Author: Jessica Day George
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: October 25, 2011
Format: Hardback, 240 pages
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
How I Got It: from NetGalley for review
Goodreads Summary:
Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic.
"Whenever Castle Glower became bored, it would grow a new room or two."
Tuesdays at the Castle was a delightfully fun and sweet adventure story. Celia is part of a loving family that has ruled the country of Sleyne for the past ten generations. The kingdom's ruler is actually chosen by the magical Castle Glower. Apart from adding rooms on Tuesdays, the Castle expresses its opinion of people by ejecting them from the premisses, altering rooms, and generally getting its point across via architecture. When the king and queen are ambushed and presumed dead the kingdom is seen as an easy target. Crown Prince Rolf is only fourteen and he and his sisters Lilah and Celie suspect that foreign dignitaries are using the funeral as an opening to take over the country. Using their wits, friends, and the Castle itself the race to save the kingdom and hopefully find the truth about their missing parents and older brother.
Tuesdays at the Castle reminded me of old children's fantasies like The Horse and His Boy or Shadow Castle: adventure, fun, quirky characters, danger, and a bit of darkness but not too much, and spunky children fighting the larger battle. I was dead sick when I read this book and could not put it down to sleep, I had to finish it. Celie and the families supporters pull pranks, spy, and do anything they safely can to thwart their enemies. Through it all is their fear and love for their missing and presumed dead parents and older brother. I enjoyed the Castle's sense of humor and how the siblings rallied each other and their people. This would make a great read aloud for a classroom, a family, or before bed, and I would recommend it for kids 6 and up. Well, there is one caveat, I think some middle schoolers would enjoy the book, but I at that age they tend to look for something meatier. Tuesdays at the Castle is a fun read, but it's a bit light.
My only complaint is that the ending is a bit sudden, but I think most readers will overlook this in favor of how fun the story is.
Verdict:
A wonderful adventure and fantasy story that could be described as wholesome but never gets too saccharine. I will definitely be ordering Tuesdays at the Castle for my elementary library and will be recommending it to families and students alike. I really hope this becomes a series, I would love to read more about Castle Gower, Celie, and her family.
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5 comments:
I only read one book by this author, The Dragon Slippers, which didn't leave a last impression on me. I do like the sound of this title, however, and I'm willing to give the author another shot. It definitely has all the qualities that I look for in a children's/MG read. Thanks for the recommendation, Jennifer!
October 18, 2011 10:45 AMA fun book for children!
October 18, 2011 11:14 AM@ Rummanah Aasi - I've never read her books before but this one was very cute. I'm not sure I'd call it an MG title because it seems a bit too simple for that, but it's a sweet adventure story for the elementary grades.
October 19, 2011 12:37 AM@ Aurian - It is fun and one that you can read with first or second graders - depending on how they might react to the assumed death of a parent (all kids are different). I figure if you've read Harry Potter or allowed them to watch the HP movies, this book shouldn't be a problem.
Omg, so cute! Lol, now there I go again, thinking a cover is so cute, it clouds my judgement
October 19, 2011 4:31 PM@ Blodeuedd - Well, I had never heard of this author before but the cover caught my eye and I'm so glad it did.
October 20, 2011 12:25 PMPost a Comment