!!".
Overall a fun read-aloud with a nice little message out courage and family love. There is a bad guy and he is bad, but not wicked. He's not too scary for little kids.
Highly recommended.
June 15, 2009
This is a truely amzing book that gives a spin on classic fairy tales in a very unexpected way! The story breates new life to old dusty fairy tales by giving Tom's brothers jobs or roles to play in each story. Each boy whose nmaes are all Jack, recieve a letter from The Story Bereau and is then wisked away to be a prince or maybe a lowly peasent. All the boys except Tom are sent on missions, but promise to be back for Tom's birthday. When Tom's birthday arrives none of his brothers are home, so Tom is sent on a quest of his own and weaves his way between classic fairy tales to find his brothers... :-) Great Book! I would suggest it to young boys who like to read and are looking to find a place in this world. Tom is a very relatible character! ~ Luke
February 27, 2015
This book was okay I guess. It didn't really have anything special going for it, but it would have been a nice enough children's book if the author had included at least one female character who had some personality. There was Tom's mother (who only existed to take care of her sons), Tom's story mother (who again only existed to be a mother), and the princesses who get rescued by Tom's brothers. If Tom and Jollity the crow had been female I'd be giving this book 4 stars and recommending it to every child who came into the library. As it is, it's 2 stars and I'd probably advise children to try something else.
August 27, 2019
3.25 stars
I read this to my sons and they really thought it to be highly adventurous and exciting. I really enjoyed reading it too. It was cute.
Tom Trueheart has 6 older brothers, all with names that have "Jack" intertwined. His brothers are adventurers. The Story Bureau writes tales that the brothers need to live out in some way to make sure they get completed in order to become renown. They will have to fight villains, rescue princesses, and live happily ever after.
Tom is about to turn 12 and wants to begin training for his own adventures. The only problem is that his brothers have not returned home yet. This means that something has gone wrong. Only Tom is able to save them. He sets out to find them.
There are fairytales that are well known and loved that are played out in this story, but the story gives you a background of what was going on in between the well known scenes (hehe).
I read this to my sons and they really thought it to be highly adventurous and exciting. I really enjoyed reading it too. It was cute.
Tom Trueheart has 6 older brothers, all with names that have "Jack" intertwined. His brothers are adventurers. The Story Bureau writes tales that the brothers need to live out in some way to make sure they get completed in order to become renown. They will have to fight villains, rescue princesses, and live happily ever after.
Tom is about to turn 12 and wants to begin training for his own adventures. The only problem is that his brothers have not returned home yet. This means that something has gone wrong. Only Tom is able to save them. He sets out to find them.
There are fairytales that are well known and loved that are played out in this story, but the story gives you a background of what was going on in between the well known scenes (hehe).
June 24, 2020
A fun and entertaining read! We read this one aloud and the kids really enjoyed it. The story set up is very clever and engaging. I loved the descriptions of the home in the woods, full of family noise and warmth. I love the way it celebrates the importance of family and loyalty. I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style and was sometimes bogged down mentally by some events that predictably happened over and over again. Also, as many fairy tales today do, the relationships between princes and princesses are tagged on looks alone with lots of descriptions of "broad shoulders" and "beautiful" faces or "slender" figures. There was so much opportunity here to really flesh out personalities and connections! This story has enough familiarity to help the audience already feel a connection with the characters but also had enough surprises and twists to delight. I haven't yet figured out "the secret history" part of the title, but love the art work inside and out.
December 5, 2019
Una de mis primeras sagas, y aún lo adoro
December 26, 2019
Rather predictable, but not bad.
February 11, 2020
It was wonderful.
September 3, 2020
B. fiction, children's fiction,middle school, fantasy, adventure.
July 14, 2024
Este libro me enganchó mucho y me lo terminé a los cinco días de empezarlo
Esta bastante bien!!
Esta bastante bien!!
