We are nearly done with this book. I am reading it to 2 of my children. We are homeschoolers, and often read a novel before going to see the corresponding movie. My 10 year old son loves the story so far, and my 7 year old seems slightly less enthralled, although she is enjoying it. I myself am bored stiff. My biggest complaint is that there is no clear setting...we have no idea what year it is, or even what country the story began in (I'm assuming Germany because the author is German?). The setting that is painted seems to be of an earlier time period, but then there are elements like cell phones and airplanes, so we understand it must be modern times, however it's very difficult to reconcile the two seemingly opposing settings. We're going to finish it (read: get it over with), and go see the movie tomorrow. Which I am hoping, like Prince Caspian, proves to be better than the book.
Inkheart
(2004, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Cornelia Funke)
Have you read it? 
Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it
Boring, with no clear setting
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
enthralling.
This is a very good book, though I wouldn't exactly call it a "children's book". I'd be more entitled to call it a "preteen book." The villains are actually evil, which isn't very common in "children's books" but the book is easy to read and would be suitable for anyone 10 and up. There are uses of damn and hell, and also bloody. There is much violence inplied: ("I'll cut out your tongue!" says Basta frequently) but little of it actually happens. As is said above, the main character is in a lot of danger most of the time, as are her acquaintances. The main character is a great role-model because she is very brave, and I believe this book teaches a whole lot more respect for books, and it may inspire kids to read more, especially the books mentioned in the story. There is a tremendous amount of imagery, but I enjoyed it a whole lot, the slow pace doesn't make the book difficult to pay attention to at all... on the contrary. Ten and up should definitely give this book a try, along with Funke's other great book, 'the Thief Lord.' The kids that I have known to read this book has also developed a larger lust of reading than most kids, because it describes books so well. There is also a good relationship between the main character and her father. It's pretty hard to be dissapointed in this book. One of the reviews on the book cover say that it's a good Harry Potter alternative. I don't agree that it's an alternative, but I do agree that you should read them both, because they are both most definitely worth reading.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Vocabulary good...mostly
I have read reviews of this book complaining of its verbosity, but it isn't a bad thing —in a fast world— for kids to have to wait for the story to unfold. The richness of the imagery and language is also a positive. Until we got to the part where she felt compelled to include "swear" words; it's almost gratuitous. I don't believe that they are necessary and is in fact a bad idea in a book aimed at preteens. I prefer my children to develop their vocabularies in other ways before learning to add the, shall we say, more colorful choices.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Fun, Magical Book!
This book is magical fun! It is somewhat violent, but more is hinted at than acted on. It has a very suspenseful conclusion, and a scarred, insane villain that some kids may find disturbing. Overall, good for not-so-sensitive kids.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Awesome
I thought this book was really good. I think it should tell a little bit more about Capricorn's village because I couldn't really picture it based on their description. Other than that, it was a really good book. Kids my age (10) and up who like Harry Potter books or similar will enjoy this book!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Cornelia Funke the new JK Rowlings!
A mythical wonder! Unforgettable characters. If you can read then this should be at the top of your "must read list". Young & Old will be hooked. This book became my 10 yr old daughter favorite book that was until Cornelia came out with the sequel "Inkspell".
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
interesting
i liked the way this book was written well but in some parts i felt that this book got quite boring. i feel this book is suited to ages 9+ but only if they understand the consept of the guns and knifes
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good book
This book was one of my favourite books. There are good role models and lots to talk about with your kids. Some of the story is just fun. I loved it and have read it more then once,
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
The book is way better than the movie.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Great For Kids
I relly liked this book and think it's great for the young imagination
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it
This is a LOOOOOOOOOOOONG book!
This book took me alsomst two months to read! But when I finished, I LOVED it! I've recomended this book to lots of my friens and they LOVE it! Inkheart is very exciting. The best of all the series!
- I rate this title off for age 5 and give it
a perfect book for tweens and up!
i loved it i woud say it is perfect for tweens and above i think it enjoyable for parets also!!!i think cornilia funke is an amazing writer!!i recomened this book for anyone who loves edventure!!!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
Not Very Impressed.
I did not think this book was amazing. There was a few parts that were pretty pointless, and the author did not need to use the sware words. They Inkheart series is definetly not as good as Harry Potter and other fantasy books. I would give this book a B-. This is the kind of book that you rent from the library, not purchase.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
A Definite Read
One of my favorite books; great to read over and over. I read a chapter to a 3rd grade class and they loved it. Great fantasy and truly explores the boundaries of your imagination
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
7+
It's a great book and it's okay for most ages.
- I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it
The only reason why this is an iffy read for "9" year olds is because it is on my 8th grade reading list that's absurd i am going to be 14 so i think this book is going to have to much advanced material for 9 year olds to read. Nothing to do with drugs or violence ect but really it's just to difficult
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Confusing at times...
I read Inkheart and enjoyed what I could of it. There are those swearwords which would not put a good influence on the younger children. Also I was confused for a lot of it because to enjoy books, I prefer a clear picture in my mind of what I'm reading. This setting was imagined dark and lonely and... evil. So I am going to re-read it and try to find out what I missed!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
One word: AMAZING
I read this book during school and it is just amazing. Every chapter leaves you on a cliff hanger. You don't want to put it down. Through out the series the books get bigger and bigger but I don't care. I'm on the second book now and it is just great. I would totally reccomend this series.
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
I Love This Book!
Me my mom and sister all read this book so we could all watch the movie to see what the differences are...well I enjoyed the book very much and i hope they make the movie just as good.
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN
The begining of the book is murky and doesn't really make sense but keep reading! It is an amazing book about mo a.k.a. silver tounge and he transports a boy named Farrid to their world ( IN THE BOOK !!!) I have read all 3 books and they leave me breathtaken! I just keep wanting more and more of that kind of writting. The downs about it are that there is alot of cursing, killing ( knives, rifles, and so on..... ) I still highly recomend it!
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Is It Good?
I am almost finished with the book and so far it is very.... interesting. Most of the book is a very good , but then there is a part or two in which you want stop reading. Keep going it is very good.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Magical Wrods of Enchantment!
Cornelia Funke never ceases to amaze me with her creativety and enchantment weaved throughout her books. I loved this book and am currently reading the others in the series. This story will have you living in teh Inkworld from the beginning!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Very bloody
Its a good book but its very violent.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Inkheart bursts out of the page!
Inkheart, the bestselling Book, by author Cornelia Funke is a big success. It is a great Fantasy novel for every book lover out there. It has a various sequences in which the characters refer to hanging other beings and other parts in which it relies on slicing ones neck. There are a few headstrong characters so parents beware. But all in all, Inkheart was definately made by a gold pen or pencil, and printed with kingly treatings.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I love This book!
INHEART: Wow! This book was an epic work of fiction that deserves a spot between ALICE and THE HOBBIT as an instant classic! Beautiful storytelling at its best!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Amazing story, great read
This fantastic book spells out the world of reading in a fantastically exciting way. Funke writes in a great style, bringing her characters and worlds very alive. Read it and the sequel!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Don't die and not read this book! Really, a must read for anyone, ages 9+
I loved this book. It was exciting and mysterious. The love between Meggie and her father was clear and they both loved books ith the mojority of their hearts, which leads them into some trouble because the past of nine years s coming back to haunt. Not to scary but parents may want to check out the entire series before letting a 9-10 yr old read it.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Very good!!!
I love this book!! Although I'd have to say, Inkspell was more fun to read. Inheart is just the beginning to what's going to happen in the future. It's a story within a story basicly. A bookbinder named Mo, who has the magical ability, who when reads aloud, reads the characters out of books. 9 years ago, without knowing he has this ability, he reads Capricorn,an evil ruler,Basta who serves him, and Dustfinger, a fire-eater, out of their story, Inkheart. Then Meggie, Mo's 13 year-old daughter meets Dustfinger for the first time......
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
yay
luvd it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
