Parents' Guide to

The Book of Wonders

By Sally Engelfried, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Exciting adventure with girl hero and Arabian Nights flavor.

Book Jasmine Richards Fantasy 2012
The Book of Wonders Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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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?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

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