October 9, 2007
What a great story. For those who like fantasy and fairytales and adventure stories. Grade 4–7—This well-known British illustrator's first novel is a charming twist on fairy tales. The Trueheart clan lives near the Land of Stories, once upon a time, long ago. Tom is the youngest of seven boys, and his brothers (all named Jack) have carried on the family tradition of being adventurers-that is, stepping into a story and carrying out the dashing exploits that eventually become legend. On Tom's 12th birthday, he discovers that his brothers are missing, feared to have been captured by a sinister individual who wants to put an end to Stories forever, and it is up to the young lad to discover their fates and prevent the demise of the Land. Readers meet many familiar characters, as the brothers' interrupted adventures involve Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel, to name a few. The two-dimensionality of most of the characters complements the fairy-tale feel, and silhouette drawings interspersed throughout add a wonderfully nostalgic touch. Readers will relate to Tom as he overcomes fears that he will not live up to his brothers' reputations for bravery. The story gets off to a slow start, and the length may deter some children, but those who stick with it will be rewarded with a refreshing and humorous take on traditional fairy tales. Beck's ending suggests that a sequel is forthcoming. Grade 4 and up
August 13, 2012
As a family, we listened to The Secret History of Tom Trueheart on a long road trip. Usually we need breaks from our audio books, but this story entertained all ages from four to thirty-seven so well that we listened to the last four hours straight through. It is a good family book, either for listening or reading out loud.(We listened to the recording by John Curless. Apparently there is another audio book out there).
Tom’s six older brothers are all adventurers in the Land of Stories. They go on exciting missions and return home to share their tales with the world, but Tom stays home with his mother. When his brothers fail to come home in time for Tom’s twelfth birthday, both Tom and his mother fear that something has gone terribly wrong. Soon, Tom receives his own mission from the Story Bureau. He must enter the Land of Stories and discover the fate of his older brothers. As he journeys on his mission, Tom creates his own story and finds that he is an adventurer with as much courage and determination as his brothers.
The Secret History of Tom Trueheart is an entertaining story of magic and adventure. With elements of multiple well-known fairy tales, it contains familiarity with some wonderful twists. The excitement and action keeps older readers interested, but nothing is too dark and frightening for younger readers.
Tom’s six older brothers are all adventurers in the Land of Stories. They go on exciting missions and return home to share their tales with the world, but Tom stays home with his mother. When his brothers fail to come home in time for Tom’s twelfth birthday, both Tom and his mother fear that something has gone terribly wrong. Soon, Tom receives his own mission from the Story Bureau. He must enter the Land of Stories and discover the fate of his older brothers. As he journeys on his mission, Tom creates his own story and finds that he is an adventurer with as much courage and determination as his brothers.
The Secret History of Tom Trueheart is an entertaining story of magic and adventure. With elements of multiple well-known fairy tales, it contains familiarity with some wonderful twists. The excitement and action keeps older readers interested, but nothing is too dark and frightening for younger readers.
October 21, 2014
TLC CALL #: J CD COOK BECK
Chris’s Rating: 3 Stars
Tom Trueheart is the youngest of seven brothers (all some variation of Jack). While his older brothers are brave and adventurous (and often called on by the Story Bureau to participate in partially fabricated and lightly directed adventures in the Land of Stories), Tom is not outgoing and tends to think too much about things. Then one day Tom receives word from the Story Bureau that his brothers (who have not finished their adventures) have gone missing and that he is being called on the adventure of finding and rescuing them. Tom sets out immediately, with the companionship of a talking crow, happy and frightened that his turn has finally arrived.
The Secret History of Tom Trueheart is a clever, humorous fractured-fairy-tale. Definitely cheesy at times (which is common with fairy tales and “love at first sight”) this story plays on making fun with fairy tales more than story or character depth. Overall the story is enjoyable, although Tom seemed rather unwise to constantly tell everyone what he was doing when his quest was supposed to be confidential. Good for young readers who like a light read dealing with fairy tales.
Chris’s Rating: 3 Stars
Tom Trueheart is the youngest of seven brothers (all some variation of Jack). While his older brothers are brave and adventurous (and often called on by the Story Bureau to participate in partially fabricated and lightly directed adventures in the Land of Stories), Tom is not outgoing and tends to think too much about things. Then one day Tom receives word from the Story Bureau that his brothers (who have not finished their adventures) have gone missing and that he is being called on the adventure of finding and rescuing them. Tom sets out immediately, with the companionship of a talking crow, happy and frightened that his turn has finally arrived.
The Secret History of Tom Trueheart is a clever, humorous fractured-fairy-tale. Definitely cheesy at times (which is common with fairy tales and “love at first sight”) this story plays on making fun with fairy tales more than story or character depth. Overall the story is enjoyable, although Tom seemed rather unwise to constantly tell everyone what he was doing when his quest was supposed to be confidential. Good for young readers who like a light read dealing with fairy tales.
