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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Some thoughts:
First off, I love the messy illustration style in this book. It looks so simple but it's not that easy to replicate.
Secondly, have we not moved past the trope of parents hating one of their children for some inane reason I feel like that just propagates in child reader's the idea of evil parents who hate them. Also, suspending my disbelief that a cat can do the things it does and still have all the same anatomy of a regular cat, I did enjoy the fantasy elements. Although I don't know why with all the other fantasy elements it's the cat that throws me as much as it does.
Favourite Quote: "Because a world without magic would be a very dull world indeed."
First off, I love the messy illustration style in this book. It looks so simple but it's not that easy to replicate.
Secondly, have we not moved past the trope of parents hating one of their children for some inane reason I feel like that just propagates in child reader's the idea of evil parents who hate them. Also, suspending my disbelief that a cat can do the things it does and still have all the same anatomy of a regular cat, I did enjoy the fantasy elements. Although I don't know why with all the other fantasy elements it's the cat that throws me as much as it does.
Favourite Quote: "Because a world without magic would be a very dull world indeed."
This book is beautiful and whimsical and engaging. I loved the illustrations, and Oona is such a vibrant character. I think so many kids are going to love this book
3.5 stars. This is a beautiful book with fun doodles in the margins. Even the print is a blue color. I just don't care for the horrible parents trope.
A magical folk-tale in which Oona, the seventh daughter of the Britts, stows away on her father’s whaling boat after a prediction of the worst winter on record. Her decisions and presence alter the course of the ship, and her life.
Oona’s parents enlisted a fortune teller prior to her birth, and were told they were to have a boy following six other daughters. Evidently, this did not come to pass and Oona has to bear the brunt of being a disappointment to her family - a family who, by the way, are greedy and self obsessed.
So here Oona is, aboard the Plucky Leopard with nothing to lose. Her friendship with Haroyld - the navigator - blossoms beautifully and even Barnacles the cat warms to Oona’s sense of adventure. The world created here is believable and magical at the same time, as are the characters.
Matilda Woods has an easy, natural story-telling voice, spinning a yarn that feels like a traditional folk tale, has moments of dark humour and a certain schadenfreude for some of the characters. I loved it - as I did with Woods’ first book - and can’t wait to see what else she has in store.
Oona’s parents enlisted a fortune teller prior to her birth, and were told they were to have a boy following six other daughters. Evidently, this did not come to pass and Oona has to bear the brunt of being a disappointment to her family - a family who, by the way, are greedy and self obsessed.
So here Oona is, aboard the Plucky Leopard with nothing to lose. Her friendship with Haroyld - the navigator - blossoms beautifully and even Barnacles the cat warms to Oona’s sense of adventure. The world created here is believable and magical at the same time, as are the characters.
Matilda Woods has an easy, natural story-telling voice, spinning a yarn that feels like a traditional folk tale, has moments of dark humour and a certain schadenfreude for some of the characters. I loved it - as I did with Woods’ first book - and can’t wait to see what else she has in store.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My son and I really enjoyed this adventure, especially the main storyline.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated