 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Book of Wonders
- By Jasmine Richards
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Exciting adventure with girl hero and Arabian Nights flavor.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book may at first appear to be a retelling of The Arabian Nights, but isn't. Elements of the tales are there, however, including an evil sultan who kills his wives. Though Zardi and her friends are often placed in dangerous situations and some of her shipmates actually die, the danger to Zardi never seems too threatening because she is so resourceful and successful at solving problems. Kids who like adventures that are action-filled but reassuringly easy to get out of will enjoy this book.
What's the story?
Zardi has always longed for adventure, but she loves her family too much to leave them. This changes when an evil sultan picks her sister to be his next wife, which means that in 90 days she will die. It is up to Zardi and her best friend Rhidan to find the magical amulet that can help them overthrow the sultan. When they join Sinbad the Sailor's crew, it seems their path to success is a sure thing … until the ship gets stranded on a mysterious island filled with monsters and magical beings including, if Zardi can find her, a djinni. But the adventures don't end there -- even if Zardi finds the djinni, she must somehow get back home to rescue her sister before the sultan kills her.
Is it any good?
THE BOOK OF WONDERS has many elements of a classic adventure, starting with a brave heroine on a quest to find a magic talisman to help her save the day. During Zardi's journey she is challenged by a Cyclops, the queen of the snakes, and an evil wizard, and only through her bravery, intelligence, and loyalty can she emerge triumphant. Zardi is likable, spunky. and virtually perfect -- her only fault is feeling guilty when she doesn't help others enough. Obstacles are overcome easily, such as when she and her friends are attacked by Rocs (the mythical birds of prey), and Zardi suddenly discovers she can understand animal language. This may frustrate some readers but comfort others, especially those in the younger age range.
The action occasionally gets bogged down by flat dialogue and a distracting variety of dialogue attributes (characters whisper, warble, growl, and grind out their words). Still, for a reader who can't get enough swashbuckling action in exotic locales, this will serve nicely. A sequel is a given.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether they recognize any of the characters from other books or from cartoons or movies. Which ones? How are they different in this book?
Is Sinbad the Sailor a good guy or a villain? When in the story do you know for sure?
Why do you think Rhidan's magic keeps appearing and disappearing? Do you think he'll find the answer himself in the next book?
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Author: | Jasmine Richards |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | January 17, 2012 |
| Number of pages: | 416 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 12 |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