December 12, 2016
Where do stories come from? Why do the adventurers always seem to be brawny strong men? What’s with all those ladies lying in wait for their princes to come? How old does an adventurer need to be, anyway?
All these questions and more get answered in this delirious spin on old Grimm märchen. Somebody decides that stories shouldn’t always have he-men involved and that’s when things go terribly awry. When the timid Tom Trueheart sets off, it’s not to win a princess (he’s only 12, for goodness sakes!) but to rescue his missing brothers.
Tom is a bracing breath of fresh air. He’s not like his big, himbo brothers. He’s timid and fears that he’s not at all brave. He spends a lot of time with his mother and seems quite a sweet boy, especially compared to his rambunctious older siblings (all named variations of Jack for whatever reason) who think nothing of throwing food at each other even though they’re way too old for such nonsense.
His travels take him through familiar storyland territory and involve a magpie sensibility, careful thinking and the advice of a disguised crow. It’s a fun read for young children but older people might enjoy its twists on the old stories.
All these questions and more get answered in this delirious spin on old Grimm märchen. Somebody decides that stories shouldn’t always have he-men involved and that’s when things go terribly awry. When the timid Tom Trueheart sets off, it’s not to win a princess (he’s only 12, for goodness sakes!) but to rescue his missing brothers.
Tom is a bracing breath of fresh air. He’s not like his big, himbo brothers. He’s timid and fears that he’s not at all brave. He spends a lot of time with his mother and seems quite a sweet boy, especially compared to his rambunctious older siblings (all named variations of Jack for whatever reason) who think nothing of throwing food at each other even though they’re way too old for such nonsense.
His travels take him through familiar storyland territory and involve a magpie sensibility, careful thinking and the advice of a disguised crow. It’s a fun read for young children but older people might enjoy its twists on the old stories.
August 18, 2010
Action, suspense, adventure, and familiar characters come to life in the Land of Stories – home to the Trueheart family and all other fairy tale characters. Twelve-year-old Tom is a sympathetic character as he sets out to rescue his older brothers despite his lack of bravery. The Story Bureau is responsible for assigning characters and starting the stories but then the rest is up to the characters, especially the Truehearts who are famous for the toughest, scariest, and most romantic and exciting adventures. All goes wrong though when one of the senior story devisers decides he is not getting enough credit for his creativity and sets out to foil the Truehearts. Sequels include Tom Trueheart and the Land of Dark Stories and Tom Trueheart and the Land of Myths and Legends.
December 21, 2014
Tom Trueheart has a whole family of adventurers. Six brothers, in fact. And they all go off and have the most wonderful adventures. Tom stays home. He's the youngest. He'd never admit it, but he's also frightened of a lot of the stories they tell, and sure he'll never go on the same kinds of adventures. But when his brothers go missing, Tom is sent to find them. It's an adventure of his own---but what can he do that six older, stronger brothers couldn't?
This book is far more amusing in the context of the stories it tells, and how those stories are forcibly derailed. The simple prose is well suited for fairy tales, and mysteries lurk around every corner. Although the stories his brothers were sent to finish are well-known, Tom's story is something different, and entirely new. His insecurities lend a depth to his story that his brothers lack, and it's easy to cheer him along.
The book does leave a few mysteries unfinished at the end, promising further adventures to come. It's a quick read, and an enjoyable one. I rate this book Recommended.
This book is far more amusing in the context of the stories it tells, and how those stories are forcibly derailed. The simple prose is well suited for fairy tales, and mysteries lurk around every corner. Although the stories his brothers were sent to finish are well-known, Tom's story is something different, and entirely new. His insecurities lend a depth to his story that his brothers lack, and it's easy to cheer him along.
The book does leave a few mysteries unfinished at the end, promising further adventures to come. It's a quick read, and an enjoyable one. I rate this book Recommended.
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February 11, 2017An exciting journey through so many stories tangled into one, with suspense, advertise, mystery, and family values. Great read for the fam.
June 28, 2008
Tom Trueheart is the baby of the family. His six older brothers are exactly like their father--true adventurers whose job it is to find endings for the stories that the Story Bureau assigns them. Tom, however, is not an adeventurer. He stays and home with his mother and dreams of one day following in his family's footsteps. But then all of his brothers fail to return from their adventures and the Story Bureau knows something is very, very wrong. With only one Trueheart left, it is up to Tom to go after them and rescue his family. But how will this twelve-year-old never-trained wanna-be adventurer do it?
