Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, poignant, funny tale of magic, family torn apart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Marta and her mother, Elena, live in a tiny attic room at THE HOTEL BALZAAR, a slightly threadbare but luxurious establishment where Elena supports them both by working as a cleaner. Once they had a happy home of their own, but it all fell apart when her father went to war; there's been no sign of him for years, and Elena's worn down from the struggle; Marta just desperately wants her father back. One day The Countess, an imposing, richly if eccentrically dressed old woman—along with lots of luggage, lots of attitude, and a green parrot—moves in, befriends Marta, and tells her stories. Marta doesn't see how this is bringing her father back, but she's still fascinated, especially when the stories start to overlap with her own.
Is It Any Good?
Kate DiCamillo strikes a perfect balance of humor, heartstring-tugging, and hope in her fantasy tale of a family torn apart, the stories behind it all, and the power of love to make things right. Illustrator Julia Sarda brings The Hotel Balzaar and its residents to life in lively, appealing line drawings, and you'll be cheering young Marta on as she holds onto hope of her father's return, which somehow seems more possible since the flamboyant Countess and green parrot Blitzkoff came into the picture.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories set in hotels. Why do you think they're such a popular location for storytelling, and how does The Hotel Balzaar compare with others you know?
Marta really loves a painting that hangs in the hotel lobby. Are there any paintings you've seen that you really like? What's in the picture?
An empty perfume bottle plays an important role in the story. Do you have things that most people think are worthless, but they mean a lot to you? What are they, and why are they important to you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Julia Sarda
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Gratitude , Perseverance , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : October 1, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 10
- Number of pages : 161
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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