Cute, inventive and imaginative. Fun story that gives background to classic fairy tales. I liked the premise that the Story Bureau thinks up the story idea and leaves it up to the adventurer to execute. And the actors in the stories are pretty amusing. There will definitely be a sequel, as the last chapter perfectly set it up.
Cute, inventive and imaginative. Fun story that gives background to classic fairy tales. I liked the premise that the Story Bureau thinks up the story idea and leaves it up to the adventurer to execute. And the actors in the stories are pretty amusing. There will definitely be a sequel, as the last chapter perfectly set it up.
December 17, 2009
Inane Drivel...But Lovely Woodcut Illustrations
I just finished reading this with my almost eight year old daughter. I thought it was a lame serving of leftover fairytales thrown into a lousy soup of a pointless story. It started out with what seemed like a clever idea and went absolutely nowhere from there. The pacing was limp, the stories are predictable with all the traditional endings and the original portions are sprinkled throughout very inconsistently.
The writing is mediocre at best. I was very disappointed by this book and won't be looking for another by Ian Beck. My daughter enjoyed it...she also enjoys those Daisy Meadows fairy books. Had she read it independently that would have been fine with me. I did enjoy the woodcut illustrations and the fact that I picked up second hand and paid very little for it.
I just finished reading this with my almost eight year old daughter. I thought it was a lame serving of leftover fairytales thrown into a lousy soup of a pointless story. It started out with what seemed like a clever idea and went absolutely nowhere from there. The pacing was limp, the stories are predictable with all the traditional endings and the original portions are sprinkled throughout very inconsistently.
The writing is mediocre at best. I was very disappointed by this book and won't be looking for another by Ian Beck. My daughter enjoyed it...she also enjoys those Daisy Meadows fairy books. Had she read it independently that would have been fine with me. I did enjoy the woodcut illustrations and the fact that I picked up second hand and paid very little for it.
August 11, 2011
Although I read a lot of kids' books and love fairy tales, I didn't like this one. It felt boring and contrived. Perhaps children might like it, but it is VERY long for them and way too simplistic for older readers. Even the idea was confusing to me: what do all those characters do when they're not acting in a story? And if they're just acting, why do the girls fall in love with the princes? If they're just acting, is there any true peril? I just didn't buy it. I liked the family name - Trueheart - and I liked the idea - quiet youngest son seeks maturity - but the stories of each of his brothers lacked beauty or mystery. Young Tom was supposed to be brave, but he had a crow next to him nearly ALL the time encouraging him. Don't bother with this book, but check out the fairy tale series written by P.W. Catanese; they're written for boys and are exciting and original.
May 14, 2021
Una bella favola.
Tom Trueheart e i suoi sei fratelli sono gli eroi che nel mondo delle storie devono portare a termine tutte le favole. Tom però è ancora un quasi dodicenne e può solo aspettare a casa il ritorno dei suoi eroici fratelli (tutti con nome simile a Jack) e i racconti delle loro storie. Ma cosa succede se alla vigilia del dodicesimo compleanno di Tom nessuno dei suoi fratelli ha fatto ritorno? Tom verrà incaricato di andare a trarli in salvo e si imbatterà nelle favole incompiute di Biancaneve, Cenerentola, Raperonzolo, il principe ranocchio, la bella addormentata e Jack e il fagiolo magico, con principesse abbandonate ansiose di essere salvate e un crudele sceneggiatore che vuole vendicarsi dei Truheart...
E' decisamente aperta la porta ad un seguito.
1 giu 2010, 11:11:33
Tom Trueheart e i suoi sei fratelli sono gli eroi che nel mondo delle storie devono portare a termine tutte le favole. Tom però è ancora un quasi dodicenne e può solo aspettare a casa il ritorno dei suoi eroici fratelli (tutti con nome simile a Jack) e i racconti delle loro storie. Ma cosa succede se alla vigilia del dodicesimo compleanno di Tom nessuno dei suoi fratelli ha fatto ritorno? Tom verrà incaricato di andare a trarli in salvo e si imbatterà nelle favole incompiute di Biancaneve, Cenerentola, Raperonzolo, il principe ranocchio, la bella addormentata e Jack e il fagiolo magico, con principesse abbandonate ansiose di essere salvate e un crudele sceneggiatore che vuole vendicarsi dei Truheart...
E' decisamente aperta la porta ad un seguito.
1 giu 2010, 11:11:33
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